Today's destination is the warmest place on the island: Calheta. We'll cover 44 kilometers by bike, once more following hidden roads and paths, away from the tourist crowds. I find myself stopping multiple times in the woods to simply stand still and take it all in. The essential oils of the laurel trees and the diverse natural surroundings create a fragrance that simply make you feel happy.
At the 21st kilometer, a short detour takes us to the highest lighthouse in Portugal. Here at 'Miradouro de Ponta do Pargo' (312 meters), it's worth taking in the view along the steep cliffs down to the stunning turquoise waters below. Shortly after, about halfway through today's journey, we make a stop in Prazeres. This place isn't frequented by too many tourists, so having lunch here is relatively inexpensive, and we enjoy it by the roadside in the sun. By the afternoon, we reach Calheta. Today, the thermometer reads 26 degrees, and we can hardly believe our eyes because here, is a sandy beach! It's the first sandy beach we've seen on Madeira. Thanks to several breakwaters, you can truly enjoy swimming in Calheta! In the evening, after dinner, I gaze contentedly at the setting sun and the colors it paints on the sea. I'll probably only fully grasp how much I've experienced on our bike journey later...