7 Most Beautiful Beaches In Madeira You’ll Love
Madeira is a beautiful island in the Atlantic Ocean with some of the best beaches in Europe. In this guide, we’ll explore the most beautiful beaches in Madeira that are sure to capture your heart.
Machico Beach (Praia de Machico)
Praia de Machico, otherwise known as Machico Beach, is a stunning beach located on the east coast of Madeira.
It’s considered one of the most breathtaking beaches in Madeira, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and stunning cliffs.
Located close to the large city of Funchal, Machico Beach offers a unique combination of stunning natural beauty and easy access to all modern amenities.
The location is part of its charm. It is located at the mouth of two rivers and surrounded by lush green hillsides, allowing you to see breathtaking views from every angle.
At Machico Beach, you have plenty of things to do. There are excellent restaurants with delicious seafood dishes where you can enjoy an incredible meal.
In addition, this beach is also ideal for sunbathing or simply taking in breathtaking views.
What’s more, the beach has a variety of shallow areas that make it perfect for swimming or simply paddling in cool waters. The strong waves here also make it a great spot for experienced surfers looking to catch some epic rides.
- Transport: Renting a car is the best way to get around Madeira. You can check car rental options here.
- Best places to stay near Machico Beach:
Calheta Beach (Ponta da Calheta)
Ponta da Calheta, or Calheta Beach, is one of the best sandy beaches in Madeira.
Located on the south coast of Madeira Island, this beach is known for its clear, turquoise waters, soft golden sand, and tranquil atmosphere. It is the perfect spot for a day of relaxation and exploration.
This beach is special because it’s in a sheltered bay, so you can enjoy calm waters away from strong currents.
You can also enjoy sunbathing or swimming in the warm waters while participating in various activities such as windsurfing, kite surfing, snorkeling, and fishing.
With plenty of nearby restaurants and bars to keep you entertained at night, there’s something for everyone here. Don’t miss their delicious local seafood dishes!
- Best places to stay near Calheta Beach:
- Saccharum Resort
- Calheta Beach Resort by Savoy Signature
- Packing: You can check my beach packing list for useful tips.
Prainha Beach (Prainha do Caniçal)
Located on Madeira’s north coast, Prainha Beach (Prainha do Caniçal) is one of the best beaches in Madeira.
It’s a remote black sand beach that offers tranquility and stunning ocean views. With a sheltered bay and one of the clearest waters in Madeira, it’s easy to see why Prainha Beach is so popular amongst locals and visitors alike.
The beach is small but has all you need for a relaxing day out or even a camping trip with friends. The natural beauty and its secluded location make Prainha Beach an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing.
There’s also plenty to explore nearby, including rocky cliffs and coves, so you can easily explore at your own pace.
This beach is also home to some beautiful walking trails which offer spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean. You can even take boat trips out into the deep blue sea for incredible sightseeing opportunities!
Best places to stay near Prainha Beach: Many travelers prefer to stay in Machico, which is about 4 km from Caniçal. For a pleasant stay in Caniçal, check out Casas do Baleeiro.
Seixal Beach (Praia do Porto do Seixal)
Praia do Porto do Seixal, also known as Seixal Beach, is one of Madeira’s most stunning and secluded beaches.
Located on the northwest coast of Funchal Bay near Canico de Baixo, this exquisite beach offers spectacular views of a mountain gorge and is ideal for swimming and relaxing.
With its clear waters and golden sand, Seixal Beach has become a favorite amongst sunbathers, swimmers, and nature lovers alike.
What makes Seixal Beach so special is its unique location. It is surrounded by cliffs covered with lush vegetation. This makes for a great escape from the hustle and bustle of other famous beaches in Madeira.
Swimming or snorkeling among colorful fish or simply relaxing on the beach are some activities you can enjoy here.
There’s also plenty to explore along the coastline, such as rock formations and caves – perfect for photography enthusiasts!
You can also relax under palm trees or participate in windsurfing or stand-up paddle boarding. The shallow water near the shore makes it perfect for children too!
Porto Santo Beach
With its stunningly clear waters, white sandy beach, and mountainous backdrop, Porto Santo Beach in Madeira is one of the rare beach paradises in the world.
Located on the northern coast of Madeira, this beach is renowned for its unique combination of soft golden sand, crystal clear sea, and incredible views.
As well as being an excellent spot for sunbathing and swimming in the warm waters, Porto Santo Beach also offers plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
For example, you can participate in water sports such as windsurfing or sailing, explore the nearby cliffs, or simply enjoy a relaxing picnic on the beach.
Those who want to explore further can also rent out kayaks or go snorkeling around vibrant reefs nearby full of colorful fish and sea life.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience at Porto Santo Beach, make sure to visit during summer when it comes alive with life!
- Best places to stay near Porto Santo beach:
Ponta do Sol Beach
Ponta do Sol Beach is a black pebble beach located on the south coast of Madeira. What makes this beach so special is its secluded location. It is situated between two large rocks providing a unique view of the Atlantic Ocean, which offers stunning views of the crystal-clear Atlantic ocean.
This beach is also known for its unique pebbles that give it an almost surreal atmosphere. Every year, tourists flock to this pebble beach to bask in its stunning views and crystal clear waters.
At Ponta do Sol Beach, there are plenty of activities for families and thrill seekers!
From swimming or sunbathing on the beach to exploring the nearby caves, you can enjoy all Madeira offers.
There are also kayaking and scuba diving opportunities for those looking for something more adventurous.
Best places to stay near Ponta do Sol beach: Enotel Sunset Bay is a great place to stay in the picturesque village of Ponta do Sol.
Praia Formosa Beach
Praia Formosa Beach has become a Madeira’s popular destination for travelers from all over the world.
Located near the stunning area of Ponta de São Lourenço, Praia Formosa Beach stands out for its unique mix of black sand and pebbles.
The scenery on this beach is so different from the greens we’re used to seeing elsewhere. You can find an arid landscape painted brown, orange, and yellow.
One strong advantage of Praia Formosa is it has lifeguards, a nursery, changing rooms, and snack bars. Those facilities are perfect if you plan on spending a full day in the sun.
You can expect a wide variety of activities to enjoy at Praia Formosa while taking in some stunning views.
Whether it’s basking on the beach, exploring nearby caves, or simply taking a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk, there is something here for everyone.
Praia Formosa offers plenty of spots for lounging around and laying out, with beach chairs provided throughout the area for those who want to soak up some sun on their vacation.
And for those adventurous types looking for an adrenaline rush, plenty of water sports, such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and even paddleboarding, are available.
Final thoughts about beaches in Madeira
From small secluded coves to large sandy expanses, these magical shores offer a wealth of opportunities for you.
Madeira has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a romantic beach holiday or an adventurous getaway.
