16 beaches not to be missed in Madeira

16 BEACHES NOT TO BE MISSED IN MADEIRA

 

Feel the sea air... sunbathe... cool off to the rhythm of the waves... and admire the landscape!! Close your eyes for a few seconds and imagine yourself enjoying a sunny day, diving into the crystal clear waters that surround the island of Madeira. The best part? Thanks to the mild climate that prevails in the region the whole year round, as well as the water temperature, which can reach up to 24°C, this is an experience you can enjoy in any season...
To help you prepare your trip to Madeira, we present various beach options for you to explore while visiting the island. We should mention that, due to its volcanic origins, most beaches are made of pebbles instead of sand. People picking their way over rocks to reach the sea can make for an enchanting picture, but caution is advised. The sandy beaches that do exist are mostly made from black or imported sand. But one thing’s for certain, they all offer a great choice for relaxing. What’s more, the island also has natural seawater pools, which adds greater charm to this dream destination.
The island of Madeira is definitely full of surprises and uniquely beautiful, inviting intrepid explorers to discover all of its hidden charms. But don't stop reading just yet... See it with your own eyes and you’ll collect some incredible memories!

 

PRAIA DE SÃO TIAGO AND BARREIRINHA BATHING COMPLEX
Located just 300 meters from the Porto Santa Maria hotel in the old town of Funchal, Praia de São Tiago is a picturesque bathing area worth visiting. Not only is it right next to Fort São Tiago, but also due to the presence of several fishing boats, this beach offers a magical and memorable setting where you can spend a pleasant day at the beach.
Just a short walk from this beach, you can also find the Barreirinha Bathing Complex, which provides direct access to the sea and features a sun deck, bathrooms, changing rooms, lockers, a bar, umbrellas, sun loungers, and a first aid station.
If you're planning to explore the Old Town area of the city, take the opportunity to take a dip and cool off at these incredible beaches!

PRAIA FORMOSA
Praia Formosa, in the city of Funchal, is one of the most popular beaches. The long pebble coastline stretches from Funchal almost as far as Câmara de Lobos. In addition to its natural beauty, the area has several restaurants and an inviting promenade, ideal for relaxing walks or sports such as cycling.
Visit this unique place and enjoy the diversity that Praia Formosa and its surroundings have to offer.

DOCA DO CAVACAS BATHING COMPLEX
If you’re looking for a truly amazing experience, the Doca do Cavacas Bathing Complex in Funchal will definitely win you over. This beach is made up of small natural seawater pools; it may be small in size, but it has a distinct charm. Located close to Praia Formosa, near the Vila Porto Mare resort, it’s easy to access from this point. 
We recommend you bring a camera, as we’re sure you will want to capture this moment!!

LIDO BATHING COMPLEX
The lido bathing complex is the most familiar in the city of Funchal and provides visitors with saltwater pools and direct access to the sea. Designed to suit adults and children, it is the perfect place for a family visit, offering plenty of options to suit all tastes. The best part? It's just minutes away from the Vila Porto Mare resort!
After a day of sun and refreshing swims, across the road from the entrance to the complex you can enjoy a meal at the Il Basilico or Horta restaurants !!

PRAIA DO GARAJAU
Praia do Garajau, also located in Caniço, is a beach that deserves to be explored, but requires some care when it comes to access. Located below the iconic statue of Christ the King, the beach can be reached on foot via a longer footpath, or by cable car.
One of the best surprises is that the beach is part of a Nature Reserve, which provides not only a stunning setting but also the opportunity to go diving. Visitors can discover the fascinating diversity of local marine life at this beach, including unique species that can only be found at this particular spot. A unique experience...

PRAIA DE MACHICO
Machico Beach, one of only two beaches with yellow sand on Madeira, brings with it an interesting fact: its sand was imported from Morocco. Despite being a small beach, it has become very popular. This popularity can be attributed not only to its beauty, but also to the practicality it offers. Its sand and calm sea makes it the ideal place for families with children.

PRAIA DA PRAINHA
The town of Caniçal has its charms, and Praia da Prainha is, without a doubt, one of them.
The presence of the island's natural sand gives this beach a uniquely authentic feel. Although you have to walk along a footpath to reach it, it’s well worth it. In addition to providing access to the beach, it means you are a certain distance from other people and the bustle of the city, which makes for a calmer atmosphere.
For those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, Praia da Prainha has just what you are looking for!!

