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Cheap holidays and trips to Estreito da Calheta

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Calheta: Simply stunning

Nestled on the southwestern coast of Madeira, Calheta is one of the best-known places on the island thanks to its glitzy marina and its two man-made beaches with golden sand lapped by gin-clear waters. Its boutique hotels are a true haven of peace just a forty-minute drive from Funchal.

Brimming with history, this picture-postcard fishing village, founded in 1430, was one of the first places that the settlers explored when they stepped foot on this privileged land. Here you'll find a stunning heritage and plenty of culture, including historic churches, fascinating music performances, and the Centro das Artes Casa das Mudas, dedicated to current art and young Madeiran talent.

What's more, Calheta is famous for producing a wonderful white rum (aguardente), a staple of the traditional drink 'poncha' that you can savour alongside delicious cuisine that fuses tradition with modernity, using the very best ingredients from the sea and the land. If you're interested in finding out how this typical drink is made, we recommend visiting the Engenho da Calheta, a distillery where you can enjoy a glass of delicious rum in an unbeatable setting.

You'll find all the information about your trip in ourSee complete guide
Calheta: Simply stunning

Enjoying active tourism in paradise

Madeira boasts a whole host of possibilities for sports lovers. If you're a sporty type, make sure you experience these fantastic adventures to keep stimulating your body and mind on holiday while discovering natural spaces of outstanding beauty.

 

If you're at your element in the sea, you'll love diving among the flora and fauna of the Atlantic and exploring the artificial reef of the Madeirense shipwreck at a depth of thirty metres. You can also take part in other types of water activities, such as surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, snorkelling and canoeing all year round thanks to Madeira's amazing climate. Another must is spotting dolphins, whales or sea lions in places like the Desertas Islands.

 

There are plenty of options for land lovers too! Madeira's spectacular variety of landscapes is perfect for activities such as canyoning, trekking, jeep excursions, trail running, mountain biking and climbing, plus many more. What's more, you'll find amazing golf courses ideal for experienced players and amateurs alike including Palheiro Golfe and Santo da Serra Golf Club (Madeira) and Campo de Golfe do Porto Santo (Porto Santo).

 

And the sky's no limit for anyone who fancies a try at skydiving accompanied by a trusted professional.

 

Whatever your favourite sport, you'll have an unforgettable experience in Madeira!

Enjoying active tourism in paradise

Dolphin and Whale Watching

With an ocean bottom more than 3,000 metres deep, the Madeira coast is the home to rich fauna ready to be discovered. Here, a boat tour is always full of surprises, with the chance to cross paths with a whale or a friendly group of dolphins, or even turtles

 

You can go to the Desertas Islands and meet the refuge of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, better known as Lobo Marinho (sea lion). On one of these tours you can also dive into our waters which, throughout the year, have pleasant and very inviting temperatures.

 

Do not stay ashore, embark on this adventure!

Dolphin and Whale Watching

Dazzle your friends and followers with photos in these incredible places

Today's world is all about posting travel experiences on social media or sharing stories with friends and family. Here are some great places for selfies where you're sure to rack up lots of likes and comments.

 

Lagoa do Vento: in the Rabaçal area, this huge waterfall is a spectacular spot for photos, as well as a dip in its crystal-clear waters. You're sure to be the envy of all your followers!

 

Miradouro dos Balcões: this viewpoint commands incredible views of a verdant valley and, on clear days, the island's highest peaks: Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo, and the volcanic Penha d'Águia.

 

Praia do Seixal: no, you're not in Hawaii, this is Madeira’s north coast. This beach has it all: soaring green cliffs, black sand and spectacular blue water. Perfect colour contrasts for all your pictures!

 

Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo: these locations are perfect for hashtags like #stairwaytoheaven. And it's no exaggeration either! That said, they're not the easiest to get to as you have to hike across mountainous trails, so make sure you’re accompanied by a mountain guide. ;)

 

Miradouro da Garganta Funda: you'll find this viewpoint at the westernmost point of Madeira, next to the Pedregal road in Ponta do Pargo, with jaw-dropping views of one of the island's highest waterfalls. You'll never have seen anything like it!

Dazzle your friends and followers with photos in these incredible places

Levada Walk

When you visit Madeira, you will learn that a hike is much more than a simple path. It is an intense outdoor experience, where everything is magical and fascinating. To reach the most amazing and dramatic landscapes, there is nothing better than going on foot along walking trails next to the canals known as “levadas”.

“Levadas” are irrigation canals that were built in the past to bring water from the north slopes, where it existed in abundance, to the south side of the Island.

Levada Walk

Atlantic Festival

During the entire month of June, the Atlantic Festival brings numerous cultural initiatives to Madeira, taking place in various locations on the island as well as in Porto Santo.

 

Now in its 20th year, this event opens the doors to summer in Madeira. Every Saturday in June, the challenge is to find the best spot with a view of the city's bay, where the fireworks shows always manage to give you goosebumps.

 

The music is very diverse, and the fireworks never fail to surprise us, whether it's in their shape, color palette, or harmony with the accompanying melody.

 

 

Organise your trip

You can start preparing your trip to Madeira today. We've got all the information you'll need to make your trip to this Portuguese island simply perfect.

 

WHEN TO VISIT MADEIRA

Madeira's mild and subtropical climate means that you can enjoy fascinating getaways at any time of the year. Average annual temperatures that range between 18°C and 24°C, clear blue skies and low rainfall mean that Madeira is always verdant, lush, and covered in abundant flora.

