Looking where to go for a swim on Madeira Island?
Discover below the best beaches in Madeira including:
- The few sandy beaches
- The best pebble beaches for swimming and sunbathing
- The most beautiful beaches for photography
- The best beaches for active vacation: snorkel, dive, surf…
With practical tips and map to help you choose the best option for you.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Madeira:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Madeira: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Catamaran tour to go whale watching
My favorite excursion from Funchal: 4×4 tour of East Madeira
MMy favorite places to stay in Funchal: Les Suites at the Cliff Bay (Luxury) – Sé Boutique Hotel (4 stars) – Market Place by Storytellers (apartments)
My favorite places to stay outside Funchal: Saccharum Resort near a beach (Luxury) – Estalagem da Ponta do Sol (4 stars) – Engho Velho Hotel (mid-range)
About the beaches on Madeira island
Selection of best Madeira beaches
Below in this article, I describe in more details all the best beaches on the island, with pictures. However, if you want short answers:
Top 3 Madeira sandy beaches
- Seixal black sand beach
- Machico beach
- Calheta Beach
Top 3 Madeira beaches for swimming and sunbathing:
- Praia Formosa
- Ponta do Sol Beach
- Faial Beach
Top 3 Madeira beaches for photography (scenic)
- Calhau da Lapa
- Sao Jorge Beach & Ruins
- Praia de Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela
The best beaches in Madeira – Map
Below is a map to help you get oriented and locate my selection of the best beaches:
All my favorite locations are included in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Madeira trip:
Plan your dream trip in Madeira thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 120+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 260+ original photos to help you choose
The Madeira beaches – reality check
Because it is an “exotic” island, many people hope to find dreamy beach.
Madeira is a wonderful island, but it is not home to magnificent sandy beaches.
You will find:
- mostly pebble beaches with smaller or larger rocks
- a couple of beaches with natural black sand (the island is of volcanic origin)
- a couple of beaches with imported golden sand
The Porto Santo beach alternative
If you are looking for a long sandy dreamy beach, know that another island of the archipelago offers one.
The island of Porto Santo has a 9km golden sand beach with turquoise waters.
Porto Santo is a lot smaller than Madeira island. It is of volcanic origin as well, but does not have the lush vegetation of Madeira because its mountains are smaller.
To get to Porto Santo, you can take the ferry. It takes 2h30 to cross between islands.
You can do a day trip in Porto Santo or stay several days.
You can book a day trip which include a visit of the main sights and time at the beach – check out a complete day trip option from Funchal
4 Best sandy beaches in Madeira
Let’s start with the sandy beaches.
There are few on the island. Natural sand is black. For the few beaches with golden sand, know that it is imported.
#1 – Seixal black sand beach (natural sand)
- About Praia do Porto do Seixal –
This is clearly the most beautiful beach on the island, in my opinion.
It is what I imagine when thinking of an old volcanic island: smooth black sand with steep cliffs with lush vegetation.
There is even a small waterfall on the beach!
A very impressive beach which has it all: sand, scenery, nice waters…
Plus, in the same village you can find stunning natural pools with a lava arch.
Learn more - Location / How to get there –
North Coast, in the village of Seixal
15min drive East of Porto Moniz.
45min drive from Funchal
You need to rent a car to reach it - Practical Tips –
Easy access, parking spaces on the way down to the beach.
At the small harbor.
No lifeguards. - Facilities –
Restrooms, showers, restaurants - See the accommodations in Seixal
#2 – Machico sandy beach
- About Praia de Machico –
In the historical town of Machico, you can find the largest sandy beach.
The crescent-shaped beach is made up of imported sand from Morocco. With the palm leaves umbrella, you could almost say it looks like an exotic beach.
A rock wall creates a protected area for swimming. - Location / How to get there –
East coast of Madeira, town of Machico
Very easy to access, just off the fast road.
30min drive from Funchal
By car or by bus. - Practical Tips –
Carpark nearby but fills up quickly. For a fee.
Lifeguards - Facilities –
Activities such as volleyball, pedal boats
Restaurants on the promenade nearby
Shower toilets - See the best rated accommodations in Machico
#3 – Prainha sandy beach (natural sand)
- About Praia do Caniçal / Praia da Prainha –
Hidden at the foot of the cliffs on the way to the famous Peninsula Ponta de Sao Lourenço, this is the other beach with natural black sand.
