Faja da Ovelha - Calheta

 Fajã da Ovelha ("sheep belt" in Portuguese) is a parish in the district of Calheta and is the least

 populated parish in density, it is mainly forested and farmlands.

 Calheta founded in 1430 is one of the island’s most ancient parishes and it was one of the first ones to

 be explored by the early colonizers. It is Madeira’s largest municipality corresponding to 15% of the island

 surface covering 8 parishes, has a mild climate all the year, excellent lodging conditions and well-known

 hospitality traditions. Calheta is a place characterized by its tranquillity and safety, provides you the

 opportunity of visiting a part of Madeira yet to discover – a place where the past and the present are joined

 together in perfect harmony.

 Throughout the year there are many popular and religious events, the Municipal Holiday is celebrated on

 the 24th of June with many different activities both cultural and sporting organized during this week with

 special relevance given to musical events like concerts and the traditional popular marches. Calheta

 beach has also become the scenery of a free entrance dance night – Calheta Beach Party – an annual

 event eagerly expected by some thousands of people attracted by a line-up with several international DJs.

 Calheta has made a significant financial investment to improve its natural resources including the creation

 of an artificial yellow sand beach attracting thousands of people throughout the year, besides its clean warm

 water and the large sandy area this Blue flag beach has several facilities such as a restaurant/bar area,

 lounges chairs rental, first aid service, duty lifeguard and a nearby parking zone. Other beaches like in Paul

 do Mar and Jardim do Mar although without facilities associated to them they attract many locals and tourists

 because of the surrounding landscape and the peaceful environment.

 Calheta is the perfect place for many nautical sports practice and it is the scenery of some hang gliding

 championships. The Atlantic Ocean invites you so sail, fish, water-ski, surf and dive with the water

 temperature varying between 18ºC and 24ºC depending on the season of the year.

 At shore and because of the morphological characteristics of the coast hang gliding is a particularly

 attractive sport to its fans, there are great places to takeoff from in the municipality of Calheta being the most

 used located at Arco da Calheta.

 You can also take advantage of the complicity of the landscape and discover the pleasure of riding a bike on

 the BTT routes in midst of the forest and along the water channel paths

 There are several Paths and Routes to be explored by keen walkers such as;

 Pinheiro de Dentro, Pinheiro de Fora and Rochão == Calheta - Prazeres - Ponta do Pargo == Estreito da

 Calheta - Jardim do Mar == Calheta - Pomar e Eiras == Paúl do Mar Royal Path == From Salão to the Cape –

 Ponta do Pargo == From Raposeira do Lugarinho to Paúl do Mar == Maloeira (Fajã da Ovelha) ==Former

 Mountain’s Path == Lombo do Salão / Pico Verde == Mountain to East Path == Levada Nova (New water

 channel Path) - Lombo do Salão /Prazeres == Paúl do Mar - Fajã da Ovelha