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. It was then established as such in July 10, 1578.

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.