Calheta Car Tours: Top 5 Unforgettable Madeira Adventures

So, are you after seeing Madeira in style, at your own speed? Calheta, with its sunny vibe and convenient location, is like your springboard to some amazing island adventures. Think gorgeous coastlines, tough mountain roads, and, too it’s almost, that feeling of total freedom that you only get from driving yourself. Now, let’s run through five car tours that, apparently, show off the very best of what Madeira has to offer, especially if you’re starting out from Calheta. That should give you an amazing experience of some lovely spots. Read our full review: Calheta Car Tours Full Review and Details

1. The Coastal Charmer: Calheta to Ponta do Sol & Ribeira Brava

A great warm-up is a gentle drive that will help to take in Madeira’s coastline. Head from Calheta westwards, and very quickly, you’re approaching Ponta do Sol, the sunniest place on the island! Stop for coffee – a “bica,” as they tend to say around here – and drink in that picture-postcard view from the pier. It’s such a stunning experience, right? And just a quick hop along the coast is Ribeira Brava, with its own seafront promenade and those brightly coloured buildings that are totally picture-worthy. Anyway, this route is pretty flat and easy driving, too it’s almost, that even the most anxious drivers should feel pretty comfy. The roads are very calm. This drive provides an awesome start for anyone new to Madeira’s roads.

Why it’s fab: It’s, honestly, easy, chilled, and packed with lots of sunlight.

Perfect for: A relaxed morning or afternoon trip.

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2. Up to the Mountains: Calheta to Prazeres and the Paul da Serra Plateau

Now, it’s time to add a little elevation to the drive. A route from Calheta towards Prazeres will bring you higher into the hills, and then a little further on to the Paul da Serra, a unique high plateau. As I was saying, the views here can be something special, apparently, especially if the weather’s clear; which, to be honest, is not guaranteed at these heights. This place very often feels otherworldly, with those big open spaces and the clouds rolling in. The drive to Paul da Serra includes some steepish sections and winding roads. Anyway, it’s perfectly doable in a regular car. If, apparently, you prefer awesome views to sitting on a beach, this is pretty awesome.

Why it’s fab: The crazy landscapes at high altitude, arguably, give you that feeling of being on top of everything.

Perfect for: Anyone who likes nature and hiking – loads of trails start from Paul da Serra.

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3. North Coast Adventure: Calheta to Porto Moniz via the Old Road ER101

Are you seeking that authentic Madeira road trip feeling? I would suggest taking the ER101 towards Porto Moniz. In a way, this old road is the star of the show, it’s that scenic and amazing! Apparently, carved into the cliffs, with crazy views and, really, just so very few guardrails in some parts, it shows how they once conquered these wild coasts. The natural pools at Porto Moniz, formed from lava rock, will offer some truly memorable photos and moments. That’s very cool, indeed. It’s like your chance to experience a different, quieter Madeira, far from any main resorts, in a way. By the way, the ER101 is very safe nowadays, and as long as you, kind of, take it steady, you’ll have no dramas.

Why it’s fab: This area delivers that heart-racing coastline and the superb lava pools.

Perfect for: Adventurers who don’t get travel sick easily!

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4. The 25 Fontes Levada Walk: A Hike and a Drive Combo

Okay, you may have heard about those “levadas”–the historic irrigation channels that snake across Madeira? That could be the trip for you. So, start in Calheta and take a drive up to Rabaçal, which is like your gateway to one of Madeira’s most famous levada walks: the 25 Fontes. Parking can be difficult, just a little. Anyway, from there, follow the trail that leads to a little natural pool fed by, apparently, 25 springs – it’s very magical, indeed! As a matter of fact, the drive up has a fair few bends, that is right, yet nothing your normal family car cannot handle, just a little. This way, arguably, you can combine the thrill of a drive with a refreshing hike. Cool, right?

Why it’s fab: That cool hike rewards you with lovely views and refreshing pools.

Perfect for: Anyone keen to stretch those legs and soak up a little Madeiran nature. Seriously though, that place is absolutely awesome.

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5. Discovering the Southwest: Calheta to Ponta do Pargo & the Lighthouse

You should travel right out west, is that what you’re after? Head from Calheta to Ponta do Pargo, the westernmost spot on Madeira. That means it’s wild, rugged cliffs and non-stop views. You can visit the lighthouse there for a real windswept viewpoint – really, that’s something. In some respects, this area is less touristy, with, in other words, those real villages and countryside dotted along the way. To be honest, you can just feel Madeira’s farming heartland in this region. Some roads towards the point are slightly narrower, so just keep an eye on those views and also the traffic.

Why it’s fab: The epic, sweeping coastal landscapes will blow you away!

Perfect for: Anyone seeking a place a little bit off the beaten path and not in a resort.

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