The best beaches in Madeira await you. An ever-present sun warming the sand and an ocean which is always between 18 and 24 degrees.  What more do you want? Welcome to Madeira. The sublime beach of Seixal surrounded by lush nature, the family beaches of Calheta and Ribeira Brava, the wellness and relaxation beach of Porto Santo or even the secret beach of Jardim do Mar, you have a large choice of beaches as beautiful as they are unforgettable.

Awarded as the most beautiful island in the world, Madeira is a destination that brings together nature lovers, relaxation, sublime landscapes, sun, shopping, cocktails, sports activities, wellness, active holidays, whether you are travelling as a couple or as a family.

Do not delay and book your flights, accommodation, activities and tours or rent a car in Madeira and set off to explore the best beaches in Madeira.

Praia do Porto do Seixal – Seixal

For the beauty of its volcanic sand, its crystal-clear waters, the incredible cliffs where lush vegetation clings, Praia do Porto do Seixal is certainly one of the best beaches in Madeira. In reality there is not one but several beaches in Seixal, a civil parish located in the Northwest of the main island, a few minutes from the natural pools of Porto Moniz.

The beach in this photo is “Praia do Porto do Seixal beach” the beach at the port of Seixal. The beach is not very big but is worth the trip for the spectacular views of the North coast of Madeira Island. A perfect beach for instagrammers and nature lovers.

This beach is located just 40 minutes by car from Funchal.

Book your flights to Madeira, your accommodation, tours and activities in Madeira, such as a scuba diving experience and discover the most beautiful beaches of Madeira.

Praia do Vigário – Câmara de Lobos

We had been to Madeira before, but how could we have missed the most beautiful pebble beach in Madeira? The waves are sometimes rough, but the views are truly breath-taking on the cliff of Cabo Girão (the highest cliff in Europe) and give the beach a unique and authentic atmosphere. 

This is where young people and families from Câmara de Lobos (one of the most populous towns in Madeira) come to relax. A little poncha (rum made from sugar cane grown in Madeira), music and lots of sun and you have the ingredients for a perfect lazy day. The beach has changing rooms and showers and you can eat on site. The beach is supervised during the high season by several lifeguards.

Do not miss miss “Praia do Vigario” one of the most beautiful beaches in Madeira.

Book your flights, accommodation, activities and tours or rent a car in Madeira and set off to explore the best beaches in Madeira.

Machico Bay Beach – Machico

“Praia de Machico” is a pretty golden sand beach located in Machico. If you are dying to swim as soon as you arrive at Funchal airport, take a taxi and in 5 minutes you arrive in Machico, the ancient capital of Madeira Island.

One of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Madeira awaits you there. This sheltered beach is perfect for families and surrounded by restaurants and entertainment companies that offer “Whales & Dolphins watching tours“.

Machico is located 20 minutes by car from Funchal, to the east of this Paradise Island. Prepare your swimsuits, your environmentally friendly sunscreen and treat yourself to moments of pure relaxation on one of the most beautiful beaches in Madeira.

Porto Santo Beach – Porto Santo

Porto Santo is the second inhabited island of the Madeira archipelago. People come here for its kilometres of fine golden sand (renowned for its therapeutic properties), its wellness hotels, its world-renowned golf course, its diving centre, the hospitality and sympathy of the population and the beauty of its landscapes and the wonderful turquoise blue waters.

Climb to the Miradouro da Portela ranked among the best viewpoints in Madeira. The view of this unique island will take your breath away.

Did you know that Christiano Ronaldo’s mother also often enjoys a relaxing afternoon on the beaches of Porto Santo? The fastest way to get there is by plane from the airport of Funchal in about 25 minutes. But you can go by boat too and the crossing takes about two hours.

Calheta Beach – Calheta

Two beaches of fine golden sand, sheltered and  made to measure for families, friends, lovers, synonymous with sun, relaxation and safety. The beach of Calheta are magnificent sandy beaches located to the west of Madeira.  They have been created with the most beautiful fine sand for days of pure relaxation, 45 minutes by car from Funchal.

