Seixal is one of Madeira’s most representative spots, with its lava pools, black sand beach and cliff views.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Madeira’s village of Seixal and some useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is the village of Seixal worth a visit?
Yes, the village of Seixal is well worth a visit, even if you don’t go swimming.
The views are beautiful, the lava arch unique, and the black sandy beach in contrast to the green cliffs.
This is one of Madeira’s most beautiful villages.
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1. Black sand beach: Praia do Porto
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.
The contrasts between black (when the sand is wet) and green are splendid!
Its charm is unique to Madeira. This is the most beautiful natural beach on the island(see our list).
Our photos do not do it justice.
- Free access
- Port parking lot nearby, but number of spaces limited
- Easy access
- We recommend visiting early in the day, to take advantage of its peacefulness.
2. Seixal’s natural pools
Seixal’s natural pools, known as Poça das Lesmas, are truly amazing.
Paths lead you to several pools amid lava rock.
But its most impressive feature is the lava arch. The entrance to one of the pools is underneath, and it’s a unique experience to be able to swim under lava!
They are among Madeira’s most beautiful natural pools(see our list).
- Free access
- Showers and toilets open during the day
- Snack bar
- Parking lot at the top of the cliff, and steep path down to the pools
- We advise you to come early to make the most of it.
See our article on swimming pools.
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3. Waterfront promenade
In Seixal, the seafront promenade is not at sea level, but a little higher up. A beautiful path offers unforgettable views.
If you look straight ahead to the east, you’ll see the green cliffs and the rocks of Ribeira da Janela in the distance.
If you look east, you’ll see green cliffs too.
And if you look towards the foot of the cliffs, you’ll have beautiful views of the natural pools and several volcanic rocks in one of the bays.
4. Seawater pool
Next to the black sandy beach, at harbor level, you’ll also find a large coastal swimming pool filled with seawater. There’s only one basin. It should not be confused with the natural pools we listed first.
It offers a safe, well-equipped place to cool off and swim.
- Free access
- Port parking lot nearby, but number of spaces limited
- Easy access
- We recommend visiting early in the day, to take advantage of its peacefulness.
- Monitored in season
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5. Center and church
Seixal’s town center is not the most interesting on the island (see our article on the most beautiful villages), but the combination with the views of the cliffs is fascinating.
Seixal’s parish church was built in the 17th century in the Baroque style typical of Madeira architecture. It has been whitewashed, with dark borders.
The interior features magnificent azulejos (painted earthenware tiles) depicting religious scenes.
6. Pebble beach: Praia da Laje
Seixal is famous for its black sand beach, but there’s also a pebble beach, as in many corners of Madeira.
It’s a pretty, medium-sized cove where you can relax to the sound of views rolling over the pebbles.
It is little known and often rather quiet.
- Unsupervised beach
- No installations
- Toilets
- Bars at both ends of the beach
- Parking along the road.
7. Miradouro Veu da Noiva
Miradouro Veu da Noiva is one of Madeira’s best-known viewpoints.
On the way to the Moniz natural pools, there’s a small parking area off the main road where you can stop and admire the cliffs and waterfall.
It’s not possible to get any closer, but the view from the platform is already stunning.
This is one of Madeira’s most beautiful viewpoints.
And from the parking lot, you also have a view of Sexal Village and its lava rocks at the foot of the cliffs.
8. Hiking around Seixal
As everywhere in Madeira, you’ll find short and medium hikes around the village, such as
- Vereda da Cavaca – uphill hike to Fanal forest (3h one way)
- Levada do Seixal – walk along a levada and waterfalls, difficult and with some dangerous sections.
Extra
We don’t know if they’re there all the time, but we spent a lot of time looking for crabs on the rocks around the harbour.
They’re almost the same color as the rock, so it’s fun.
Attractions around Seixal
Sao Vicente and caves
Sao Vicente is a slightly different town, scattered throughout the valley.
We really liked the views from the waterfront or the viewpoint.
It’s a place full of hidden treasures, with its little botanical path, the chapel built inside a basalt rock and its volcanic caves.
Read more
Praia Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela
Ribeira da Janela is an unmissable stop between Seixal and Porto Moniz.
This beach is not for those who want to lie back and sunbathe. Here, the pebbles are more like rocks, and it would be very uncomfortable to sit on them.
But in terms of scenery, it’s one of Madeira’s most beautiful beaches, with its rock formations and marine pillars very close to the seashore.
What’s more, you can climb a staircase in a notch in the cliff to admire them from another angle.
Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz is one of the island’s most important cities.
It’s not particularly beautiful in terms of architecture, but its waterfront is magnificent, with views of the cliffs, its fort and, above all, its natural pools set in lava rocks. It’s a place not to be missed, even just for a swim!
Fanal Forest
For another change of scenery, we now take you to the Paul da Serra plateau, in the heart of Madeira’s western half.
Here lies a Lauriferous forest. Around 90% of it is primary forest.
If you like imagining shapes in the clouds, you’ll love taking a walk here too. The trees are twisted, and inspiring.
Don’t hesitate to go if it’s foggy or misty. This makes the place even more magical and inspiring.
How to get to Seixal + parking
Where is Seixal
- On Madeira’s north coast
- From Funchal = 50 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 10 min
- From Machico = 1h drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
The easiest way is to rent a car(see all our tips) so you can enjoy the place at sunrise and before the tourists arrive.
However, if you don’t want to drive, there are organized tours that make a stop in Seixal – see options.
Parking in Madeira
The city’s various attractions are spaced out.
There’s a small parking lot at the port, close to the black sand beach and seawater pool.
There’s a small parking area above the natural pools, from where the access road leads off.
And there’s a small parking lot at the end of the pebble beach.
On the whole, parking spaces are limited, so we advise you to visit early to avoid turning around and looking for somewhere to park.
Useful tips for visiting Seixal
How long and when is the best time?
We recommend you allow half a day to explore and enjoy Seixal.
It’s often a good place to watch the sunrise.
The natural pools can be reached on foot from the cliff-top town. Access is asphalted but very steep.
Restaurants
We haven’t tested any Seixal restaurants yet.
But you’ll mainly find snack bars with good seaside atmospheres.
Hotels
Seixal is not one of Madeira’s main holiday destinations. But you can find a few rentals here. See the options
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
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