Calheta beach, Artificial beach in Calheta, Madeira, Portugal
Calheta Beach is an artificial stretch of golden sand about 100 meters long, protected by breakwaters that shield swimmers from the Atlantic. The site includes showers, changing facilities, loungers, and direct access to waterfront dining and retail options.
This beach was constructed in 2004 using sand imported from Morocco to transform the historic fishing settlement into a modern recreation area. The breakwaters were specifically engineered to provide safe swimming in this exposed coastal location.
The fishing village of Calheta has reinvented itself around the new beach while keeping its connection to the sea alive. Visitors can still see fishermen at work daily, their routines blending with the recreational use of the space.
The breakwaters keep the water calm, making it suitable for swimmers of all abilities. The beach has plenty of shaded rest areas, and nearby shops make it easy to pick up anything you might have forgotten.
Regular whale watching tours depart from the adjacent boat dock, where visitors can observe pilot whales in their natural habitat close up. These excursions offer a rare chance to experience the rich marine life of the region from the water.
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