Calheta means in Portuguese “small cove”. It is a sheltered place, which makes it one of the most pleasant beaches on the island. If you are interested in art, be sure to visit the arts centre “Casa das Mudas”, a must-see for art and architecture enthusiasts.

Do you have 5 minutes? Also discover the secret beach of Jardim do Mar, a 10-minute drive away.

Book your flights, accommodation, activities and tours or rent a car in Madeira and set off to explore the best beaches in Madeira.

Ribeira Brava Beach – Ribeira Brava

Praia da Ribeira is a beautiful pebble beach located in the village of Ribeira Brava, a fairly quiet village that comes alive during religious processions. This beach is clean and quiet.

You can reach it with the local bus from Funchal or drive (20 min from Funchal) or with a rented car. Do not miss the church of Ribeira Brava and go up to the lighthouse which offers breathtaking views of Ribeira Brava.

If you are ‘brave’ you go up to the viewpoint “Miradoudoro da Encumeada” (1000 m above sea level) which offers sublime views of the north and south of the Island.

Praia do Porto da Cruz – Porto da Cruz

There are two main beaches in Porto da Cruz, a must see during your stay in Madeira. The first is unmissable as it is located in the immediate vicinity of the Porto da Cruz swimming pools.

The other beach is at the end of the promenade along the coast and is frequented by surfers. Do not miss a visit to the last steamed rum distillery “North Mills Distillery” in Porto da Cruz to taste a 100% local rum made from sugar cane grown on the island.

If you come on Sunday morning you can bathe while hearing mass. To allow residents who have difficulty getting to the church, loudspeakers have been installed outside. The organ and the sound of the waves will accompany your relaxing day on the beach of Porto da Cruz, one of the most beautiful beaches in Madeira.

Book your flights, accommodation, activities and tours or rent a car in Madeira and set off to explore the best beaches in Madeira.

Prainha Beach – Caniçal

“Prainha beach” is located a few minutes’ drive from “Machico Bay Beach”, east of the island. “Prainha” means small beach. This secret beach is not visible from the road

Park nearby and have a drink or a bit of lunch in a shop located upstream from the beach. Small picnic tables are set up on this pretty sandy beach.

Discover one of Madeira’s secret beaches by Booking your flights, accommodation, activities and tours such as a dolphin and whale watching catamaran tour.

Quinta do Lorde Private Beach – Caniçal

For those who like discretion, privacy, relaxation and high- level services, “Quinta do Lorde Resort” is for you. With its architecture perfectly integrated into the landscape, this resort looks like a typical Madeirean village.

It features its own marina, a private beach area and private pools. It is an excellent choice for those who like exclusivity and a 5-star service. The beach and swimming pool are reserved for hotel guests, but you are very welcome to enjoy the restaurants and bars of the resort or stay there and enjoy all its facilities.

Quinta do Lorde Resort will reopen in spring 2021.

Book your flights, accommodation, activities and tours or rent a car and set off to explore the best beaches in Madeira.

Santa Cruz Beach – Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz beach is one of the best beaches in Madeira. Located 15 minutes by car from the capital, Funchal (1 hour by public transport), this beach is also called “Praia das Palmeiras, palm tree beach.

With its jetty jutting out towards the ocean and its magnificent palm trees, it is a beautiful beach for photo enthusiasts and Instagrammers. Families will also appreciate the outdoor swimming pool located in front of this pebble beach. A “parque infantil”, made for the joy of little ones is located near the beach.

Jardim do Mar Beach – Jardim do Mar

The long and narrow pebble beach of Jardim do Mar is one of the beautiful secret beaches of Madeira.

Located 50 minutes by car from Funchal, people come here to walk by the ocean, to observe exceptional views from the Miradouro de Jardim do Mar but also to surf. This spot is particularly popular with surfers.

For easier access to the ocean, park in “Rua do Portinho” and put your towel at “Portinho beach” which has sanitary facilities, bars and restaurants nearby.

Book your flights, accommodation, activities and tours or rent a car and set off to explore the best beaches in Madeira.