Seixal beach is a real gem on Madeira’s north-west coast. This beach stands out from the rest for its magnificent black volcanic sand and dramatic landscape of towering green cliffs. It’s easily one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Madeira’s Seixal beach.
It is also known as Praia do Cais do Seixal or Praia do Porto do Seixal.
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 Seixal’s black sand beach worth it?
Yes, it’s a beautiful beach and well worth a visit.
This natural beach, covered in black sand, offers an experience as close as possible to Madeira’s volcanic origins. We love contrasting it with the lush nature on the cliffs.
We recommend an early visit before the crowds, to truly appreciate its beauty.
It’s one of Madeira’s most beautiful beaches and a must-see in the village of Seixal.
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Beach type: Praia do Cais do Seixal
Sand or no sand?
The main attraction is the soft, fine black sand. Composed of tiny fragments of volcanic basalt, its black color contrasts strikingly with the surrounding cliffs.
However, you should know that some people are disappointed when they come at low tide, because when the sand dries, it’s more grey than black.
There are no pebbles. But you can still find a few black rocks that appear at low tide.
The beach is quite small, both in width and length. So avoid high tide…
Conditions for swimming
Seixal’s water is clean, clear and refreshing. The beach faces east, offering a fantastic view of the sunrise as first light illuminates the black sand and cliffs.
For swimming, the ocean remains relatively calm inside the cove, although the exposed north coast can have strong waves and currents depending on conditions.
Monitoring
Since 2023, the beach has been supervised during the summer season.
But conditions can change depending on the election.
Installations
Next to the beach is the Clube Naval do Seixal with its seawater swimming pool.
There are showers and toilets, as well as a small restaurant.
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Around the beach
Landscapes
Even if you don’t go for a swim, a stop at the beach offers wonderful scenery.
As we said before, the black sand contrasts with the lush cliffs.
And the views are endless over the cliffs of Madeira’s north coast.
These breathtaking cliffs plunge straight into the Atlantic. It gives you the impression of being transported to Hawaii.
The waterfall
Also note the small waterfall on the cliff side, which falls onto the beach.
It’s far from being Madeira’s most impressive waterfall, but it does add a natural touch to this beach…
Nautical activities
From this beach you can also enjoy a number of water sports in season:
- Surfing lessons
- Bodyboarding
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals to explore the coastline
Municipal swimming pool
There’s also a large seawater swimming pool right next to the beach.
It’s nice, but it’s not the famous Seixal natural pools with the lava arch. To see this one, you’ll have to take the car up to the town and back down to the foot of the cliffs at another point (a few minutes’ drive).
Find out more about Seixal’s swimming pools.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Praia do Porto do Seixal: access
Where Seixal beach is located
- East of the village of Seixal
- From Funchal = 50 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 10 min
- From Machico = 1h drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
Access by car and parking
The beach is easily accessible by car. There are two small parking lots around the port.
Please note, however, that the parking lots are not large. If you want to park easily, we advise you to come early or late in the day.
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.
Special features
Dog
We didn’t see any signs regarding dog access to the beach.
Reduced mobility access
There are no facilities for disabled access.
With children
The beach is suitable for families, but as it’s not large, they won’t be able to play much with the sand.
Naturism
It is not possible to practice naturism on this beach.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
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Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
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