Best Beaches in Madeira

Top 50 Best Beaches in Madeira 2024

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 NameBeach TypeHighlights
1Praia da CalhetaSandyFamily-friendly, facilities, promenade
2Praia do Porto SantoSandyWarm waters, therapeutic properties
3Praia FormosaPebbleCabo Girão cliffs, Atlantic Ocean views
4Praia dos Reis MagosPebblePopular among locals, sunbathing, swimming
5Praia da Ponta do SolPebbleSunny weather, crystal-clear waters
6Praia do GarajauRockyMarine reserve, snorkeling, diving
7Praia da Ribeira BravaPebblePromenade, restaurants, scenic village
8Praia do GorgulhoRockyTranquil, sunbathing, swimming
9Praia do SeixalBlack sandLush green mountains, nature lovers
10Praia dos AnjosPebbleHidden gem, peaceful, crystal-clear waters
11Praia do VigárioSecludedCliffs, lush vegetation, tranquility, privacy
12Praia da CaniçalPebbleFishing village, relaxing atmosphere
13Praia dos Jardins do MarPebblePromenade, terraced gardens, banana plantations
14Praia do LidoBathing complexSaltwater pools, sun loungers, amenities
15Praia da Madalena do MarPebbleBanana plantations, coastal views
16Praia do MachicoGolden sandFacilities, sun loungers, water sports
17Praia da Ponta da CruzRockyNatural rock pools, Atlantic Ocean views
18Praia do Paul do MarPebbleCalm waters, stunning sunsets
19Praia dos MoinhosBlack sandSecluded, serene atmosphere
20Praia da Boca da RibeiraPebbleSecluded bay, peaceful retreat
21Praia do Faialpebblefeaturing a picturesque backdrop of mountains and greenery
Most popular beaches, type and highlights

Praia da Calheta

Our Rating

1 5
Praia da Calheta –

This golden sandy beach is perfect for families and offers excellent facilities, including sun loungers and a promenade with restaurants and bars.

Praia da Calheta Video

Praia da Calheta Video

Praia da Calheta Location

Praia do Porto Santo

Our Rating

2 6
Praia do Porto Santo – source- tripadvisor.com

Located on the nearby island of Porto Santo, this 9km-long golden sand beach is famous for its warm waters and therapeutic properties.

Praia do Porto Santo Video

Praia do Porto Santo Video

Praia do Porto Santo Location

Praia Formosa

Our Rating

3 8
Praia Formosa source- tripadvisor.com

The largest pebble beach in Madeira, Praia Formosa offers stunning views of the Cabo Girão cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.

Praia Formosa Video

Praia Formosa Video

Praia Formosa Location

Praia dos Reis Magos

Our Rating

4 5
Praia dos Reis Magos – source- tripadvisor.com

This small pebble beach is popular among locals and is perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Praia dos Reis Magos Video

Praia dos Reis Magos Location

Praia da Ponta do Sol

Our Rating

5 5
Praia da Ponta do Sol source- tripadvisor.com

A picturesque pebble beach nestled in a charming village, known for its sunny weather and crystal-clear waters.

Praia da Ponta do Sol Video

Praia da Ponta do Sol Video

Praia da Ponta do Sol Location

Praia do Garajau

Our Rating

6 6
Praia do Garajau

A marine reserve with clear waters, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Praia do Garajau Video

Praia do Garajau Video

Praia do Garajau Location

Praia da Ribeira Brava

Our Rating

7 6
Praia da Ribeira Brava -source- tripadvisor.com

This pebble beach is located in the heart of the Ribeira Brava village and offers a range of facilities, including a promenade and restaurants.

Praia da Ribeira Brava Video

Praia da Ribeira Brava Video

Praia da Ribeira Brava Location

Praia do Gorgulho

Our Rating

8 5
Praia do Gorgulho

A small, rocky beach situated in Funchal's hotel district, providing a tranquil spot for sunbathing and swimming.

Praia do Gorgulho Video

Praia do Gorgulho Video

Praia do Gorgulho Location

Praia do Seixal

Our Rating

9 6
Praia do Seixal – source- tripadvisor.com

A unique black sand beach located on the north coast, surrounded by lush green mountains, perfect for nature lovers.

Praia do Seixal Video

Praia do Seixal Video

Praia do Seixal Location

Praia dos Anjos

Our Rating

10 6
Praia dos Anjos – madeira.best

This small pebble beach is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful atmosphere and crystal-clear waters.

Praia dos Anjos Video

Praia dos Anjos Video

Praia dos Anjos Location

Praia do Vigário

Our Rating

11 8
Praia do Vigário – source- tripadvisor.com

A secluded beach surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation, perfect for those seeking tranquility and privacy.

Praia do Vigário Video

Praia do Vigário Video

Praia do Vigário Location

Praia da Caniçal

Our Rating

12 6
Praia da Caniçal source- tripadvisor.com

A picturesque fishing village with a small sandy beach, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Praia da Caniçal Video

Praia da Caniçal Video

Praia da Caniçal Location

Praia dos Jardins do Mar

Our Rating

13 5
Praia dos Jardins do Mar – source – madeira-web.com

A pebble beach with a promenade and a beautiful backdrop of terraced gardens and banana plantations.

