Caniçal is often overlooked by tourists who flock to see the magnificent cliffs of Ponta de Sao Louranço nearby. Yet it’s a small town with a charming waterfront and an interesting museum.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Madeira’s Caniçal village, 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 Caniçal worth a visit?
Yes, the village of Caniçal is well worth a visit, mainly for its whale museum with life-size models, but also for its pretty seafront.
It didn’t make our list of Madeira’s most beautiful villages, but we still recommend a visit if you want to learn more about whales, perhaps to complement your boat tour from Funchal, to watch them! See options
1. Museu da Baleia da Madeira
Caniçal’s main attraction is the Whale Museum.
In this spacious, modern space, you’ll enjoy a host of interactive whale-related exhibits.
Topics covered include:
- whale species found around the Madeira archipelago
- the history of whaling, to preserve the island’s heritage (a ban on whaling was introduced in 1981)
- the boats used and the tools on board
We particularly liked the life-size ceiling-mounted models. You can’t always imagine just how gigantic these animals are!
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – closed on Mondays
- Price: 10 euros with audioguide
- See the latest news on the official website here
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. The solarium: Praia Petra d’Eira
At Caniçal, it’s not the pebble beaches that are the most popular, but a concrete platform on the lava rocks that provides easy access to the water, and also makes for some fun jumping.
Even if you don’t want to swim, go all the way to the end of the pontoon to see the magnificent hilly views plunging into the water and to watch the people having fun.
- Free access
- There’s a small snack bar right next door
3. Largo Manuel Alves
The town center isn’t as charming as other towns and villages, but there are a few monuments worth noting.
At the entrance to the port, for example, there are statues of two men in a boat fishing.
Note the size of the boat and the clothes worn.
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4. Iglesia Sao Sebastiao
Again, not the prettiest church on the island, but if you’re here, you might as well check it out.
It has the typical island style, with white walls contrasting with the borders. But the borders are painted, not made of lava rock.
It dates from the 18th century, according to the cobblestones in front (1750).
Note the floor of the baptismal font, and the rather simple decorations.
6. Caniçal harbour, sea wall and view
We also recommend a walk along the small inner harbour breakwater.
On the one hand, you have one of Madeira’s most important ports. You may see boats specializing in tuna fishing.
On the other, you can look out over the village and the green mountains in the background. Very nice panorama!
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7. Praia do Calhau and beach complex
The main beach is right on the waterfront.
It’s a pebble beach with umbrellas.
This is not the most popular of Caniçal’s beaches, due to its location next to the port.
But if you fancy a swim, there’s a small public pool (salt water) at the end of the beach: Complexo Balnear do Caniçal.
8. Praia da Ribeira de Natal
Praia da Ribeira de Natal is a long pebble beach at the very end of the town. It’s a 5-minute walk to get there.
The clear water is ideal for snorkeling. There’s also a diving center.
You’ll see mostly locals at weekends.
9. Prainha do Caniçal
The beach called Prainha do Caniçal is strangely not in the town.
It lies between the center of Caniçal and the cliffs of Punta de Sao Louranço.
This is one of the island’s few natural sandy beaches. The sand is rather black. A dirt track leads down to the beach. But you’ll find installations there.
- 5 minutes drive from the village of Caniçal
- Parking lot at the top of the cliffs, be careful, it’s hidden, you can’t see it while driving!
- Toilets and showers
- Restaurant in season
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
10. Ponta de Sao Louranço
The small town of Caniçal is mostly associated with Ponta de Sao Louranço. It’s the gateway to the peninsula. This is one of Madeira’s most beautiful spots.
You can:
- admire the view from Ponto do Rosto
- admire the view from the parking lot at the end of the road
- enjoy the magnificent PR8 hike that takes you to the heart of these cliffs: 6.4km round trip to Café Sardinha
Other attractions around Caniçal
You can combine your visit to Caniçal with
- The Quinta de Lorde navy, not historic but very photogenic
- The town of Machico and its golden sandy beach
- the Levada do Caniçal hike (but around Machico): 3 to 4 hours one way
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How to get to Caniçal + parking
Where is Caniçal
- At the northeastern tip of Madeira
- From Funchal = 35 min drive
- From Machico = 15 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 1h10 drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
Caniçal is not a tourist destination, so it’s best to rent a car to get there.
But there is a local bus between Caniçal and Funchal (n°113).
Parking in Caniçal
As the town is not very touristy, parking is fairly easy.
You can park in the Whale Museum parking lot for your visit, or in the city streets.
Useful tips
How long and when?
The waterfront faces south and east. It’s a good place to see the sun lover at certain times.
Allow 1h to 2h for the museum and 30 min for a tour of the waterfront.
But you can also take more time to swim and admire the fish.
Restaurants
There are a few restaurants in town. We haven’t tested any yet.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
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Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
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