Madeira is a stunning Portuguese archipelago that offers a variety of beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and breathtaking landscapes. To help you explore the best of Madeira, we have compiled a list of the top 50 beaches on the island. Consider renting a car in Madeira to make the most of your time on the island and visit as many of these gorgeous beaches as possible.
| No. | Beach Name | Beach Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Praia da Calheta | Sandy | Family-friendly, facilities, promenade |
| 2 | Praia do Porto Santo | Sandy | Warm waters, therapeutic properties |
| 3 | Praia Formosa | Pebble | Cabo Girão cliffs, Atlantic Ocean views |
| 4 | Praia dos Reis Magos | Pebble | Popular among locals, sunbathing, swimming |
| 5 | Praia da Ponta do Sol | Pebble | Sunny weather, crystal-clear waters |
| 6 | Praia do Garajau | Rocky | Marine reserve, snorkeling, diving |
| 7 | Praia da Ribeira Brava | Pebble | Promenade, restaurants, scenic village |
| 8 | Praia do Gorgulho | Rocky | Tranquil, sunbathing, swimming |
| 9 | Praia do Seixal | Black sand | Lush green mountains, nature lovers |
| 10 | Praia dos Anjos | Pebble | Hidden gem, peaceful, crystal-clear waters |
| 11 | Praia do Vigário | Secluded | Cliffs, lush vegetation, tranquility, privacy |
| 12 | Praia da Caniçal | Pebble | Fishing village, relaxing atmosphere |
| 13 | Praia dos Jardins do Mar | Pebble | Promenade, terraced gardens, banana plantations |
| 14 | Praia do Lido | Bathing complex | Saltwater pools, sun loungers, amenities |
| 15 | Praia da Madalena do Mar | Pebble | Banana plantations, coastal views |
| 16 | Praia do Machico | Golden sand | Facilities, sun loungers, water sports |
| 17 | Praia da Ponta da Cruz | Rocky | Natural rock pools, Atlantic Ocean views |
| 18 | Praia do Paul do Mar | Pebble | Calm waters, stunning sunsets |
| 19 | Praia dos Moinhos | Black sand | Secluded, serene atmosphere |
| 20 | Praia da Boca da Ribeira | Pebble | Secluded bay, peaceful retreat |
| 21 | Praia do Faial | pebble | featuring a picturesque backdrop of mountains and greenery |
This golden sandy beach is perfect for families and offers excellent facilities, including sun loungers and a promenade with restaurants and bars.
Located on the nearby island of Porto Santo, this 9km-long golden sand beach is famous for its warm waters and therapeutic properties.
The largest pebble beach in Madeira, Praia Formosa offers stunning views of the Cabo Girão cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.
This small pebble beach is popular among locals and is perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
A picturesque pebble beach nestled in a charming village, known for its sunny weather and crystal-clear waters.
A marine reserve with clear waters, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving.
This pebble beach is located in the heart of the Ribeira Brava village and offers a range of facilities, including a promenade and restaurants.
A small, rocky beach situated in Funchal's hotel district, providing a tranquil spot for sunbathing and swimming.
A unique black sand beach located on the north coast, surrounded by lush green mountains, perfect for nature lovers.
This small pebble beach is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful atmosphere and crystal-clear waters.
A secluded beach surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation, perfect for those seeking tranquility and privacy.
A picturesque fishing village with a small sandy beach, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
A pebble beach with a promenade and a beautiful backdrop of terraced gardens and banana plantations.
A popular bathing complex in Funchal, featuring saltwater pools, sun loungers, and a range of amenities.
A small pebble beach nestled in a charming village, known for its banana plantations and stunning coastal views.
A golden sand beach near the historical town of Machico, offering excellent facilities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, and water sports opportunities.
A rocky beach in Funchal's hotel district, featuring natural rock pools and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
A pebble beach in a quaint fishing village, known for its calm waters and stunning sunsets.
A secluded black sand beach surrounded by steep cliffs, offering a quiet and serene atmosphere.
A small pebble beach in a secluded bay, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
A quiet pebble beach on the north coast, featuring a picturesque backdrop of mountains and greenery.
A secluded rocky beach, offering a tranquil spot for sunbathing and swimming.
A small pebble beach with crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Accessible only by cable car or boat, this pebble beach offers a secluded and peaceful environment.
A charming black sand beach located on the eastern tip of Madeira, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
A small pebble beach tucked away in a charming village, known for its calm waters and stunning coastal views.
A secluded black sand beach, perfect for those seeking privacy and tranquility.
A picturesque pebble beach near a traditional sugar cane factory, offering a unique glimpse into Madeira's history.
A small pebble beach surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs, perfect for nature lovers.
A small beach in a charming fishing village, offering stunning views of the bay and surrounding mountains.
A popular beach near the airport, featuring golden sands and a range of facilities, including restaurants and bars.
A remote pebble beach accessible only by boat or cable car, offering a peaceful retreat and crystal-clear waters.
A secluded black sand beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation, perfect for a quiet escape.
A hidden pebble beach on the north coast, offering a tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs.
A popular destination for its natural volcanic rock pools, providing a unique swimming experience.
A secluded pebble beach with crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
A remote beach accessible only by cable car or boat, offering a serene environment and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
A small, picturesque pebble beach surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
A charming pebble beach located in a picturesque village, offering a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful coastal views.
A secluded pebble beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs, ideal for those seeking tranquility and privacy.
A remote black sand beach, perfect for a quiet escape from the crowds.
A stunning beach located beneath the highest sea cliffs in Europe, offering breathtaking views and a unique atmosphere.
A picturesque pebble beach on the western tip of Madeira, featuring stunning sunsets and a peaceful atmosphere.
A hidden gem surrounded by lush vegetation and cliffs, offering a tranquil spot for sunbathing and swimming.
A small, secluded pebble beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
A small, secluded beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs and greenery, perfect for nature lovers.
A picturesque pebble beach on the north coast, featuring stunning views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs.
The best time of year to visit Madeira's beaches is during the warm and sunny months of May through October. However, the island's mild climate makes it a pleasant destination year-round.
Yes, Madeira has several family-friendly beaches, such as Praia da Calheta and Praia do Machico. These beaches offer facilities, sun loungers, and gentle waves that are suitable for families with children.
While Madeira is predominantly known for its pebble and rocky beaches, there are a few sandy beaches on the island. Some examples include Praia da Calheta and Praia do Porto Santo.
Yes, Madeira has several beaches that are ideal for snorkeling and diving. Praia do Garajau, a marine reserve, is particularly popular for these activities, offering a rich underwater ecosystem to explore.
Most of Madeira's beaches can be accessed by car. However, a few remote beaches, such as Praia da Fajã dos Padres, can only be reached by cable car or boat, providing a unique and secluded experience.
Madeira's diverse array of beaches offers something for everyone, whether you're seeking golden sands, black sand beaches, pebble beaches, or secluded coves. Renting a car in Madeira allows you to fully explore the island and experience the beauty of these top 50 beaches. With stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages, Madeira is a true paradise for beach lovers and promises an unforgettable experience.