Here, you can appreciate the volcanic nature of Madeira. No greenery here, the colorful rocks are exposed. - Location / How to get there –
East Coast, 5min drive from the village of Caniçal
Access by car - Practical Tips –
Parking area at the top of the cliffs.
Then you have to walk down to read the beach via a trail. - Facilities –
Restrooms, showers, beach bar, restaurant - Check out the best rated accommodations in Caniçal
#4 – Praia da Calheta
- About Praia da Calheta –
This is probably the most famous beach in Madeira.
It is a man-made lagoon with sea walls and sandy beaches at each end of the oval-shaped area.
The sand was imported frim Morocco and Portugal. - Location / How to get there –
West of the South Coast
40min drive from Funchal - Practical Tips –
At the bottom of the cliffs, the town is above.
Carpark along the beach – gets full during the day – parking for a fee (bring coins) - Facilities –
Water sports, restaurants, restrooms, showers… - There is a luxury hotel right at the beach – the Saccharum Resort & Spa – Check out photos and availability
or Check out the best rated accommodations in Calheta
Need to rent a car in Madeira?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
- And choose a car not too big, to easily manoeuver
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
7 best beaches in Madeira for sunbathing & swimming (pebbles)
Most beaches in Madeira are covered with pebbles of various sizes.
Some are good for swimming and sunbathing. Others have rocks too big, it can be even difficult to walk on the beach.
Below are some of the best options for you to enjoy the sun.
#5 – Praia Formosa
- About Praia Formosa –
Probably the most famous pebble beach on the island, because it is located close to Funchal and the Lido area where most hotels are located.
This is a long pebble beach with a little bit of sand at low tide. - Location / How to get there –
On the South Coast of Madeira, West of Funchal
10min drive from the old town - Practical Tips –
Easy parking
Lifeguards - Facilities –
Beach bars, restaurants, restrooms. - Check out the best rated accommodations in Funchal – click on map and look to the west
#6 – Ponta do Sol Beach
- About Ponta do Sol beach –
Ponta do Sol is famous on the island as being the town that receives the most sun.
Therefore, if you are looking for a place for sunbathing, its beach is a clear top option.
Plus, the seafront is stunning with colorful buildings and an old bridge into the sea.
More pictures in my Ponta do Sol article - Location / How to get there –
South Coast, West of Ribeira Brava
30min drive West of Funchal - Practical Tips –
Lifeguard
Parking in Ponta do Sol is difficult – and for a fee (bring coins) - Facilities –
Restaurant, showers - See the best rated accommodations in Ponta do Sol
#7 – Faial Beach
- About Faial beach –
Lesser know beach on the North coast of Madeira.
It offers a nice sheltered area to swim and magnificent views of the cliffs. - Location / How to get there –
Town of Faial, North Coast, not far from famous Santana.
35min drive from Funchal - Practical Tips –
Large carpark
Easy and Free access
May have lifeguards - Facilities –
Restrooms, restaurant - See the accommodations in Faial
#8 – Camara de Lobos Beach
- About Praia de Vigaro in Camara de Lobos –
Camara de Lobos is famous for its little harbor with colorful boats.
It has a picturesque old center with lots of restaurants.
But it is also home to a long pebble beach protected by high cliffs.
Learn more about the town in my Camara de Lobos article. - Location / How to get there –
South Coast just West of Funchal – 15min drive
You can visit by car or take the hop-on hop off bus from Funchal (get tickets) - Practical Tips –
Several carparks in town – for a fee (bring coins) - Facilities –
Beach bar
Not facilities, no lifeguards - See the best rated accommodations in Camara de Lobos
#9 – Praia dos Reis Magos
- About Praia dos Reis Magos –
Small beach with a variety of options:
Pebble beach, access to sea with volcanic cliffs, boats… and a rectangular pool-like area with stair access and protection with walls and rocks. - Location / How to get there –
Caniço, East Coast
15min drive from Funchal - Practical Tips –
Large carpark. Slope / stairs to access the beach
Free access
Great location for diving. - Facilities –
Bar, restrooms - See the best rated accommodations in Caniço
#10 – Caniçal – Praia da Ribeira de Natal
- About Praia Ribeira de Natal –
Beware the beach referred to as Caniçal beach is out of town. It is Prainha beach we saw in the sand section.
