Plateaux land
 
Canhas civil parish owes its name to one of its first settlers, João de Canha. Historically, João de Canha is known to have been D. Diogo, Duque de Viseu’s squire.
The civil parish, in Ponta de Sol municipality, was created by royal charter in January 30, 1557, having been established as such in July 10, 1578.
Canhas is a very typical madeiran village and has not much to offer in terms of historical and cultural heritage.
Canhas constitutes one of the access doors to Paúl da Serra, the great and only tableland in Madeira Island. Paúl da Serra is characterised by being the main hydric resource that feeds the brooks and streams flowing down the Island. The strong flows of water originating there are used to irrigate the fields all-around. Besides, it is very pleasant to go for a walk in the plateaux, strolling along the vast green field, where the island’s mountains meet.
According to the latest data available, Canhas has about 3,300 inhabitants, and the main economic resource of the parish resides in the primary sector, namely agriculture. There are also some industries such as blocks, cement and wood sawing.
We believe Canhas has a great development potential, namely due to its privileged and regular orography, its closeness to Funchal, the Island’s capital, and as a result of the unceasing construction of better roads, which have shortened the distances, and will keep on doing so, from places that were once remote.
Canhas has a very warm and mild climate, with temperatures ranging between 28 ºC (82 ºF) in the summer and 17 ºC (63 ºF) in the winter.
 
How to Get There
 
To get to Canhas from Funchal, you need to take the freeway towards Ribeira Brava (Funchal-Ribeira Brava). When you arrive at Ribeira Brava, exit the freeway and then follow the road signs towards Canhas.
To get there, follow the road signs towards Ponta do Sol. When you arrive there, it is worth having a look at the waterfall monument, that you find when you leave the last tunnel. At the round about, follow the direction towards the centre of Ponta do Sol. Please, pay attention, for you must enter a secondary road. For that, you must follow the road signs on the second road on your right. After going up the hill, you will enter the Estrada Regional 101. Afterwards, go straight ahead until you find the road sign indicating Canhas.