Madeira isn’t the ideal destination for those who dream of fine sand, but you can still enjoy some nice beaches for relaxing and sunbathing.
Here’s our selection of Madeira’s most beautiful beaches, with map and useful tips in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Best beaches in Madeira – map
Here’s a map of the beaches listed in this article, to help you find your way around:
Madeira is not a beach destination par excellence. We go there above all for its impressive landscapes, lush gardens and unique hikes.
But if you still want to spend some time relaxing on a beach and taking a dip, there are a few sandy and pebble beaches.
1. Praia do Porto do Seixal (black sand)
Why we love it
Seixal is without doubt Madeira’s most beautiful beach.
It’s a natural beach with black sand and views of lush cliffs.
It’s not very big, but it offers beautiful black sand, black rocks and even a small waterfall!
And for those looking for calmer waters, there’s a seawater pool right next door.
Access
- North coast of Madeira
- City of Seixal
- From Funchal = 45 min drive
- From Porto Monis = 15 min drive
- Port parking lot nearby
- Easy access
Useful information
- No monitoring
- Toilets and showers
- Restaurant in season with public pool next door
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
2. Praia do Machico (golden sand)
Why we love it
If you’re looking for a page of golden sand, Machico is one of Madeira’s two options, and the larger of the two.
It’s a beautiful crescent-shaped cove. But sand is not natural to the island; it was imported to create the beach.
A breakwater has been built to break the waves, allowing the whole family to swim in calm waters.
Access
- East coast of Madeira
- Town of Machico
- From Funchal = 30 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 1h10 drive
- Large pay parking lot, but fills up quickly. We advise you to come in the morning
- Easy access by expressway or bus
Useful information
- Supervised beach
- Toilets, showers
- Volleyball court, pedal boat rental
- Restaurants along the promenade
- There are few hotels in Machico, and you’ll find mostly apartment and house rentals.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
3. Praia da Calheta (golden sand)
Why we love it
Praia da Calheta is Madeira’s most famous beach. It was entirely created by man. The site forms an oval with a sandy beach at each end. The sand was imported.
This allows you to swim in very calm waters and enjoy one of the sunniest parts of the island.
Access
- On the south coast
- Arco de Calheta
- From Funchal = 40 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 40 min
- Easy access
- Pay parking along the beach, but it fills up fast. We advise you to come in the morning
Useful information
- Supervised beach
- Sun loungers for hire
- Water sports activities with equipment rental
- Toilets, showers
- Restaurants
- There’s a luxury hotel right next to the beach – the Saccharum Resort & Spa – See photos and availability.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
4. Praia de Faial (pebbles)
Why we love it
Faial beach is one of Madeira’s lesser-known beaches, but one of our favorites.
We really liked the layout and access to water.
And above all, the views of the cliffs are magnificent.
In the semi-pool created by the dike, you can enjoy calm water, but climb the dike and you can admire the waves crashing against the cliffs!
On the other hand, it’s a pebble beach. Not a trace of sand here…
Access
- North coast of Madeira
- Small town of Faial
- From Funchal = 35 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 55 min drive
- Easy access
- Large parking lot next to the sports complex
Useful information
- In-season monitoring
- Beware, however, that the access stairs can be slippery!
- Games for children
- Restaurant and bar
- Toilets
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
5. Praia de Vigario (Camara de Lobos)
Why we love it
Camara de Lobos is one of Madeira’s most famous towns(see our list). The center features charming alleyways and a small harbor with colorful boats.
But to the west of the town, you can also enjoy a long grey pebble beach protected by cliffs.
We really liked the atmosphere
Access
- Madeira’s south coast
- Town of Camara de Lobos
- From Funchal: 15 min drive
- The hop-on hop-off bus also makes it easy to get there from Funchal – buy your tickets now!
- From Porto Moniz = 45 min drive
- Easy access
- Several pay parking lots in town, but it can be difficult to find parking in the afternoon
Useful information
- Unsupervised beach
- Beach bar
- Some people complain about the lack of cleanliness
6. Praia de Ponta do Sol
Why we love it
The town’s tourist area is concentrated around the beach and seafront.
As Ponta do Sol is one of the sunniest towns on the island, its beach is very popular.
This landscaped pebble beach stretches between the cliffs at the mouth of the valley.
It’s just over 150m long.
Here, the pebbles aren’t too big, and you can still manage to lie down, especially if you come with a small mattress.
Find out more about Ponta do Sol.
Access
- Madeira’s south coast
- City of Ponta do Sol
- From Funchal = 30 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 45 min
- Parking near the seafront and on the heights of the town. Parking in the middle of the day can be very tricky.
- Easy access
Useful information
- Changing rooms
- Toilets
- Restaurants and bars on the beach and in the street leading up from the beach.
- Supervised beach in summer
- A breakwater has been built to break the waves, allowing safe, calm bathing.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
7. Praia da Ribeira de Natal
Why we love it
In the village of Caniçal, you’ll find several beaches (but beware, Praia do Caniçal is outside the town, see #9).
We fell in love with the Ribeira de Natal area.
First you arrive on a concrete platform on the lava rocks that provides easy access to the water, and also allows you to make some cool jumps. And the view is superb!
And if you continue, you’ll find a long pebble beach.
It’s not very big, but it’s ideal for snorkeling!
Find out more about Caniçal.
