Famous for its crystal clear waters, nearby volcanic cliffs and caves that are hundreds of years old, Calhau da Lapa may be small but it’s large in charm. Madeira’s best kept secret is out; this is your full guide to Calhau da Lapa!
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What is Calhau da Lapa
Still today, the secluded beach of Calhau da Lapa is one of Madeira’s best kept secrets. Located under a huge cliff, this tiny piece of land is known for having some of the clearest water on the island, an impressive waterfall, and ancient caves.
Like with any secluded area, getting there is not always easy, but not being easy doesn’t mean it’s not worth it or doable. As for the walk to the beach, we’re not going to sugar-coat it: it’s steep, like really steep. But it’s also a super rewarding feeling when you finally make it to the beach and can go and jump in those pristine waters. The beach is rocky with large stones and, in the summer, there’s a wooden harbour that links to the water to help with the walk. If it’s not summer, no worries, there’s also a permanent cement harbour
During your walk on this little slice of the island, you can enjoy the scenic views of a pretty great waterfall. Just sit and bask in the sound of that flow! It’s a treat you don’t want to miss.
Calhau da Lapa is the perfect place during Madeira’s long summer, and it makes a great adventure off the beaten path during colder months.
The ancient caves of Calhau da Lapa: Hundreds of years ago, caves were built on Calhau da Lapa as shelter for sea traders and their goods. Before roads were built, the transportation of goods was done by sea which is why having settlements near the coast was important. Today, you can find over 30 caves that are still around and some locals have even started to restore them and rent them out as an accommodation. Read more about how you can stay overnight in one of the caves by this alluring beach.
How to get to Calhau da Lapa
Unlike most of the other amazing places in Madeira, which are easily accessible by driving, Calhau da Lapa cannot be reached by car. In fact, you can only get here by boat or on foot.
In this post we’ve got you covered for both options, to help you choose the one you’re up for!
BY BOAT:
If you want to get to Calhau da Lapa by boat you need to get to Ribeira Brava. Ribeira Brava is a small coastal town located about 20km west of Funchal. It can easily be reached by car, taxi, bus, or Uber.
You can read our Madeira Travel Guide: everything you need to know to learn more about getting around the island with different types of transportation.
During the summer months (from May to the beginning of September) several taxi boats operate every day from Ribeira Brava to Calhau da Lapa. Boats leave from the Ribeira Brava Bay, find the exact location below:
During the winter months, if the sea conditions allow it, you can ask locals in Ribeira Brava to take you there.
TIP: We met Marcio, who is one of these locals, and had a great boat ride to the beach. You can schedule a boat ride by calling him at: +35 1969093999
ON FOOT:
As you can see from the map below, the trail to Calhau da Lapa begins on Estrada da Lapa. If you’re checking on Google Maps, the beginning of the trail is called Vereda do Paço.
When you go about the trail, you’ll notice it’s well maintained and it goes along the side of a small gorge like a snake. The first hundred meters are mostly flat, the side is protected by a metal fence and the walk is overall easy.
🥾 HIKE INFO: Vereda do Paço (PR12)
Length: 1.05km one way (2.10km total)
Difficulty: easy-moderate
Duration: 30 minutes
Elevation difference: 213m
After the first portion of the trail, the path descends quickly and becomes more vertiginous. We won’t lie, the steepness can seem quite daunting, but the good news is that the railing and steps help make you feel more grounded and secure throughout this part of the trail.
Remember to just take your time and go at a pace that’s right for you. The steps you take going down are the same ones you take going back up at the end of your hike (unless you go by boat). But the good news is that it’s less challenging going up.
Here the trail becomes a staircase which descends on the cliff ridge, until you reach the bottom of the gorge. Keep walking for a few minutes and you will finally get to Madeira’s most secluded beach: Calhau da Lapa.
Where to stay at Calhau da Lapa
If you’re interested in spending a few days in the area of Calhau da Lapa, you can consider staying either at Ribeira Brava or at Campanàrio. Here you will find several hotels, villas, Airbnbs and guesthouses, from $40 USD/night. Some good budget options near Calhau da Lapa are Guesthouse-TheView and Sea View House.
FOR BACKPACKERS: The friendliest budget options are in Funchal. We recommend checking out Jaca Hostel, 29 Madeira Hostel and Santa Maria Hostel. Here you can find a bunk bed for as little as $20 USD/night.
