Madeira beaches may come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing they all share is warm waters, a mild climate, and epic settings.
Madeira Island may be all about the Lavada’s, cable cars, viewpoints, and natural beauty, however, if you’re looking for playas, Madeira has some beauties to offer visitors.
Whether it’s a black sand beach, pebble beach, or golden sandy beach, these beaches and small coves are full of charm, and deserve a place on your Madeira Itinerary.
Driving in Madeira offers the best flexibility for visiting these beaches. Here is our selection of the best beaches in Madeira together with a handy location map, and practical tips.
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MADEIRA BEACHES MAP
BEST MADEIRA BEACHES
Due to the volcanic nature of the island most beaches in Madeira Portugal are predominantly black pebble beaches. However, there are some natural black sand beaches, and a few golden sand beaches to enjoy.
SANDY BEACHES IN MADEIRA
1. CALHETA BEACH (Imported Sand)
Located in the picturesque town of Calheta on the west coast, this is possibly one of the most popular sandy beaches in Madeira. In fact, it was the first artificial beach in Madeira, importing golden sand from Morocco.
The 100m-long beach located between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, has two manmade sloped breakwaters as a barrier, with a sandy cove at each end. A free-access beach with sun loungers and parasols, warm water, and a sunny climate, make it one of the best Madeira sandy beaches.
There are cafes and restaurants within easy walking distance, plus luxury hotel, Saccharum Resort & Spa literally next door.
Location: Praia da Calheta is located near the town’s Recreational Harbour and is a 40-minute drive from Funchal. There is paid parking opposite the beach (cash).
Features:
- changing rooms, showers, and toilets
- water sports available including snorkelling.
- whale and dolphin watching tours leave from the waterfront.
TOP TIP: Calheta is also home to a sugar cane factory, one of several Madeira hidden gems.
2. MACHICO BEACH (Imported Sand)
Title for one of the best beaches in Madeira must go to Banda D’Alem Beach, located in Machico bay. Surrounded by rugged mountains and lush green landscapes, this family-friendly crescent-shaped stretch of sand, is a joy to spend time on.
Measuring about 70m long, and 100m wide, and protected by a seawall, this is one of the best beaches Madeira has in terms of recreational areas.
Lounge under the shade of a palm leaved umbrella, have a game of volleyball or football, swim in the calm crystal-clear sea, or take a ride on a pedal boat.
The beach is very popular with the locals and can get quite busy at weekends.
Location: Banda D’Alem Beach is on the east coast in the historical town of Machico.
Features:
- Showers, toilets, changing rooms.
- eateries along the promenade
- access walkways and paid parking
- Volleyball
- Lifeguard during bathing season
TOP TIP: Stroll around the old town which has some lovely buildings, including a church, and fort.
3. PRAINHA CANICAL (Natural Black Sand)
When it comes to beaches, Madeira has some “stand-out” ones that you will definitely want to explore. While it is debatable which is the best beach in Madeira, Prainha sandy beach is certainly a contender.
Formed by volcanic and natural coppery sand, the beach is surrounded by a beautiful arid landscape. Dunes with limestone fossils, and fantastic ocean views make this one of the most popular sandy beaches.
Come early to guarantee a parking space in the summer, as this beach and peninsula make a great day trip for visitors.
TOP TIP: Visit this wonderful Madeira beach, after hiking Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco.
This 4km trail follows St. Lourenco Peninsula, the island’s most eastern point, and offers stunning views of the 125-metre-high Ponta do Furado. You can also check out Praia das Sardinhas along the way, which is tucked away in a small cove.
Location: Praia do Canical is a 5-minute drive from Canical village, on Madeira’s east coast.
Features:
- Changing rooms and toilets
- Sun loungers and parasols
- Restaurant, beach bar, and parking
4. SEIXAL BEACH (Natural Black Sand)
Boasting an idyllic and striking backdrop, Seixal Beach is one of the most stunning black sand beaches Madeira has to offer visitors. Porto de Abrigo do Seixal beach is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and sheltered by towering lush green mountains.
