The following list highlights some of the best beaches in Madeira. So if you are in Madeira, I recommend visiting the following:
The Best Beaches In Calheta
Calheta Beach, Madeira Island
Address – Calheta Beach, Madeira Island, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 32°43’17.2″N 17°10’48.7″W
Calheta beach is located on Madeira Island. The sand from this beach was brought from North Africa, specifically from Western Sahara. It is a quiet beach because it is surrounded by a breakwater built especially for this beach. It is very close to the road and due to its shape has 2 shores, one on each side.
The Best Beaches In Machico
Machico Beach, Madeira Island
Address – Machico Beach, Madeira Island, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 32°43’05.9″N 16°45’44.2″W
Machico beach is located on Madeira Island. It is crescent-shaped, surrounded by two stone and concrete piers, a promenade and restaurants. The breakwaters prevent it from being too hectic, it is a family beach and very pleasant.
Prainha Beach, Madeira Island
Address – Prainha Beach, Madeira Island, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 32°44’34.0″N 16°42’57.3″W
Prainha beach is located on Madeira Island. It is surrounded by immense rocks and a great mountain. It is a quiet beach because the rocks are responsible for breaking the waves. Its shore is spacious but not so extensive. There is not much vegetation, but the landscape is very relaxing.
Maiata Beach, Madeira
Address – Praia da Maiata, Madeira
Google Maps Link – 32°46’03.8″N 16°49’17.2″W
Maiata Beach is located in Porto da Cruz, on the northern coast of Madeira, the largest island in the Madeira archipelago. A small pebble beach with black sand spots, surrounded by unspoiled nature, where you can relax and admire the unique views. The water is usually rough with big waves, making it a favorite spot for surfers; however, the strong currents are not safe for swimming. It can get busy during the afternoons. You can find restaurants in the village nearby.
Alagoa Beach, Porto da Cruz
Address – Alagoa Beach, Praia da Alagoa, Porto da Cruz, Madeira
Google Maps Link – 32°46’28.8″N 16°49’44.0″W
Alagoa Beach is located in Porto da Cruz, on the northern coast of Madeira island, part of the Madeira archipelago. Small and rocky, this calm beach offers dramatic views and surfing for everyone. The waves are strong and perfect to surf for beginners and professionals alike. A surf school in the area has surfboards available for rent, and instructors for beginners. However, the waves and currents are too strong to swim safely. There is a restaurant nearby, as well as a resort. It tends to be busy around midday, especially during the weekend.
The Best Beaches In Ponta do Sol
Madalena do Mar Beach, Madalena do Mar
Address – Praia da Madalena do Mar, Madalena do Mar, Madeira
Google Maps Link – 32°42’10.9″N 17°08’16.8″W
Praia da Madalena do Mar is located in Madalena do Mar, in the southwestern coast of Madeira Island of Portugal. Both pebbled and sandy, this quiet beach backdropped with verdant hills offers stunning sunset views. The waves are calm and safe for swimming, and the clear water is perfect for snorkelling. Along the road to the beach, you can find a beach bar and a restaurant with amazing food and views just as amazing.
Ponta do Sol Beach, Ponta do Sol
Address – Praia da Ponta do Sol, Ponta do Sol, Madeira
Google Maps Link – 32°40’45.2″N 17°06’17.6″W
Ponta do Sol Beach is located in Ponta do Sol, on the southern coast of Madeira, the largest island in the Madeira archipelago. This stunning pebble beach, with a unique atmosphere and stunning views, is a must-visit while on Madeira. The water is calm and safe for swimming, and the sunsets are unforgettable. You can walk around and explore the area, visiting many picturesque spots. There are a few restaurants at the beach and nearby. It can be busy, but the atmosphere is always serene.
The Best Beaches In Porto Moniz
Laje Beach, Madeira Island
Address – Laje Beach, Madeira Island, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 32°49’34.3″N 17°06’49.8″W
Laje beach is located on Madeira Island. Also known as Playa da Jamaica, is a black sand beach of free access and sanitary facilities that is located next to the town of Seixal. It is hidden between rocks and enjoys a beautiful landscape that stands out for the contrast between the green mountains and the crystalline blue of the sea.
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pool, Madeira Island
Address – Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pool, Madeira Island, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 32°52’07.0″N 17°10’15.1″W
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pool is located on Madeira Island. It is a place with natural pools formed from volcanic magma. As its name says, it is a natural pool delimited by the rocks that surround it.
Seixal Beach, Madeira
Address – Seixal Beach, ER101, 9270, Madeira
Google Maps Link – 32°49’14.5″N 17°06’11.0″W
Seixal Beach is located in Seixal, in the northern coast of Madeira Island of Portugal. With black sand and views over volcanic rock formations littering the dark blue waters, Seixal Beach is an otherworldly spot. The beach has nice waves for surf beginners and you can get your first lessons with the surf school in the area; still, the waters are calm and safe for swimming. There are beach bars along the beach, and at the Clube Naval do Seixal you can find a restaurant. The beach can get crowded around 5 PM on weekends.
