In a nutshell
- The beaches in Madeira are truly impressive, and the panoramic views with cliffs in the background are unique. In this article, we’ll show you the 8 best beaches in Madeira Island.
- Sandy beaches are rare in Madeira – but they do exist! Our favorite is Praia do Seixal, known for its black sand.
- There’s a wider variety of rocky beaches to choose from. They may not be ideal for swimming, but they look really cool. We love the Praia do Garajau in Caniço.
Table of Contents
Are There Beaches in Madeira Island?
Yes, there are beaches in Madeira. However, the island is not a typical beach destination. Most beaches are made up of stones, with only a few sandy ones.
But that doesn’t matter, because the views from the beaches are amazing and great photo opportunities are guaranteed. What’s more, the beaches are rarely crowded.
If the waves are too strong, you can head to one of Madeira’s natural pools to cool off – it offers a completely different swimming experience.
A vacation in Madeira is especially rewarding for those who prefer discovering secluded natural beaches over lounging on the sand all day.
The best beaches in Madeira on a map
To give you an overview, we’ve pinpointed our 8 favorite beaches on a map.
White and Black Sand Beaches in Madeira
There are some real gems hidden among the few sandy beaches in Madeira.
Praia do Seixal
- Type: Black sand
- Good for: Swimming and surfing
- Infrastructure: Restaurant, showers, and toilets available
What you need to know: Praia do Seixal is a black sand beach, located in the village of the same name, Seixal. The view of the lush green cliffs in the background is stunning. There is even a waterfall at one point – like a natural shower, so to speak.
Is it worth it? Absolutely – it’s our favorite beach in Madeira Island and a great destination for a day trip in Madeira.
How to get there: The best way is by car. There are parking spots at the beach, but they’re limited –so it’s best to go in the morning. Alternatively, a few Rodoeste run daily from Porto Moniz or São Vicente to Seixal.
Where to stay in Seixal? North Coast View House
Prainha
- Type: Black sand
- Good for: Swimming
- Infrastructure: Restaurant, showers, and toilets available
What you need to know: Prainha is located in a bay between Caniçal and Ponta de São Lourenço, making it a great stop on a road trip around Madeira. The beach features black sand and offers a fantastic panorama. Aside from the beach bar, there are no buildings in sight for miles.
Is it worth it? Yes. It’s a perfect spot to stop after the Ponta de São Lourenço hike.
How to get there: The easiest way is by car. Parking is available at the top of the road. Alternatively, you can take a SAM bus from Caniçal or walk from the village – it’s 2.5 kilometers. There are parking spaces at the top of the road. From the road, you’ll need to walk down a few steps to reach the beach.
Praia de Machico
- Type: White sand (artificially filled up)
- Good for: Swimming (you can surf on the rocky beach next door)
- Infrastructure: Restaurant, showers, and toilets available
What you need to know: Machico has an artificial sandy beach, ideal for swimming due to its sheltered bay. The swell is stronger on the rocky beach next door, making it more suitable for surfing.
Is it worth it? It is. Personally, we didn’t like the location right next to the port of Machico, but it’s great for tanning and relaxing on the sand.
How to get there: By car, park at the Oásis Perdido parking lot, right next to the beach. Alternatively, you can walk from the center of Machico. Several SAM buses also go there.
Where to stay in Machico? Modern & Recycled Guest House
Praia da Calheta
- Type: White sand (artificially filled up)
- Good for: Swimming
- Infrastructure: Restaurant, showers, and toilets available
What you need to know: You will find another artificial sand beach in Madeira in Calheta. As shown in the picture, it’s divided into two parts. There are also beach volleyball courts and a good variety of restaurants.
Is it worth it? Yes. The infrastructure is excellent, and the calm waters are great for swimming, but it doesn’t quite offer that authentic beach vibe.
How to get there: If you’re arriving by car, you can park in the beach parking lots for a fee (it’s a good idea to bring some change). Alternatively, several buses from Funchal (line 142, provider: Rodoeste) go to Calheta.