Spring and autumn are great times to discover this stunning island and its privileged natural environment dotted with characterful attractions. If you'd prefer to bask in the sun on its magnificent lidos, the best time to visit the island is in summer.

 

VISITING MADEIRA AT A GREAT PRICE

If you're looking to discover Madeira at a great price, it's best to go in autumn and winter. Prices tend to rise on specific dates such as Christmas, Easter and in high season, which usually coincides with the summer months.

 

TIME ZONE

The Portuguese time zone is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This means that Madeira has the same time zone as the UK.

 

ELECTRICITY

Madeira operates on 220-volt electricity. Plugs are the same as in Europe.

 

Documentation and discounts

To enter Madeira, a region belonging to the European Union (EU), you only need to show their National Identity Document, which is essential for travelling. Don't forget your driving licence if you plan to rent a car. If you travel with your own vehicle, you must also take your car insurance certificate. Always travel with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will cover most cases in which healthcare is required. If you have a student card, take it with you everywhere for discounts and special rates. Always check what type of identification is required with your airline or travel agency before travelling.

 

DISCOUNTS IN MADEIRA
With the European Youth Card you can get various discounts at museums and landmarks, while the International Student Card (ISIC) offers discounts for transport and festivals. In both cases, you'll need to prove your age with your ID card or student card.

How to get there

BY PLANE
Madeira Airport, or Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (named after Madeira’s biggest world star), offers regular air connections directly to major European capitals such as London, Paris, Berlin, Lisbon or Porto. The duration of the flight is short, from 1 hour 30 minutes to Lisbon to ap-proximately 3/4 hours to Paris, London or Berlin.

 

ORGANISED TRIPS AND PACKAGE TOURS
Charter flights
are another option for getting to Madeira. Remember that with these types of tickets you can't change the date or time. Some travel agencies like ours offer organized trips and package tours that, in addition to the flight, include half-board or full-board accommodation and transfers to and from the airport. On arriving at Madeira International Airport Cristiano Ronaldo or Porto Santo International Airport, there are bus stops and taxi ranks to make your trip more comfortable.

 

CAR RENTAL
 To explore the diverse landscapes of Madeira it's best to rent a car at the airport. Some agencies like ours offer packages that include flights and car rental in the price.

 

TOURS
 More and more tourists are choosing tours as a great option to discover the island's main landmarks, cultural attractions and culinary delights in a short time. Our agency offers fascinating tours such as Madeira Al Completo Plus and Madeira Funchal Esencial, so that you only have to worry about enjoying yourself.

Getting around Madeira

Madeira has an extensive public bus service that connects all parts of the island. However, the best way to explore Madeira is by renting a car. Check out our car rental deals and find the car that best suits your needs, always at the best price.

 

TAXI
Taxi fares from Madeira International Airport Cristiano Ronaldo vary depending on the time of day and the number of suitcases. There’s also a supplement for trips to the hotel area.

 

BUSES
Madeira has an extensive public bus service that connects almost all most parts of the island.. In the centre of Funchal there are wheelchair-adapted, environmentally friendly minibuses that take you to the most stunning corners of the island. These provide direct services from A to B and without designated stops, so you can catch them anywhere in the city. They have a limited timetable and do not run on Sundays and public holidays.

 

FERRY
To travel from the island of Porto Santo to the capital of Funchal, the ferry is the most reasonable alternative. The trip takes about two-and-a-quarter hours.

Where to stay

Madeira has plenty of hotels, including major domestic and international chains. Check our year-round promotions and our low-season deals and package tours with hotel and flight included. In Madeira, you can choose between luxury hotels, small urban hotels, hostels and boutique hotels, located in iconic buildings and close to the most central streets and the main nightlife and shopping areas. For couples and romantic getaways, Madeira boasts a select network of properties where the service, the atmosphere, the culinary selection, the activity programmes and the facilities and services are tailored to this type of guest. And as staying in a hotel isn't just about sleeping, in Madeira you'll also find a whole host of spa hotels where you can unwind like royalty.

 

OTHER ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS...

Pousadas
 These properties are the equivalent of the luxury paradores in Spain. They are iconic buildings, always found in unique locations or privileged natural settings. You can find pousadas in monasteries, convents, castles, etc. Other, more modern ones have prime locations in cities and command stunning views.

 

Estalagem
These properties are located in buildings perfectly integrated into the local urban landscape and blessed with spectacular views, providing guests with first-class services and facilities.

 

Turismo de Habitação  
This Portuguese term describes small guest houses in rural settings.

 

Pensão  
This type of accommodation is something like a hostel. They don't tend to have on-site restaurants.

If I book Flight + Hotel, when will I receive my travel documents?

Once the booking is confirmed you will receive a confirmation e-mail. The voucher for the hotel will be also sent by email plus the vouchers for any other services (car hire, transfer, travel insurance) if booked.

Please note that no flight tickets are sent due to most airlines using e-tickets. You only need to print our confirmation email where the Airline`s booking reference appears and take it with you to the airport with your ID/Passport documents.

Important: Some Low Cost Airlines (Ryanair, Easyjet, Wizzair, Blueair and others) now request all passengers to check-in online and print the Boarding Cards before departure through their corresponding websites. Failure to do so, these airlines will charge you a supplement at the airport.

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