4.8
(17)
253
riders
12
rides
Road cycling routes around Estreito Da Calheta are characterized by varied landscapes, significant elevation changes, and dramatic coastal views along Madeira's southwest coast. The region features mountainous terrain, passing through peaks and offering panoramic vistas. Cyclists will traverse unique natural environments, including the Fanal Laurisilva Forest, vineyards, and banana plantations, providing a picturesque rural backdrop.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
9.54km
00:47
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.3
(3)
60
riders
64.7km
04:30
2,150m
2,160m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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5.0
(6)
38
riders
98.7km
06:53
3,210m
3,210m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
17
riders
37.2km
02:27
1,160m
1,160m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
13
riders
66.7km
04:23
2,160m
2,160m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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The church is situated on a square that lies below sea level. It used to be regularly flooded and renovated by the locals. Currently, it is protected by a breakwater with a promenade.
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great educational garden
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The educational garden can also be viewed from the outside, many chickens or corns, an emu and various other birds, there is a café in the park
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A whole series of further photos of this monument (which, however, is not visible in all pictures) as well as a few (more or less substantiated) text contributions can be found in the corresponding hiking highlight. If you are interested, see =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/210655
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One of the toughest and longest climbs on the island
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History & Significance Construction: The church's origins date back to the early 16th century. It was founded by João Fernandes do Arco between 1520 and 1523 and was originally a chapel. In 1472, the civil parish of Calheta was divided into the independent parish of Arco da Calheta, and the Chapel of São Brás became the center of the new parish. Reconstruction: The current church was built between 1744 and 1754 under the direction of the architect Diogo Filipe Garcês in the Mannerist and Revivalist styles. It was consecrated on January 1, 1755.
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beautiful church
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The village church is located in the center of the village.
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There are 14 road cycling routes around Estreito Da Calheta documented on komoot. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from moderate to very challenging.
The road cycling routes in Estreito Da Calheta are primarily challenging, with 10 routes rated as difficult. There are also 4 moderate routes available, but no easy routes are listed, indicating the region is best suited for cyclists comfortable with significant elevation changes.
Road cycling routes in Estreito Da Calheta offer dramatic coastal views, mountainous terrain with panoramic vistas, and unique natural environments. You'll traverse areas like the ancient Fanal Laurisilva Forest, vineyards, and banana plantations, providing a picturesque rural backdrop.
Estreito Da Calheta benefits from a mild climate, making it an attractive destination for road cycling throughout the year. It's particularly popular during the winter months when many other regions are less suitable for outdoor activities.
Yes, many road cycling routes in Estreito Da Calheta are circular. Examples include the challenging West Madeira Ridge – Pico dos Bodes loop from Calheta, the extensive Boca da Encumeada Pass – Encumeada Climb loop from Prazeres, and the Prazeres Educational Farm – Fonte de Pazeres loop from Calheta.
While most routes are rated difficult, there are 4 moderate road cycling routes available in Estreito Da Calheta. These routes still involve elevation changes but might be more manageable for those seeking a less intense experience than the most challenging climbs.
Estreito Da Calheta is known for its challenging routes with substantial climbs. The Boca da Encumeada Pass – Encumeada Climb loop from Prazeres, for instance, features over 3,200 meters of ascent. Another demanding option is the Fanal Laurisilva Forest – Boca da Encumeada Pass loop from Calheta, which includes over 3,300 meters of climbing.
The road cycling routes around Estreito Da Calheta are generally characterized by significant elevation changes and are rated moderate to difficult. While shorter, less intense options exist in the broader region, the routes listed for Estreito Da Calheta may be challenging for families with young children or those seeking very flat, easy rides.
Road cyclists can encounter stunning natural attractions. The region is close to the ancient Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You might also find routes that pass near impressive waterfalls like the 25 Fontes (25 Springs) Waterfall or the Risco waterfall, though direct access by road bike may vary.
Yes, some road cycling routes traverse or pass near the Fanal Laurisilva Forest, a unique UNESCO World Heritage site. The Fanal Laurisilva Forest – Boca da Encumeada Pass loop from Calheta is an example of a route that takes you through this distinctive natural environment.
The road cycling experience in Estreito Da Calheta is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from more than 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the dramatic coastal views, the challenging mountainous ascents, and the unique natural landscapes, including the Fanal Laurisilva Forest.
Yes, the mountainous terrain and coastal location of Estreito Da Calheta mean many road cycling routes offer panoramic vistas and viewpoints. The Achada viewpoint, near Arco da Calheta, provides magnificent views over the west coast, and many routes are designed to showcase the dramatic scenery.


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