Access
- City of Caniçal
- At the northeastern tip of Madeira
- From Funchal = 35 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 1h10 drive
- Very easy access
- Free parking in town and near the Whale Museum
Useful information
- Unsupervised beach
- No installations
- Snack bar near the platform
- Diving school
8. Praia dos Reis Magos
Why we love it
Praia dos Reis Magos is a small beach, but one where you can’t get bored.
Here you’ll find: a grey pebble beach, lava cliffs ideal for snorkeling, a seawater pool, a diving school…
A shared passion for water sports is evident here.
Access
- On Madeira’s east coast
- City of Caniço
- From Funchal = 15 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 1h10 drive
- Easy access to the parking lot
- Large parking lot
- Then you have to climb down a slope or a staircase to reach the beach.
Useful information
- In-season monitoring
- Bar
- Toilets
9. Prainha do Caniçal (black sand)
Why we love it
If you’re going to discover the magnificent cliffs of Ponta de Sao Louranço, you can also combine it with a visit to a black sand beach at the foot of the cliffs.
This is one of Madeira’s few natural sandy beaches.
It’s also ideal for geology and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Access
- Northeast point of Madeira
- From Funchal = 40 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 1h10 drive
- Parking at the top of the cliffs (approx. 55 spaces) – fills up in the afternoon
- Easy access to the parking lot
- The path down to the beach is quite steep (and the ascent is on the way back!).
Useful information
- Unsupervised beach
- Snack bar in season
- Toilets, showers
10. Garajau Beach
Why we love it
Garajau is a pretty gray pebble beach where you can descend with one of the island’s 7 cable cars.
It has a pleasant atmosphere and is popular for snorkeling, with its interesting cliffs.
Access
- East of the south coast
- Town of Garajau, near the statue of Christ
- From Funchal = 20 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 1h drive
- Large parking lot but very popular location
- Descent to the beach by cable car or on foot
Useful information
- Supervised beach in season
- Toilets
- Showers
- Restaurant
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
10. Praia do Almirante Reis (Funchal Beach)
Why we love it
It’s not the prettiest or the most pleasant, but it’s the most convenient for those staying in the center of Funchal.
It’s a small cove with large pebbles.
Access and useful information
- In Funchal
- Near the bottom station of the Mont
- Unattended
12. Formosa Beach (west of Funchal)
Why we love it
This is the largest beach near Funchal, and one of the largest on the island.
The cove is covered with large grey pebbles and black sand (for easier entry into the water).
Note that there is no seawall to block the waves, so it’s not an ideal beach for children.
Access and useful information
- West of Funchal
- 1h walk or less than 10 min by car or number 1 bus
- Unsupervised
- Snack bars
Porto Santo beach (neighboring island)
Why we love it
If you’re dreaming of a long, sandy beach, Madeira isn’t the place to go, but Porto Santo, the small neighboring island.
Arriving in Porto Santo by ferry, you’ll be dazzled by its long, golden sandy beach.
It stretches majestically for 9 kilometers!
Its fine, soft sand is ideal for relaxing, playing and taking long walks with your feet in the water.
We find it particularly beautiful at its southern end, on the Ponta da Calheta side, with its view over the island of Ilhéu da Cal.
Access and useful information
- 2h30 ferry – Book your ferry
- Easy beach access
- Toilets, showers, restaurants
- Kayaking, snorkeling and diving, especially at the southern end.
Other top beaches for scenery and surfing
Calhau da Lapa
Rocky beach off the beaten track, accessible by hike (700 steps) or boat.
The setting is superb, with colorful cliffs and troglodytic fishermen’s cottages.
From Funchal: 20 min drive + hike
Praia de Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela
Beaches with very large rocks and rocky islets close to the shore.
And even if you don’t want to clamber over the huge rocks (at the risk of twisting an ankle), you can climb inside a cliff to a viewpoint.
From Funchal = 1h drive (near Porto Moniz)
Porto da Cruz Beach
Small black pebble beach at the foot of the imposing Penha de Aguia mountain, over 550m high. The views from the waterfront promenade are superb!
From Funchal = 35 min drive
Jardim do Mar beach (ideal for surfing)
At Jardim do Mar, we loved the views from the seafront promenade.
There isn’t really a beach, but a paved access platform to the sea. However, the area is known as one of Madeira’s best surfing spots.
From Funchal = 1h drive
Find out more about Jardim do Mar.
And still more beaches
And if you want to get even more beach ideas because you want to know everything, there are other pebble beaches:
- Ribeira Brava Beach
- Madalena do Mar Beach
- Paul do Mar beach (surfing)
- Santa Cruz Beach
Other places to swim: natural pools (Porto Moniz, Seixal…)
Of course, Madeira is no beach paradise. But you can still have exceptional swimming experiences, thanks to the natural pools formed from lava rocks cooled by the sea.
The best known are in Porto Moniz. They’re easy to access, with several arms for easy swimming. The views from the pools are breathtaking: an island, green mountains and the sea!
The other exceptional option is in Seixal with the lava arch! But you have to make an effort to get down to the foot of the cliffs and enjoy it.
If you don’t want to drive, organized tours take you to see these pools, in the middle of a tour of the island – see program and availability.
Beware: avoid the pools between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when most tourists are visiting. You’ll have a better experience outside these hours.
See our article on Madeira’s natural pools (coming soon).
When to swim in Madeira
Summer is the period with the highest temperatures (and the biggest crowds).
However, the sea around Madeira is quite deep, so it’s not here that you’ll find the highest temperatures. You can expect:
- 17 to 19°C in spring
- 21 to 23°C in summer
- 20 to 22°C in autumn
- 17 to 19°C in winter
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