PORTO DA CRUZ BATHING COMPLEX
Porto da Cruz is known for its natural surroundings, something characteristic throughout the island, but it harbours a secret: its Bathing Complex. This complex includes a swimming pool and direct access to the sea. Ideal for a day well spent with the family!

PRAIA DO PORTO DO SEIXAL
This one has real charm !! Porto do Seixal Beach, with its black sand and natural surroundings, is truly special and captivates the visitor with its unique setting.
It is worth noting that not every day is sunny here. To fully enjoy this destination, choose the date carefully based on the weather forecast for the city of Seixal.
A few steps away, at the Clube Naval, there is also a seawater swimming pool, a great place to take some special photos.
We highly recommend you explore the area’s natural wonders...

POÇAS DAS LESMAS
If you are looking for a simply magical place... look no further !!
The natural seawater pools in Seixal are stunning, particularly at Poças das Lesmas. Completely natural, these pools are formed by a series of dark volcanic stones, creating a fascinating contrast with the turquoise blue of the crystalline water.
This scenery is so beautiful it deserves to be appreciated in person.

NATURAL POOLS OF PORTO MONIZ
One of the most popular destinations on Madeira, and one that truly lives up to its popularity.
This beach is formed from volcanic rocks, giving it a unique character. One of the great advantages is the permanent presence of lifeguards and first aid services, providing a safe environment for visitors. What’s more, the beach has swimming pools especially designed for children, making it even more suitable for families.
The natural seawater pools of Porto Moniz are a must-visit, whose unique beauty will etch itself into your memory.

JARDIM DO MAR
Jardim do Mar Beach is a meeting point for the international surfing community. Due to its proximity to the North Atlantic, the sea is rougher, offering ideal conditions for this sport. If you are a surfing enthusiast, you can dive straight into the waves and enjoy the thrill of the experience. For those who prefer to enjoy things from a distance, we invite you to pay a visit and watch the surfers in action...in real time!

PRAIA DA CALHETA
Praia da Calheta is a frequent option for both Madeirans and visitors, one of the rare beaches with yellow sand and calm waters, ideal for families with children. However, you must take precautions against the sun when visiting this beach, as the heat and ultraviolet rays are very intense here.
Consider including Calheta in your itinerary and take the opportunity to enjoy one of the most popular beaches on the island of Madeira.

PRAIA DA PONTA DO SOL
Ponta do Sol is the ideal place for those looking for total relaxation. Recognised as one of the warmest beaches on the island of Madeira, swimming here has never been so pleasant! You will find bars and restaurants to hand, so you can combine business with pleasure and expand your culinary horizons... We especially recommend trying a fish dish.

CALHAU DA LAPA
In the west of the region is Praia do Calhau da Lapa, located in the parish of Campanário. What distinguishes this beach is the exceptional quality of its water, with its clean, crystal clear sea, and pleasantly warm temperatures all year round.
However, access to Praia do Calhau da Lapa is reserved for the most fearless, as it involves walking along a path between steep cliffs . We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, capable of handling the steep descent. However, if you prefer an alternative, you can access the beach by boat, an experience that adds a uniqueness to the trip.

PRAIA DA FAJÃ DO CABO GIRÃO
If you are considering visiting the south coast of Madeira, you must include Praia da Fajã do Cabo Girão on your list. But we should warn you that access is a bit of a challenge... To get to this beach, you have to go by sea or cable car.
Fajã is recognised for its fertile soils, and in the past the local inhabitants travelled this route on foot transporting goods, a very arduous task. Due to the difficult access, a cable car was installed, initially to make transport easier for farmers, but now it’s available for any visitor.
The beach offers a beautiful panoramic view, surpassing any landscape you may have seen. In addition, it has a bar and restaurant, ideal for satisfying your appetite during your visit!

If you are planning a trip to the island of Madeira, we recommend you sample our excellent hotels. Whether it’s Porto Santa Maria, The Cliff Bay, Les Suites at the Cliff Bay, the Vila Porto Mare resort or PortoBay Serra Golf, each of these hotels offers a truly memorable stay.