Looking for an authentic pebble beach on Madeira’s south coast? The Praia da Ponta do Sol offers a spectacular backdrop of steep cliffs and turquoise waters. We were won over by this landscaped beach, which combines natural charm with practical facilities for swimmers.
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips on how to make the most of your waterside getaway.
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 Praia da Ponta do Sol worth it?
Yes, it’s a beautiful beach and well worth a visit. This pebble beach won us over with its impressive natural setting, framed by steep cliffs that create a striking backdrop. We particularly liked the breakwater that breaks the waves, making swimming safer in these translucent waters. Practical infrastructures such as wooden platforms and plank paths make this atypical Madeira beach easily accessible and comfortable.
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
The beach floor is made up of pebbles. You won’t find any fine sand. For ease of movement, a wooden Diagon Alley crosses the beach. Wooden platforms are also provided for laying out your towels and making yourself comfortable. We recommend you bring water shoes for walking on the pebbles and entering the water.
Swimming conditions and supervision
The presence of a dike to break the waves means that the bathing area is calmer. The slope is gradual as you enter the water, but we found that the depth increases rapidly. The turquoise waters are clear and inviting for a swim. We advise you to keep an eye on the increasing depth. The beach is apparently supervised in high season.
Installations
We found public toilets right on the beach. The beach also boasts an on-site snack bar. Selective sorting garbage cans are installed to keep the site clean. Some parasols are available, as well as wooden platforms that compensate for the lack of sand and make installation easier. A volleyball court completes the leisure facilities. Note that this beach is not ideal for sunbathing due to its pebble composition.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Praia da Ponta do Sol in Madeira: how to get there
Where’s the beach?
- On Madeira Island
- On the island’s south coast
- In the municipality of Ponta do Sol
Access by car and parking
To reach the beach by car, follow the coastal road to Ponta do Sol. The beach is in the heart of the village along Route ER101. Parking is available directly along the beach, but is limited. Instead, opt for the Ponta do Sol parking lot at the entrance to the village. It’s a 5-minute walk from the parking lot to the beach.
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.
Public transport access
Ponta do Sol is served by local buses connecting Madeira’s various towns. You can reach the village by public transport from Funchal and other towns on the island, but the timetables are rather restrictive. Find out about possible routes here.
Special features
Dog
Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Reduced mobility access
The wooden plank path makes it easy to get around the beach. However, it is not sufficient to allow wheelchair users access to the bathing area. What’s more, it’s a pebble beach, making it difficult to access.
With children
The beach is ideal for families, thanks to the seawall that makes the bathing area safe. However, please note that depth increases rapidly after gradual entry into the water. The volleyball court offers a fun activity for older children. The pebbles make the beach less comfortable for toddlers, but the wooden platforms compensate for this.
Naturism
It is not possible to practice naturism on this beach.
Eating out
There’s a snack bar right on the beach, so you can enjoy a bite to eat without leaving the premises. In addition, restaurants line the road overlooking the beach, offering breathtaking ocean views. This elevated position allows you to enjoy the panorama while sampling the local cuisine.
Hotels
Although the village is quite small, it is home to 3 exceptional hotels:
- Hotel 1905 Zino’s Palace: nestled in the heights of Punta do Sol, this charming establishment overlooks the coastline. – see photos, prices, availability.
- Hotel Estalagem de Ponta do Sol: this renovated old quinta, nestled in lush gardens, perfectly combines traditional charm with sleek contemporary design. – see photos, prices, availability.
- Hotel Enotel Sunset Bay: with its red-and-yellow facade, it’s ideally located on the seafront, directly facing the beach. see photos, prices, availability.
Read our full review of Ponta do Sol’s best hotels here!
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
