Ponta do Sol
This is considered the hottest municipality of the island; it is also here where the sun shines for more hours.
Economic activity is based on the primary sector, which includes agriculture, predominantly the production of sugar cane, banana, horticulture and floriculture. Another highlight is the traditional trade and hotels. In the municipality there is a company exporting plants. Also a calm relaxing village where people can have a swim, sun bath and also enjoy the scenery and also the local restaurants with fresh fish.
Madalena do Mar
The Madalena do Mar is a small village located on the southwest coast of the island with beautiful views of sea and cliffs. Its name comes from a legendary Polish Prince of the fifteenth century called Henrique German. In 1444 he lost a battle and Zarco offered him land . Then he established a populated farm where built a chapel dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene . Sea Madalena is a characteristic fishing village with a beautiful promenade along the pebble Beach. Its location and the corresponding climate helped it to become the largest banana producer of Madeira.
Calheta
The name Calheta originated from the narrow inlet that serves as it’s harbour. Actually, that is what Calheta means: narrow inlet.The name was given by the discoverers that first arrived there.
Calheta was one of the first places being explored by the first colonizers, and thus, the first location in Madeira Island being subjected to farming.
The establishment of the civil parish dates back to 1430. Amongst the settlers, Calheta welcomed noblemen and knights, amongst whom João Gonçalves Zarco, who chose this location to donate stretches of land to his son João Gonçalves da Câmara and to his daughter D. Beatriz. Besides, there were also other settlers which are worth of mentioning, namely Pedro Berenguer de Lemilhana, Luiz de Atouguia, João Rodrigues Mondragão and Francisco Homem Gouveia.
The town of Calheta is known by being squeezed by high mountains, while at the same time embracing the sea.