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Best Beaches in Madeira: Sand, Black Sand & Pools

Best Beaches in Madeira: Sand, Black Sand & Pools

The best beaches in Madeira: golden sand at Calheta and Machico, black sand at Seixal, Porto Santo's long beach, and natural pools.

JM
João Machado

February 28, 2024 • 3 min read

Best Beaches in Madeira: Sand, Black Sand & Pools

The best beaches in Madeira, in short

Quick answer: Madeira is volcanic, so its beaches are mostly pebbles, black volcanic sand or man-made golden sand rather than long natural sandy stretches. The golden-sand beaches are at Calheta and Machico (both with imported sand and calm, sheltered water), the dramatic black-sand beach is at Seixal, and the big natural golden beach is on the sister island of Porto Santo. For swimming, the island's natural volcanic pools at Porto Moniz are just as much a highlight. 

Does Madeira have sandy beaches?

Yes, but manage your expectations. Because the island rose from the sea as a volcano, most of its coast is cliffs, pebbles and black sand, not soft golden shoreline. To give visitors classic beaches, Calheta and Machico were built up with golden sand imported from Morocco, and they are lovely and family-friendly. For a true, long natural sandy beach, you cross to Porto Santo. Many of the best places to swim, though, are the sea-fed natural pools rather than beaches.

 

Three visitors run along the black sand of Seixal Beach in Madeira, Portugal, beside the Atlantic Ocean. Mist-covered volcanic cliffs rise above the shoreline along Madeira’s northern coast.
Seixal Beach, Seixal, Portugal

The best beaches in Madeira

1. Praia da Calheta

On the sunny south-west coast, Calheta is a man-made beach of golden sand imported from Morocco, with two sheltered bays enclosed by breakwaters. The calm, warm water makes it the safest, most family-friendly beach on the main island.

 

Elevated view of Calheta Beach in Madeira, Portugal, showing two sheltered golden sand bays beside the Atlantic Ocean. Terraced hillsides, houses, coastal roads, and breakwaters surround the beach on Madeira’s southwest coast.
Calheta Beach, Calheta, Portugal

2. Praia de Machico

Machico, Madeira's first town, has a crescent of fine golden sand, also imported from Morocco, protected by a rock breakwater. It is easy to reach on the east coast and comes with good facilities, from showers to beach volleyball.

 

Elevated view of Machico Beach in Madeira, Portugal, with the sheltered bay and waterfront below the town’s red-roofed buildings. Green mountain slopes rise behind Machico on Madeira’s eastern coast.
Machico Beach, Machico, Portugal

3. Praia do Seixal

On the wild north coast, Seixal is a striking black volcanic sand beach backed by green cliffs and waterfalls. It is more about the scenery than sunbathing, and one of the most photogenic beaches on the island.

 

Visitors walk along the black volcanic sand of Seixal Beach in Madeira, Portugal, surrounded by towering green cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. The dramatic landscape makes Seixal one of the island’s most scenic beaches on Madeira’s north coast.
Seixal Beach, Seixal, Portugal ©Ricardo Faria Paulino

4. Praia Formosa (Funchal)

The largest beach area near Funchal, Praia Formosa is a stretch of pebbles and dark sand with several coves, easy to reach from the city and popular with locals.

 

A couple walks along the dark pebble shoreline of Praia Formosa in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. Atlantic waves reach the beach as coastal buildings and light sea mist appear in the distance.
Praia Formosa, Funchal, Portugal ©Ricardo Faria Paulino

5. Porto Santo

Madeira's sister island has the region's best beach by far: an unbroken 9 km of natural golden sand with warm, shallow water, reached by ferry or a short flight. See our guide to Porto Santo.

 

Panoramic view of Porto Santo Beach near Vila Baleira, Portugal, showing the island’s long golden sand shoreline and clear blue Atlantic water. The town and dry volcanic hills extend along the coast beneath a bright sky.
Porto Santo Beach, Vila Baleira, Portugal

6. Praia da Ribeira Brava

A central south-coast beach of pebbles beside a pleasant seafront promenade, with cafés and an easy, laid-back feel in the town of Ribeira Brava.

 

Elevated view of Machico Beach in Madeira, Portugal, showing the sandy shoreline, waterfront promenade, and buildings along the bay. Steep green hills rise behind the town on Madeira’s eastern coast.
Machico Beach, Machico, Portugal ©Juergen Sack | Canva License Pro

7. Praia do Vigário (Ponta do Sol)

A small, sheltered pebble cove reached through a tunnel, tucked below Ponta do Sol on the sunny south coast, with a quiet, hidden feel.

 

Elevated view of Praia do Vigário in Ponta do Sol, Madeira, Portugal, showing the pebble beach, seafront promenade, and colorful buildings beneath terraced hillsides. Visitors relax along the sheltered shoreline on Madeira’s south coast.
Praia do Vigário, Ponta do Sol, Portugal

8. Prainha (Caniçal)

Near the eastern tip, Prainha is one of the island's few naturally sandy beaches, a small dark-sand cove that is popular in summer.

 

Elevated view of Prainha Beach near Caniçal, Madeira, Portugal, showing a small dark sand cove surrounded by dry volcanic cliffs. The sheltered beach opens onto the blue Atlantic Ocean near Madeira’s eastern tip.
Prainha Beach, Caniçal, Portugal ©Nuno Almeida | Canva License Pro

9. Praia de Santa Cruz

An east-coast town beach near the airport, with pebbles, a lido complex and good facilities, handy for a swim on the way in or out.

 

View of Santa Cruz Beach in Madeira, Portugal, showing a dark pebble shoreline, palm trees, and Atlantic waves beside the town’s waterfront. White houses with red-tiled roofs extend across the green hillside behind the beach.
Santa Cruz Beach, Santa Cruz, Portugal ©karnizz | Canva License Pro

10. Praia da Alagoa (Porto da Cruz)

A pebble-and-sand beach on the rugged north coast at Porto da Cruz, with dramatic mountain and sea views and good conditions for surfing.

 

Elevated view of Alagoa Beach in Porto da Cruz, Madeira, Portugal, showing the pebble-and-sand shoreline beneath the steep volcanic slopes of Penha d’Águia. Rocky islets rise from the Atlantic Ocean along Madeira’s rugged north coast.
Santa Cruz Beach, Santa Cruz, Portugal ©grauy | Canva License Pro

Do not forget the pools: for calm, safe swimming, the volcanic natural pools at Porto Moniz and the lidos in Funchal are among the best places to get in the water.

Frequently asked questions about Madeira's beaches

Does Madeira have sandy beaches?
What is the best beach in Madeira?
Are there black sand beaches in Madeira?
Where is the best beach for families in Madeira?
Can you swim in the sea in Madeira?

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