Praia dos Jardins do Mar Video

Praia dos Jardins do Mar Video

Praia dos Jardins do Mar Location

Praia do Lido

Our Rating

14 4
Praia do Lido – allaboutportugal.pt

A popular bathing complex in Funchal, featuring saltwater pools, sun loungers, and a range of amenities.

Praia do Lido Video

Praia do Lido Video

Praia do Lido Location

Praia da Madalena do Mar

Our Rating

15 5
Praia da Madalena do Mar source- tripadvisor.com

A small pebble beach nestled in a charming village, known for its banana plantations and stunning coastal views.

Praia da Madalena do Mar Video

Praia da Madalena do Mar Video

Praia da Madalena do Mar Location

Praia do Machico

Our Rating

16 5
16 5

A golden sand beach near the historical town of Machico, offering excellent facilities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, and water sports opportunities.

Praia do Machico Video

Praia do Machico Video

Praia do Machico Location

Praia da Ponta da Cruz

Our Rating

17 5
Praia da Ponta da Cruz – source – blog.madeira.best

A rocky beach in Funchal's hotel district, featuring natural rock pools and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Praia da Ponta da Cruz Video

Praia da Ponta da Cruz Video

Praia da Ponta da Cruz Location

Praia do Paul do Mar

Our Rating

18 5
Praia do Paul do Mar – source- tripadvisor.com

A pebble beach in a quaint fishing village, known for its calm waters and stunning sunsets.

Praia do Paul do Mar Video

Praia do Paul do Mar Video

Praia do Paul do Mar Location

Praia dos Moinhos

Our Rating

19 6
Praia dos Moinhos source- tripadvisor.com

A secluded black sand beach surrounded by steep cliffs, offering a quiet and serene atmosphere.

Praia dos Moinhos Video

Praia dos Moinhos Video

Praia dos Moinhos Location

Praia da Boca da Ribeira

Our Rating

20 3
Praia da Boca da Ribeira – source – allaboutportugal.pt

A small pebble beach in a secluded bay, perfect for a peaceful retreat.

Praia da Boca da Ribeira Video

Praia da Boca da Ribeira Video

Praia da Boca da Ribeira Location

Praia do Faial

Our Rating

21 4
Praia do Faial – soure – flickr.com

A quiet pebble beach on the north coast, featuring a picturesque backdrop of mountains and greenery.

Praia do Faial Video

Praia do Faial Video

Praia do Faial location

Praia da Achada da Cruz

Our Rating

22 3
Praia da Achada da Cruz – source – blog.madeira.best

A secluded rocky beach, offering a tranquil spot for sunbathing and swimming.

Praia da Achada da Cruz Video

Praia da Achada da Cruz Video

Praia da Achada da Cruz Location

Praia do Fajã da Areia

Our Rating

23 6
Praia do Fajã da Areia – source – surf-forecast.com

A small pebble beach with crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Praia do Fajã da Areia Video

Praia do Fajã da Areia Video

Praia do Fajã da Areia Location

Praia do Fajã dos Padres

Our Rating

24
Praia do Fajã dos Padres – source – essemundoenosso.com.br

Accessible only by cable car or boat, this pebble beach offers a secluded and peaceful environment.

Praia do Fajã dos Padres Video

Praia do Fajã dos Padres Video

Praia do Fajã dos Padres Location

Praia da Prainha

Our Rating

25 5
Praia da Prainha – source – portugaltravel.org

A charming black sand beach located on the eastern tip of Madeira, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Praia da Prainha Video

Praia da Prainha Video

Praia da Prainha Location

Praia da Fajã do Mar

Our Rating

26
Praia da Fajã do Mar

A small pebble beach tucked away in a charming village, known for its calm waters and stunning coastal views.

Praia da Fajã do Mar Video

Praia da Fajã do Mar Video

Praia da Fajã do Mar Location

Praia dos Cedros

Our Rating

27
Praia dos Cedros – source – journeyera.com

A secluded black sand beach, perfect for those seeking privacy and tranquility.

Praia dos Cedros Video

Praia dos Cedros Video

Praia dos Cedros Location

Praia do Porto da Cruz

Our Rating

28 3
Praia do Porto da Cruz – source – blog.madeira.best

A picturesque pebble beach near a traditional sugar cane factory, offering a unique glimpse into Madeira's history.

Praia do Porto da Cruz Video

Praia do Porto da Cruz Video

Praia do Porto da Cruz Location

Praia de São Jorge

Our Rating

29 3
Praia de São Jorge – source – allaboutportugal.pt

A small pebble beach surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs, perfect for nature lovers.

Praia de São Jorge Video

Praia de São Jorge Video

Praia de São Jorge Location

Praia de Câmara de Lobos

Our Rating

30
Praia de Câmara de Lobos – source – discoverportugal2day.com

A small beach in a charming fishing village, offering stunning views of the bay and surrounding mountains.

