Calheta
Marina da Calheta · Calheta Marina · Porto da Calheta
32°43.1'N 17°10.2'W
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m in 3–5m on sand. The marina provides the primary shelter. SW coast exposure means Atlantic fronts require marina berth — do not anchor outside in any SW/W forecast.
About This Anchorage
Calheta is a small town on the SW coast of Madeira, with a modern purpose-built marina that provides a useful alternative to the crowded Funchal harbour. The marina is less busy than Funchal and has a pleasant town nearby. This part of Madeira's coast is more exposed to Atlantic swell than the SE (Funchal) side but the harbour provides adequate protection in trade-wind conditions. Calheta is close to some of Madeira's most dramatic coastal scenery — the Cabo Girão sea cliff (589m — one of Europe's highest) is 8nm to the east. The Fajã dos Padres (accessible only by cable car or boat) has three moorings off the foot of the cliff — a spectacular unique anchorage accessible by yacht in calm conditions.
Protected From
N · NE · NW
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free outside marina; marina berth at standard rates
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Registration at simplifica.madeira.gov.pt required as for all Madeira waters. Contact Calheta marina VHF Ch. 16 before approach.
Restrictions: Registration mandatory. SW/W exposure — move to marina berth if any front expected. Fajã dos Padres (three moorings at base of Cabo Girão cliff) requires authorisation from the National Parks Department for extended use.
Hazards
- !SW Atlantic exposure — the SW coast receives more Atlantic swell than Funchal; move to marina immediately when SW/W forecasts deteriorate
- !Cabo Girão cliff (one of Europe's highest sea cliffs) creates wind acceleration effects on approach from the E in strong NE trades
Skipper's Tips
- →Calheta is the quieter alternative to Funchal — recommended when Funchal marina is full (call ahead on VHF Ch. 11 before reaching Funchal to assess availability)
- →The Fajã dos Padres (3 moorings at the base of Cabo Girão) is one of Madeira's most extraordinary spots — accessible by boat in calm conditions only; tiny agricultural terrace at the foot of a 589m cliff
- →Rum/sugar cane distillery in Calheta produces excellent local aguardente — worth a visit ashore
Facilities
Restaurants in Calheta town near the marina. Local speciality: espetada (beef on a bay-laurel skewer) and poncha.
Nearest provisions: Calheta town (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Year-round viable, like Funchal. The SW coast gets more winter Atlantic swell — approach conditions on the SW side require more caution in winter months. Summer is calm and reliable.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
When Madeira's mountain winds kick up overnight, Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your position continuously. Porto Santo's 9km beach is stunning — but the E swell can make it uncomfortable.
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