Famed for its natural beauty, and nearby natural pools, to access the free parking, you must arrive early. Nearby is Praia da Jamaica, also known as Laje, a tranquil black sand and pebble beach, which has a bar, toilets, and shower facilities.
Location: Seixal Beach is located on the northwestern coast of Madeira, a 15-minute drive from Porto Moniz.
Features:
- Showers, toilets, and restrooms
- Bar
- Free parking
5. PRAIA DA ALAGOA (Natural Black Sand)
Few Madeira sand beaches come with such scenic views as well as being located in a quiet, less visited town.
Composed of natural black volcanic sand, Praia da Alagoa has large waves making it perfect for surfers. There is even a surf school on hand for beginners. If you want to swim in the ocean, you’ll do so beneath the steep 500-metre cliff of Eagle’s Rock, with stunning scenery.
For a more sedate swimming experience, follow the promenade to two swimming pools at Porto da Cruz Bathing Complex.
With a sugar mill, promenade walking route, and an array of cafes to explore, you could easily wile away a few days in this lovely quiet town.
Location: Praia da Alagoa is in Porto da Cruz, on the northeast coast of the island. It is approx. a 35-minute drive from Funchal.
Features:
- Restrooms, toilets, and showers
- Snack bars and restaurants
PEBBLE BEACHES IN MADEIRA
6. FAIAL BEACH
When it comes to beautiful beaches in stunning surroundings, Faial Beach for us, wins hands down.
This small pebble beach on the north coast is one of the island’s hidden gems, surrounded by spectacular cliffs. One of the lesser known and lesser visited beaches, you can swim in the sheltered area minus the crowds.
The beach is rocky but there is a paved area and steps, for easy access into the clear salty water.
Complexo Balnear da Foz da Ribeira do Faial, which incorporates the pebble beach, features a sheltered children’s pool, and play area. Nearby is Miradouro do Guindaste, one of Madeira’s best viewpoints.
Location: In the town of Faial, a 35-minute drive from Funchal.
Features:
- Large carpark
- Large sunbathing terrace and restaurant
- Showers and bathrooms
- A range of recreational facilities
7. VIGARIO BEACH
Vigário Beach in the coastal town of Câmara de Lobos, is a 400-metre stretch pebble beach, protected by high cliffs. With mild temperatures year-round, the water is a great place for a dip, before laying out your towel to relax.
Up until the 1970s, the mouth of Ribeira do Vigário was the only place for locals to wash their laundry. Old photos of Câmara de Lobos show towels laid out over the pebbles to dry in the sun, and women washing clothes on the beach.
The town has many places of interest, including the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao, the walking path along the seafront, and Churchill’s viewpoint.
Location: Vigário Beach is in a narrow bay in Câmara de Lobos, a 20-minute drive from Funchal.
Features:
- beach bar
- cafés and restaurants available in town
- paid parking near the harbour (coins)
8. PRAIA DA MAIATA
Praia da Maiata is well-known for its incredible waves, making it a hotspot and favourite choice for surfers. Madeira Island beaches are sometimes less about the facilities, and all about the scenery.
The beach is a mixture of black sand and pebbles, buffeted by the crystal-clear ocean, and sheltered by lush green mountains. It makes a perfect setting to get away from it all, and simply relax.
Location: Praia da Maiata is in the north of the island near Porto da Cruz, one of the quieter towns in Madeira.
Features:
- Park in the lane leading to the beach.
- Visit during low tide to see the black sand.
- There are no facilities or lifeguard.
9. PONTA DO SOL BEACH
Ponto do Sol might be one of the prettiest Madeira playas in our list, due to the area enjoying the most hours of sunshine per year. If you are looking for a warm scenic spot for sunbathing, this is a perfect choice.
The small, pebbled beach is nicely laid out, with a concrete section to lay out your towel under a parasol or lie on a rented sunbed. Walkways allow easy access to the man-made lagoon, which is protected from the ocean by a concrete block breakwater.
