Praia da Calheta (Porto Santo)

The south-western end of the 9 km beach, where sand mixes with rocks — quieter and more intimate than the centre. Across the water, Ilhéu da Cal (also called Ilhéu de Baixo, 179 m) shows on its slopes the galleries of the old lime quarries; on clear days the outline of Madeira appears on the horizon. On site: car park, changing rooms, toilets and a restaurant known for grilled lapas served with garlic-butter bolo do caco. The area is a designated bathing water from 1 June to 30 September 2026, with no guaranteed lifeguards, so swim with care. It flew the Blue Flag in 2024 but is not on the 2026 list. End point of the ER 111 cycle path (about 5 km from Ribeiro Cochino) and of the SIGA "Centro – Calheta" bus. For the tourist board this is the one photo to bring home from Porto Santo: the sunset.