Find more info on our blog post about the Best Hostels on the island.
A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE: Wind the clock a few hundred years back and opt to stay in one of the ancient caves of Calhau da Lapa, which have been carefully restored to host travellers.
When you wake up, you look out onto the water where traders would have peered out to see other travellers arriving at the port with goods years ago. Madeira is known for its volcanic rock and to be sleeping in caves that are physically part of the land itself, was something unlike we’ve ever experienced before.
An ancient cave experience in Madeira
Get ready to walk up a few steps to make it to the cave – there is no ramp. The inside of the cave where we stayed had mostly all original cave walls, good built-in lighting, and nice and clean decor giving an overall welcoming and warm feeling.
There’s no wifi in the cave – don’t fret about it – take this as an opportunity to be present and just really enjoy being in the middle of nature. Trust us, you won’t miss it while you’re here!
This cave in particular is called Atlantis Beach Cave, an accommodation that was completely renovated in 2021. This Airbnb offers all the comforts of a 5-star hotel with the charm of sleeping in a unique location. It’s no surprise we have included it among the best Airbnbs on Madeira island.
Sleeping here was a fun and memorable experience, giving you a chance to stay overnight the way traders used to centuries ago in Calhau da Lapa.
Entrance Fee
Good news, there is no entrance fee to Calhau da Lapa! The beach is free and all you have to pay for is the boat if you decide to skip the trail and go from Ribeira Brava.
For budgeting info, Marcio charges €25 EUR ($26.50 USD)/one way if call to book a ride with him in advance, and €15 EUR ($16 USD)/one way per person if you don’t book in advance and you are travelling alone.
Best things to do
It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy nature, swim, and have a barbecue outside your cave overviewing the ocean. Calhau da Lapa is ideal if you’re looking for that little slice of heaven on Madeira Island. It’s not overly packed so chances are you’ll get to meet and talk to other travellers.
How long should you stay
A good thing to consider when thinking about visiting Calhau da Lapa, is that you can do it as a day trip, an overnight stay or a two-night stay to fully enjoy the entire day at the beach. It really depends on you!
What to bring at Calhau da Lapa
For a day visit: If you are considering stopping at Calhau da Lapa for a day trip, make sure to bring your beach essentials like a towel, flip flops, sunblock, a swimsuit as well as some extra (dry) clothes and trekking shoes for the trek.
If you have a snorkel, bring it! Calhau da Lapa is a great hotspot to admire Madeira’s marine life.
Don’t forget to bring drinking water and some snacks if you plan on staying for the entire day, as there are no shops at the bottom of the trail.
You should also keep in mind there are no public toilets at Calhau da Lapa beach.
For an overnight stay: If you’re sleeping in one of the caves you’ll be happy to know that you can take a hot shower and wash that fresh sea salt away at the end of the day. The cave we stayed in was equipped with a small but mighty kitchen, including all the tools needed and fresh fruit. The toilet is eco-friendly, meaning it has no-flush movement, but rest assured it was super clean and fresh.
The bathroom included towels and the bedroom was equipped with bed linen. A nice extra is that there was a barbecue available at our own disposal just outside the door of our cave waiting for us to cook up a storm after a day at the beach.
You’ll need to bring your own food if you want to cook your meals here.
Is it safe?
Calhau da Lapa is safe to reach, and safe to stay and enjoy. Should the weather be super windy or if you experience a storm, as for any of the trails in Madeira, be careful of falling rocks along the trail. With rain, the trek can be slippery, so be sure to take regular precautions as you would on any other trail during rainfall, in other words, wear waterproof shoes and go at an easy pace.
Keep in mind that Madeira’s waters can be quite strong, especially on stormy days, so if you consider going for a dip do so when the water is calm. You might think you can handle tough waves, but that’s a battle you won’t win…
Our tips for Calhau da Lapa
- Sleeping in a cave on a beautiful island like Madeira books fast. If you know the dates of when you’re travelling, check availability and book well ahead of time.
- Carry some light snacks and water if you’re going for a day trip since there aren’t any restaurants or bars down below.
- Wear hiking shoes for that extra support up and down the trail.
- Pack light for the trek, as you don’t want to carry bulky luggage on that steep trail.
On your trip to Madeira be sure to carve out time to visit Calhau da Lapa – you won’t regret it! Let us know your thoughts if you’ve been or are planning on going in the comments. What other ancient caves have you visited around the world?