The palm-tree lined promenade sits alongside an array of colourful houses. The bay is sheltered by surrounding mountains, whilst to the left is the famous arched stone bridge.
Be sure to bring beach shoes/sandals, and you’ll have no problem accessing the lagoon.
It really is a perfect and picturesque setting, especially at sunset. At low tide you can also access a stretch of sand at the opposite end of the lagoon.
Apart from being known for its beaches, Ponta do Sol is known for growing sugar cane and bananas, plus it’s bridge, and lovely church.
Location: Ponta do Sol beach is situated on the southwest coast of the island of Madeira, just west of Ribeira Brava.
Features:
- Changing rooms, showers, toilets, and lifeguard
- Paid parking (bring coins)
- Restaurant and bar, and within walking distance of other cafes in town
10. PRAIA DA RIBEIRA DA JANELA
This spot is great for watching crashing waves, and taking photographs of the finger-shaped rocks that protrude from the ocean.
These are Ilheus de Rib, Ilheu Zhino and Ilheus da Janela, which make up the seascape close to the coastline.
The large pebble beach may be small and narrow, but the surrounding landscape is wild, rugged, and impressive.
While it is not easy to walk along as the boulders are really large, you will be rewarded with peace and quiet, as it is practically deserted.
Location: Along the north coast of the island, just 5-minutes from Porto Moniz.
Features:
- Car park (fee) and toilets
11. PRAIA FORMOSA
It may surprise you that there are beaches in Funchal. They may not be a match for Machico bay beach, but if you want an option close to Funchal, you do have several options.
One of the best beaches in Funchal is Praia Formosa, just 15 minutes’ drive from the Old Town
Stretching for 2km, it is the largest public beach on the island. Composed mainly of pebbles, and areas of black sand, it is popular with bathers, and locals.
This quiet stretch of coastline also has three other black-sand beaches namely, Praia dos Namorados, Praia do Areeiro, and Praia Nova.
Nestled between the dramatic cliffs and the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Praia Formosa offers an ideal spot for bathing and relaxing.
Take a leisurely stroll along the oceanside promenade, or take Túnel das Poças do Gomes, to the natural pools of Dova do Cavacas. Or simply lie on a sunbed and listen to the sounds of waves crashing against the shore.
With plenty of cafes, and beach bars, you can spend the whole day and evening here.
Location: Just west of Funchal on the south coast of Madeira.
Features:
- Restrooms, beach bars, and restaurants
- Lifeguards, and easy to find parking.
- First aid post, and children’s playground
QUESTIONS ABOUT MADEIRA BEACHES
1. Are Madeira sandy beaches worth visiting?
While Madeira beaches can’t compete with places like the Maldives, they are definitely worth visiting. Offering clear warm water, and stunning scenery, they are all unique, and worthy of exploring.
2. Which are the best beaches in Madeira?
That really depends on what you are looking for in a beach. The nicest beaches in Madeira for us, were Faial beach for its setting, and Ribeira da Janela Beach for its isolated feel, and impressive views.
3. Are there any other Madeira Island beaches to visit?
For golden sandy beaches Madeira visitors can hop on a ferry to Porto Santo. Porto Santo Beach is a golden-yellow sandy beach stretching from the harbour, all the way to Ponta da Calheta.
There you have it, our list of Madeira best beaches. If you are wondering what to do in Madeira besides hiking, stop at one of these beaches, and enjoy the fabulous views and surroundings. You won’t regret it!
MORE POSTS ON MADEIRA
We have several interesting articles for you to read and help with your planning:
- Driving in Madeira – a guide for first timers
- Cable Cars in Madeira for a thrilling ride
- Visit Ponta do Garajau Madeira
- Renting a car in Madeira
- Best Towns in madeira
- Ponta Do Sol Madeira
- Madeira Hidden Gems
- Visit Porto Da Cruz
- Hike Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco
And click here to find guides to other destinations.
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