Two very different themes shape travel planning for Estreito Da Calheta: historic chapels and the long Levada Nova da Calheta. The Capela dos Reis Magos combines a foundation in 1520 with an altarpiece from the Flemish school; the Levada, by contrast, is a 39-kilometre one-way route with a stated duration of six to nine hours. The local landscape includes vineyards, sugar cane and horticultural crops. If you are looking for a hotel in Estreito Da Calheta, you can use these contrasts to help plan your trip.
Chapels, Art and Local History
The Capela dos Reis Magos was founded in 1520 by Francisco Homem de Gouveia and his wife, D. Isabel Afonso. Its altarpiece belongs to the Flemish school and combines painting and sculpture. The chapel is also classified as a monument of public interest. The combination of named founders, a specific year of foundation and a work featuring two art forms gives the chapel a distinct historical and artistic character. For travellers interested in sacred art, the altarpiece is a specific point of interest; its classification adds heritage status to the artistic perspective.
The Nossa Senhora da Graça chapel brings together architectural and parish history: it was built by João de França, and the parish of Estreito Da Calheta was established there. The Capela Nossa Senhora da Conceição was founded in 1673 by André de França Andrade. Together, 1520 and 1673 mark two dated foundations in the area's history, while the history of Nossa Senhora da Graça adds a connection to the local parish.
The feast day of Nossa Senhora da Graça in Estreito Da Calheta is listed as 15 August. If the date matters for your trip, check in advance whether a programme is planned for your dates; programme details may vary.
Levada Nova da Calheta: Timing and Route Type
Levada Nova da Calheta is 39 kilometres long and is designated as a one-way route; the stated duration is six to nine hours. It passes through Estreito Da Calheta, and there are several access points within the municipality of Calheta. The length, route direction and time required are separate planning considerations: because it is a one-way route, it should not be treated as a circular route.
Six to nine hours takes up a large part of the day. Plan the Levada as a separate block of time and check the current condition of the route before setting out, as conditions may change. The details make the Levada a different kind of travel decision from the chapels: here, the route type and time budget are the main considerations.
Agriculture and Wine
Estreito Da Calheta's agricultural landscape includes vineyards, sugar cane and horticultural crops. As well as the chapels, cultivated plants and the area's agricultural character are part of the local picture.
A specific connection to wine can be found at Quinta das Vinhas: guests can dine at a restaurant or wine bar and sample a wide selection of table wines produced on the island. The offering is for guests of Quinta das Vinhas. As restaurant and wine bar services may change, ask about current options in advance if you are interested.
Discover more destinations: Boaventura, Campanário, Madalena Do Mar, Arco Da Calheta, Gaula, Quinta Grande, Arco De São Jorge, Faial
For the main travel overview: Madeira.