In the small town of Caniçal, you can find a long pebble beach. You can see it on the right of the picture.
Here the water is stunning and the area quiet.
Plus, the town is home to the whale museum, a great place to visit. - Location / How to get there –
North of the East coast, South of the town of Caniçal
35min drive from Funchal - Practical Tips –
Easy access – quiet area - Facilities –
One bar at South end - Check out the best rated accommodations in Caniçal
#11 – Old town Funchal beach – Praia do Almirante Reis
- About Praia do Almirante Reis –
This is not really one of the best beach in Madeira, however many people wonder if there is a beach in Funchal.
So, I thought it would be useful to include this pebble beach here. It is close to the old town of Funchal, near the Monte Cable Car lower station. - Location / How to get there –
In Funchal - Practical Tips –
All facilities in town
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
4 best Madeira beaches for photography
The reality is: you don’t come to Madeira to stay at the beach; you travel to Madeira to discover incredible landscapes: high cliffs, mountains, lush valleys volcanic features…
So below are some of the most beautiful beaches in Madeira, in terms of scenery.
#12 – Calhau da Lapa
- About Calhau da Lapa –
It is one of the hidden gems of Madeira (see my list).
This little cove is only accessible via a walk with 700 stairs or by boat. This is quite a unique place in Madeira.
The walk down will take you to a waterfall and then to the beach at the bottom of the volcanic cliffs.
The particularities are the fishermen’ cave-house inside those colorful cliffs. - Location / How to get there –
South Coast
20min drive West of Funchal - Practical Tips –
Difficult access
Beach bar
It is considered one beach with the clearest water. - Learn more
#13 – Sao Jorge Beach & Ruins
- About Sao Jorge Beach –
I headed to Sao Jorge, mostly to photograph the arch in the ruins.
But was I discovered was really worth the detour, not just the ruins.
The beach is at the end of a lush valley with high cliffs on both sides. It is very photogenic. - Location / How to get there –
North Coast, West of Santana
Funchal to Sao Jorge = 50min drive
Accessible only if you have a rental car. - Practical Tips –
Easy access, easy to park
Beach bar, changing room, restrooms
#14 – Praia de Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela
- About Ribeira da Janela –
This is one of those beaches with really large rocks. So it is not easy to walk on the beach.
But you should try to admire the waves crashing on the sea stacks.
And if you don’t want to walk on the beach, you can take a staircase up to a tunnel in the cliffs to reach a viewpoint.
Learn more on my Ribeira da Janela article. - Location / How to get there –
North Coast, 5min East of Porto Moniz
1h drive from Funchal - Practical Tips –
Restrooms, large carpark
See the best rated accommodations in Porto Moniz
#15 – Porto da Cruz beach
- About Porto da Cruz –I love Porto da Cruz. It is a quiet village on the North Coast.Here, you can find a mix of tourists and locals. There are 2 pebble beaches. One at the foot of the impressive Penha de Aguia mount. And one of the other side of the town with views all the way to Ponta de Sao Lourenço (the tail of Madeira).
- Location / How to get there – Porto da Cruz, North-East Coast35min drive from Funchal
- Practical Tips – Restaurants for both beaches, restrooms on the West beach.
- See the accommodations in Porto da Cruz
Where to stay in Madeira?
My favorites:
- For a choice of restaurants and if you don’t rent a car: see best-rated options in Funchal
- Luxury resorts: check out the Lido area in Funchal
- For a sandy beach: see best-rated options in Machico
- For a quiet village in beautiful scenery: see best-rated options in Porto da Cruz
- For practical location to explore: see best-rated options in Ribeira Brava
- To enjoy the natural pools: see best-rated options in Porto Moniz
4 Madeira beaches for diving, snorkeling or surfing
Looking for a more active beach experience in Madeira?
Check out those other options to snorkel, dive or surf!
#16 – Garajau beach
- About Garajau beach –
Even if you don’t go snorkeling, Garajau is already a very enjoyable beach with beautiful cliffs and a cable car to reach it.