Where to stay in Calheta? Saccharum Resort and Spa
The Best Rocky Beaches in Madeira
Most of the beaches in Madeira are rocky beaches. Many of them look really cool, but they are a bit tricky for swimming. It’s best to take bathing shoes with you.
Praia do Garajau
- Type: Rocky beach
- Good for: Swimming (bathing shoes recommended)
- Infrastructure: Restaurant, showers, and toilets available
What you need to know: Praia do Garajau is situated right next to the Christ the Redeemer statue, and together they create one of the most beautiful places to visit in Madeira. On the beach you will find a bar with a large terrace, where you can also rent sun loungers so that you don’t have to lie on the rocks.
Is it worth it? Yes! The huge rock on which the Cristo Rei stands looks insanely cool from below. But be aware that the current in the sea is quite strong.
How to get there: You can take the cable car down or drive halfway down the road and walk the rest.
Praia Formosa
- Type: Rocky beach
- Good for: Swimming (bathing shoes recommended)
- Infrastructure: Restaurant, and toilets available
What you need to know: Praia Formosa is the largest beach in Funchal, stretching for about 2 kilometers. A scenic promenade runs alongside it, perfect for a walk.
Is it worth it? It is. If you’re staying nearby or driving past by car, yes. But we wouldn’t go out of our way just to visit.
How to get there: There are several parking lots. In summer, it’s better to arrive early to make sure you get a parking spot. There are also regular buses from Funchal – the connections are shown on Google Maps.
Where to stay in Praia Formosa? Golden Residence Hotel
Praia da Alagoa
- Type: Rocky beach
- Good for: Surfing
- Infrastructure: Restaurant, showers and toilets available
What you need to know: Praia da Alagoa is a real hidden gem in Madeira. The beach is located in the pretty village of Porto da Cruz and the scenery around is amazing. As the swell here is quite strong, the beach is particularly suitable for surfing.
Is it worth it? Yes – especially for surfing or watching surfers.
How to get there: If you are traveling by car, you will always find a parking space in Porto da Cruz. There are also some buses (line 208) from Funchal and Machico operated by SAM.
Where to stay in Porto da Cruz? Jaca Hostel Porto da Cruz
Praia da Ponta do Sol
- Type: Rocky beach
- Good for: Swimming (bathing shoes recommended)
- Infrastructure: Restaurant, showers and toilets available
What you need to know: Ponta do Sol is a pretty, small village in Madeira in the southwest. Here you will find a beautiful, uncrowded rocky beach with several bars right by the sea.
Is it worth it? Yes, there is both a pier with a calm area for swimming and the beach on the open sea.
How to get there: You can get there by car – there aren’t many parking spaces, but you can always find a free spot. A few buses on line 142 of Rodoeste run from Funchal to Ponta do Sol.
Where to stay in Ponta do Sol? Estalagem Da Ponta do Sol
Beaches in Madeira: FAQs
When is the best time for swimming in Madeira?
The water is at its warmest between June and November.
However, you can enjoy a beach vacation all year round – but you will have to grit your teeth when swimming in the winter months.
What is the water temperature in Madeira?
The water is at its warmest from August to October at around 23 degrees, and at its coldest from January to May at around 18 degrees. However, if you grit your teeth, you can go swimming in Madeira all year round.
Are there hotels on the beach in Madeira?
Yes, not many, but they do exist.
Check out or tips for beach hotels in Madeira
There are also many luxury hotels in Madeira that are located right by the sea.
Are the beaches on Madeira suitable for surfing?
Yes, surfing is a popular activity in Madeira. Not all beaches are suitable for surfing, but many are.
You can find great surfing beaches on Madeira in Fajã da Areia, Porto da Cruz and Jardim do Mar.
Do you need bathing shoes for Madeira?
Yes, if you want to get into the water at the stone beaches, bathing shoes are great. You can do without them, but it’s much more relaxed with bathing shoes.
Those were our tips for the best beaches in Madeira Island
Which is your favorite beach in Madeira? Or do you have any questions about the beaches? Feel free to leave us a comment.