Sociedade dos Engenhos da Calheta, Lda.

Travelling through the sugar-producing past of the Madeira archipelago is, in a way, synonymous with navigating through the history of these island’s people. The “Engenho da Calheta” is an iconic testimony to this legacy. It is therefore an enriching visit to include in any itinerary of the island’s west coast.

The “Sociedade dos Engenhos da Calheta” was created in a context of great industrial development. This period, corresponding to the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, can be characterised as the second cycle of Madeiran sugar (a product once known as “white gold”).

With more than half a century of existence, “Engenho da Calheta” is one of the oldest sugar cane mills on the island. This facility produces Madeira’s internationally renowned agricultural Rum, obtained through controlled fermentation and a careful distillation process, and the unmistakable sugar cane honey, made by steaming the garapa.

The “Engenho da Calheta”, located in the heart of the village of Calheta, is an authentic living museum.
The mill operates once a year, usually after the Easter celebrations. It’s a unique opportunity to travel back in time.
Throughout the year, you can also visit a small museum that shows the various stages of the production process, as well as taste and buy Madeira agricultural Rum, the tradicional “aguardente” of Madeira, liqueurs made with Madeira agricultural Rum, such as the traditional poncha, accompanied by sugar cane honey cake and biscuits.

Visits: from 10am to 6.30pm