Calheta

Calheta boasts the island's largest (man-made) golden sandy beach – itʼs where the local Madeirans come to escape the city life of the capital, Funchal. The town, situated 30km west of Funchal, is the most important settlement on the rural southwest coast, though the hilly landscape means that it is very spread out, so doesn't feel at all urban. It benefits from one of the island's sunniest climates, and is sheltered from the prevailing northeasterly trade winds. Within easy walking distance of the Saccharum are Calheta's attractive marina and promenade, set below towering cliffs, with the compact historic centre a little further on. Facilities include a supermarket, banks (with cash points), a further hotel (Calheta Beach) and a number of good restaurants; attractions include a sugar-cane museum (and working mill producing the local fire-water, aquadente) and, on the cliff-top above the town, the Casa das Mudas modern art museum, as renowned for its architecture as its collection.

What to do in Madeira – besides playing bridge!

For those of you who wish to venture beyond the confines of the hotel, there is plenty to see and do in Madeira. There are organised commercial excursions that pick up/drop off from the hotel – and if there is sufficient demand we shall organise our own mini-bus/coach trips with David acting as an unofficial guide for the island tours.

Activities include:

• Sight-seeing tours through Madeiraʼs spectacular scenery.

• Walking trips along Madeiraʼs levadas (irrigation canals), coastal paths and mountain trails.

• Trips to the historic capital of Funchal, with its large harbour, marketplace, cable car and street-toboggan run. Visit Blandy's Madeira Wine Lodge - and sample their wares.

• Visits to botanical gardens, quaint seaside villages and vertiginous hill-top viewpoints

• Dolphin and whale-watching from Calheta harbour, and also deep-sea game fishing.

• Paragilding - if your insurance covers it!

Madeira – Practicalities

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, so it is part of the Eurozone. The flight time is 3½ to 4 hours and there is no time difference from the UK. There is excellent mobile coverage across the island, with free Wi-Fi at the hotel and at many other Wi-Fi hotspots.

The weather in Calheta in January is often nicely warm but not hot - eg the high teens or low twenties. However, please be prepared for the occasional storm than can blow in and cover the island for a day or two - or unseasonably hot or cold weather.

Car Hire

Confident drivers may wish to hire a car so that they can explore the island of Madeira for themselves, which can be a highly rewarding and enjoyable experience. David would be very happy to give recommendations and further details regarding car-hire if required. The Saccharum charges extra for parking unless you have a 'premium' room.