The Best Beaches In Porto Santo
Porto Santo Beach, Porto Santo
Address – Praia Santo, Beach, Porto Santo, Madeira
Google Maps Link – 33°02’16.5″N 16°21’32.0″W
Porto Santo Beach is located along the southern coast of Porto Santo Island, part of the Madeira Islands of Portugal. This thin stretch of golden sand, with clear blue waters that stay warm all year long, is the perfect getaway to enjoy a quiet vacation. The beach stretches for almost 10 km, giving everyone an isolated spot even during busy days. There are bars, cafes and restaurants in various points along the beach. With hills backdropping the soft sand, you can go hiking and admire the sea from different viewpoints.
Pedras Pretas Beach, Vila Baleira
Address – Praia das Pedras Pretas, Vila Baleira, Madeira
Google Maps Link – 33°03’04.8″N 16°20’36.3″W
Pedras Pretas Beach is located in Vila Baleira, on the southern coast of the island of Porto Santo, part of the Madeira archipelago. A stunning walk through fields takes you to this extensive soft sandy beach, where you can bask in the peaceful atmosphere. The water is calm and safe for everyone to swim. There is a beach bar to the right end of the beach (facing the water). Since most people choose beaches that are easier to access, Pedra Pretas Beach is never crowded or busy, and you can always relax in a quiet setting.
Penedo Beach, Cais do Porto Santo
Address – Praia Do Penedo, Cais do Porto Santo, Vila Baleira, Madeira
Google Maps Link – 33°03’36.8″N 16°19’45.7″W
Penedo Beach is located in Vila Baleira, on the southern coast of the island of Porto Santo, part of the Madeira archipelago. Both sandy and rocky, this popular beach offers a serene atmosphere and stunning views of nearby hills. The water is clear, with great waves for surfing and bodyboarding, but still safe for swimming. There are plenty of choices to eat in the town nearby, as well as a few resorts and stores. It tends to be busy during weekends, especially in the afternoon.
Fontinha Beach, Cais do Porto Santo
Address – Praia da Fontinha, Cais do Porto Santo, Madeira
Google Maps Link – 33°03’24.3″N 16°20’08.8″W
Fontinha Beach is located in Vila Baleira, on the southern coast of the island of Porto Santo, part of the Madeira archipelago. Standing between Pedras Pretas Beach and Penedo Beach, this touristy beach offers soft sands and clear waters in a calm atmosphere. The water is calm and safe for swimming, and with a playground in the area, this beach is a favorite among families. There are restaurants, bars, and cafes in the town nearby, and you can even find a couple of museums. It can get crowded during the afternoon; arrive early in the morning to enjoy the calmer setting.
The Best Beaches In Ribeira Brava
Ribeira Brava Beach, Tabua
Address – Praia Da Ribeira Brava, Tabua, Madeira
Google Maps Link – 32°40’10.7″N 17°03’55.9″W
Ribeira Brava Beach is located in Tabua, on the southern coast of Madeira island, part of the Madeira archipelago. This scenic pebbled beach, with spots of black sand, is an excellent place to sit and relax. The water is so calm it almost feels like a swimming pool, making it a safe beach for everyone to swim. It is a small beach and tends to get busy in the evening. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the area.
The Best Beaches In Santa Cruz
Reis Magos Beach, Canico
Address – Praia dos Reis Magos, Caniço, Madeira
Google Maps Link – 32°38’48.5″N 16°49’27.8″W
Reis Magos Beach is located in Caniço, on the southeastern coast of Madeira, the largest island in the Madeira archipelago. This wild pebbled beach is surrounded by steep cliffs, offering dramatic yet beautiful views. The water is mostly rough with big waves, but there is a designated area to the left end of the beach where the water is calmer. You can try snorkeling and diving here, and spot different colorful fish. There are a couple of restaurants in the area.
Garajau Beach, Canico
Address – Praia do Garajau, Caniço, Madeira
Google Maps Link – 32°38’17.0″N 16°51’07.3″W
Garajau Beach is located in Caniço, on the southeastern coast of Madeira, the largest island in the Madeira archipelago. This small pebble beach offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, with stunning coastal views. The water is usually calm and perfect for snorkeling and diving; you can get an instructor at the Mero Diving Center. You can reach this beach either by car, through a narrow road, hiking down the hill, or take the cable car and admire unforgettable views. There are two restaurants at the beach. It never gets crowded, but it can be busy during weekend afternoons.
Palmeiras Beach, Santa Cruz
Address – Praia Das Palmeiras, Santa Cruz, Madeira
Google Maps Link – 32°41’15.1″N 16°47’25.6″W
Palmeiras Beach is located in Santa Cruz, on the eastern coast of Madeira, the largest island in the Madeira archipelago. A picturesque pebble beach, lined with palm trees and perfect for relaxing and walking. The coastal view is stunning and offers endless photo opportunities; you can swim, sunbathe, and bask in the serene atmosphere. With the Madeira Airport nearby, you can watch airplanes landing. There are restaurants and cafes in the town, as well as a few stores and hotels. It can be busy during sunny days; however, it never gets too crowded.
The Best Beaches In Santana
Faial Beach, Madeira
Address – Praia do Faial, Madeira
Google Maps Link – 32°47’34.3″N 16°50’54.7″W
Faial Beach is located in Faial, on the northern coast of Madeira, the largest island in the Madeira archipelago. A small pebbled beach with an active atmosphere, excellent to spend a fun beach day with family or friends. The beach is protected by the small bay, and the water is calm and safe for swimming, with lifeguards on duty. There is a restaurant at the beach, where you can enjoy a great meal and admire the dramatic scenery; and just behind the restaurant, you can find soccer and volleyball fields.