Praia de Câmara de Lobos Video

Praia de Câmara de Lobos Video

Praia de Câmara de Lobos Location

Praia de Santa Cruz

Our Rating

30 3
Praia de Santa Cruz – source – portugaltravel.org

A popular beach near the airport, featuring golden sands and a range of facilities, including restaurants and bars.

Praia de Santa Cruz Video

Praia de Santa Cruz Location

Praia da Fajã dos Padres

Our Rating

31 3
Praia da Fajã dos Padres – source – agoda.com

A remote pebble beach accessible only by boat or cable car, offering a peaceful retreat and crystal-clear waters.

Praia da Fajã dos Padres Video

Praia da Fajã dos Padres Video

Praia da Fajã dos Padres Location

Praia da Fajã Grande

Our Rating

32 3
Praia da Fajã Grande source- tripadvisor.com

A secluded black sand beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation, perfect for a quiet escape.

Praia da Fajã Grande Video

Praia da Fajã Grande Video

Praia da Fajã Grande Location

Praiada Fajã do Penedo

Our Rating

33 3
Praiada Fajã do Penedo – source- tripadvisor.com

A hidden pebble beach on the north coast, offering a tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs.

Praiada Fajã do Penedo Video

Praiada Fajã do Penedo Video

Praiada Fajã do Penedo Location

Praia do Porto Moniz

Our Rating

34 3
Praia do Porto Moniz – Source – portugaltravel.org

A popular destination for its natural volcanic rock pools, providing a unique swimming experience.

Praia do Porto Moniz Video

Praia do Porto Moniz

Praia do Porto Moniz Location

Praia da Fajã da Ovelha

Our Rating

35 3
Praia da Fajã da Ovelha – source – madeira-live.com

A secluded pebble beach with crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Praia da Fajã da Ovelha Video

Praia da Fajã da Ovelha Video

Praia da Fajã da Ovelha Location

Praia da Fajã dos Padres

Our Rating

36 3
Praia da Fajã dos Padres

A remote beach accessible only by cable car or boat, offering a serene environment and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Praia da Fajã dos Padres Video

Praia da Fajã dos Padres Video

Praia da Fajã dos Padres Location

Praia do Ribeiro Frio

Our Rating

37 3
Praia do Ribeiro Frio – source – got2globe.com

A small, picturesque pebble beach surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Praia do Ribeiro Frio Video

Praia do Ribeiro Frio Video

Praia do Ribeiro Frio Location

Praia do Arco da Calheta

Our Rating

38 3
Praia do Arco da Calheta – source – source- tripadvisor.com

A charming pebble beach located in a picturesque village, offering a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful coastal views.

Praia do Arco da Calheta Video

Praia do Arco da Calheta Video

Praia do Arco da Calheta Location

Praia da Fajã das Vacas

Our Rating

39 3
Praia da Fajã das Vacas source- tripadvisor.com

A secluded pebble beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs, ideal for those seeking tranquility and privacy.

Praia da Fajã das Vacas Location

Praia da Fajã dos Cardos

Our Rating

41
Praia da Fajã dos Cardos – source – madeira.best

A remote black sand beach, perfect for a quiet escape from the crowds.

Praia da Fajã dos Cardos Location

Praia do Cabo Girão

Our Rating

42 3
Praia do Cabo Girão source – portugaltravel.org

A stunning beach located beneath the highest sea cliffs in Europe, offering breathtaking views and a unique atmosphere.

Praia do Cabo Girão Video

Praia do Cabo Girão Video

Praia do Cabo Girão Location

Praia do Ponta do Pargo

Our Rating

43 3
Praia do Ponta do Pargo – source- tripadvisor.com

A picturesque pebble beach on the western tip of Madeira, featuring stunning sunsets and a peaceful atmosphere.

Praia do Ponta do Pargo Video

Praia do Ponta do Pargo Video

Praia do Ponta do Pargo Location

Praia da Fajã do Rancho

Our Rating

44 3
Praia da Fajã do Rancho – source- tripadvisor.com

A hidden gem surrounded by lush vegetation and cliffs, offering a tranquil spot for sunbathing and swimming.

Praia da Fajã do Rancho Location

Praia de Santo António da Serra

Our Rating

45 3
Praia de Santo António da Serra – source- tripadvisor.com

A small, secluded pebble beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Praia de Santo António da Serra Video

Praia de Santo António da Serra Location

Praia do Arieiro

Our Rating

49 3
Praia do Arieiro – source – visitportugal.com

A small, secluded beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs and greenery, perfect for nature lovers.

Praia do Arieiro Video

Praia do Arieiro Video

Praia do Arieiro Location

Praia da Ponta do Tristão

Our Rating

50
Praia da Ponta do Tristão – source – discoverportugal2day.com

A picturesque pebble beach on the north coast, featuring stunning views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs.

Praia da Ponta do Tristão Location

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Madeira's beaches?

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.

Are there any family-friendly beaches in Madeira?

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.

Can you find sandy beaches in Madeira?

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.

Are there any beaches in Madeira suitable for snorkeling and diving?

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.

Can you access all of Madeira's beaches by car?

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.

Conclusion

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.

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