Best beaches and swimming pools in Madeira Island

The results are in and the best beach in Madeira is… *Porto Santo*.

Just joking! (Kind of.)

While Madeira doesn’t have endless strands of golden sand, it doesn’t mean you can’t tip your toes in the ocean. Whether with dark sand, artificial sand or the ever-present pebble, there are several beaches around the island with warm, turquoise, inviting water.

Here are the best beaches and swimming pools in Madeira island: 

Best Beaches in Funchal

Doca do Cavacas in Funchal – these natural pools are a great alternative if you can’ t make the trip to Porto Moniz or Seixal.

Praia do Almirante Reis

This is not an award-winning beach. Technically, it’s still a part of the port. It doesn’t have the most dazzling scenery. Or the flattest place to lie down. But it’s right in city center, and a perfect place to go for a swim after a day of sightseeing, tasting local delicacies or exploring the old town. The small bay shields you from rough tides and the waves are always gentle. All you need, really, are some water shoes to avoid slipping on the pebble. (Every time I see someone getting out of the water on all fours, I know they’re not reading my blog!). 

Barreirinha

Not far from Praia Almirante Reis, there’s a small beach near the yellow fort. This is a favourite among locals, the place where everyone went during their childhoods, and it has a bar. Further away from the fort, you also have the Complexo Balnear da Barreirinha, managed by Frente Mar Funchal, which has an entrance fee. To be exact, Barreirinha is more of an ocean access than a beach, but it does come with changing facilities, sunbeds, sunshades and lifeguards. You can purchase a Funchal “Frente Mar” card to give you access to more municipal facilities. 

Doca do Cavacas

If you don’t have time to explore the rest of the island and can’t go to Seixal or Porto Moniz, Doca do Cavacas is the place to go. These natural pools with a view over the seashore will get rid of any FOMO you may be feeling. You can use the same “Frente Mar” card to get in and purchase a sunbed for the day. However, do be aware that the pools are quite deep, so they may not be suitable for small children that are still learning to swim and float. Otherwise, this is an incredible experience you can have without getting out of Funchal. 

Praia do Seixal, overlooking the North shore of the island, with intense cerulean waters and black sand.

Best Beaches in Madeira: the Eastern Coast

Praia do Garajau 

It does take some work to get down there. You’re either comfortable with a steep ride on the cable car, or you’re an apt driver who can zig-zag through the mountains all the way to the bottom. But once the ride is over, there’s a reward. Praia do Garajau is within the Natural Reserve of Garajau, making it one of the best spots on the island to dive and take a peak at submarine wildlife in the crystal clear waters. Even a simple snorkel will turn the beach day into a transformative experience! By the way, there are toilets, a first aid post and a small bar down there.

Praia dos Reis Magos

Although Caniço can get windy, this is another beach favoured by locals. The ocean is usually calm, with just enough waves, and there’s a shallow natural pool for kids in Reis Magos. Plus, there’s a diving center and lifeguards, so it’s definitely a place where you can enjoy a day at the beach as a whole family. 

Praia da Banda d’ Além 

Banda d’Além is the actual name of Machico’s artificial sand beach – the first of its kind on the island. Machico usually has the highest water temperature, the sea is pretty calm, and the sand will give it a more familiar feel. However, it does tend to get crowded in the summertime: you may have to fight for a space for your towel or even for some swimming space. So it’s definitely not on my “must” list for Madeira, but it’s something to consider if you really can’t get used to the pebble (I get it, it takes awhile). 

Prainha do Caniçal

Well-hidden beyond the hills, you almost won’t believe your eyes when you get down there and see a small streak of black volcanic sand. Prainha, near Ponta de S. Lourenço, is still one of Madeira’s best-kept secrets. If you go, try not to leave anything behind you: keep everything as you found it, and don’t deny the locals the joy of holidaying on their own island. This beach also has showers, toilets and changing rocks, plus a small snack-bar if you get hungry.

Calheta’s sand beach is a perfect spot for families with children.

Best beaches in Madeira: The Western Coast

Praia da Madalena do Mar

Madalena do Mar is a popular destination with locals and foreigners alike. While the beach itself is small, the weather is always nice and sunny, there are some cafés and even a playground, so it’s perfect for an afternoon out with the whole family. If you want a less family-friendly, more boho vibe, continue along the coastline to Paul do Mar, where you’ll find the uber famous Maktub Pub, music parties, and the occasional Summer festival. 

Praia da Calheta

Calheta is one of the two beaches in Madeira with artificial yellow sand brought from Morocco (which is actually the closest country to the island!). If you’re with children, it’s a nice place to spend the whole day playing, enjoying the sun, eating snacks or even trying something a little more sporty like canyoning or renting a catamaran. However, don’t limit yourself to these artificial beaches. If you don’t give a chance to the pebble beaches, you can’t say you’ve been to Madeira.

Porto Moniz is the prettiest place you’ll ever swim in, completely in touch with Nature.

Best beaches in Madeira: the Northern shore & its natural pools

Praia Maiata

Between the East and Northern bits of the island lies the wonderful little village of Porto da Cruz, with its particular brand of charm and an incipient hipster vibe that will compete with Ponta do Sol in a few years – mark my words. A little further away from the village and the sugar cane factory, there’s a small, dark sandy beach called “Maiata”, with an advantage viewpoint towards the ever-imposing Penha D’Águia mountain. Since it does not have any infrastructure, you’ll feel like you have the whole beach (and the whole island) to yourself. 

Praia do Porto do Seixal

You’ve probably seen a photo of a dark sand beach overlooking the North side of the island, branding Madeira as the “Hawaii of Europe”. Well, the beach in that photo is Praia do Seixal. This is actually a small, unsupervised beach, and the manmade roads and parking space  probably damaged the natural charm it must’ve had before the island was touched by humans. However, it’s a nice spot for a swim and you can take the opportunity to explore the North side.

Seixal Natural Pools

Not far from the Seixal beach, there are a few natural pools (also known as “Poças das Lesmas”). You’ll feel embraced by the dark, volcanic rocks, which offer a stunning contrast with the deep turquoise of the sea. There’s a small entrance fee (2.5€), but these pools are supervised and have showers where you can change. Just be careful not to feel a false sense of security, because the tides can change rapidly on the North side of the island. 

Porto Moniz Natural Pools

The first time I came to Madeira, Porto Moniz natural lava pools were my absolute favourite spot on the whole island. I had never seen terraced, natural pools, much less with such warm water and a clear view of the bottom. And of course, this was way before Porto Moniz got overcrowded. But there’s still something incredibly magnetic about these pools, an unpolished charm, and an undeniable evidence that Nature is the closest thing to perfection. 

Despite what recent ads and videos may promote, Madeira is not Hawaii. There are no endless sandy beaches surrounded by palm trees. Water shoes are not sexy. But if you’re game for pebble, it pays off. The temperature is inviting all the way until October. The water is so clean you can see iridescent fish as soon as you step into the ocean – yes, even in Funchal, and even in the pebble. That’s Madeira!