This beach is in the center of the marine reserve “Reserva natural Parcial do Garajau.” It was created in 1986, and it was the first exclusive marine reserve in Portugal. The beach is located between Lazaretto’s Quay and Ponta da Oliveira. The clear water offers a 60 feet visibility all year round.
See article about Ponta do Garajau. - Location / How to get there –
South-East coast, near the town of Caniço and near the Christ statue of Ponta do Garajau
10min East of Funchal - Practical Tips –
Lifeguards
Large carpark - Facilities –
Toilets and restaurant at the top and the bottom - Check out the best rated accommodations in Caniço
#9 bis – Praia dos Reis Magos – rocky part
- About Praia dos Reis Magos –
We already saw that beach earlier in the pebble beach. Just know that it also has access to volcanic cliffs at one end andvery clear water.
Therefore, it is a great place to snorkel. - Location / How to get there –
Caniço, East Coast
15min drive from Funchal - Practical Tips –
Large carpark. Slope / stairs to access the beach
Free access - Facilities –
Bar, restrooms - Check out the best rated accommodations in Caniço
#17 – Jardim do Mar Beach – surf
- About Jardim do Mar beach –
On the southwestern side of Madeira is where you find the best breaks to surf (NE winds).
Jardim to do Mar is the most famous spot to surf on the island, but only for intermediate and advances surfers. - Location / How to get there –
South Coast
1h drive from Funchal - Practical Tips –
Easy access – not a beach to sunbath - See the best rated accommodations in Jardim do Mar
#18 – Paul do Mar Beach
- About Paul do Mar –
Located even further East, Paul do Mar is a quiet village at the foot of the cliffs.
It is also known for its waves. When the N/NW/W ground swells arrive, there will be surf in the 6-to-15-foot range. - Location / How to get there –
South Coast
1h drive from Funchal - Practical Tips –
Quiet village, few restaurants
Seixal beach
For beginners, know that Seixal beach (#1) has a surf club.
Plan your trip to Mallorca:
Other places to swim – natural pools & boat tours
But beaches are not the only opportunities to swim in Madeira.
Here are a couple of other options.
Madeira natural pools – Porto Moniz and more
As I wrote earlier, Madeira is not famous for its beaches.
However, it is famous of its natural pools, especially the ones in Porto Moniz.
This is where the lava has created areas that get filled by sea water. This is such a fantastic experience to have.
You can enjoy that in:
- Porto Moniz (2 sets of natural pools) – North Coast
- Seixal with the lava arch – North Coast
- Doca Do Cavacas – South Coast
Learn more on my article about the natural pools in Madeira.
Boat tours
Another way to experience swimming in the waters of Madeira is when on a boat tours (see my list of the best Madeira boat tours). Some of them include time to go for a swim.
For example –
- On a catamaran dolphin watching tour, you will also stop under the Cabo Girao Cliffs for a swim
- On a dolphin watching tour where you can swim with dolphins (limited spaces)
See the boat tour options and check if swimming in included
Madeira Beaches FAQs
Are there any sandy beaches in Madeira?
Yes, there are a couple with natural black sand and a couple with imported golden sand.
However, most beaches are pebble beaches.
Are there any good beaches in Madeira?
It depends what is a good beach for you.
There are beaches with clear waters, beaches with stunning scenery, beaches with sand, beaches with waves for surfing.
However, if you are dreaming of a ling sandy beach with palm trees, Madeira is not the destination for you.
Does Funchal have a sandy beach? Are there beaches in Funchal?
No. There is no sandy beach in Funchal.
There is a small pebble beach near the old town of Funchal, and other small ones around the Lido area.
You can find a larger pebble beach 10min drive from the old center: Praia Formosa.
Want to see more of the best Madeira offers?
- 42 Madeira travel tips to plan an unforgettable trip – read article
- Where to stay in Madeira – best areas – read article
- The 35 best things to do in Madeira – read article
- Best time to visit Madeira – read article
- The best landscapes in Madeira in 40 pictures – read article
- The 7 cables cars in Madeira and their amazing views – read article
- Tips to rent a car and drive around Madeira – read article
- 12 Madeira Hidden Gems – read article
- Best things to do in Funchal – read article
Planning a trip to Madeira?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Madeira thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 120+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 260+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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