Our top-5 beaches in Madeira
Because Madeira is a volcanic island in the Atlantic, most beaches are pebble beaches and not suitable to swim. Those 5 beaches were our favorites when we planned with our kids for a beach day.
5. Praia Formosa
Highlights: like most of the beaches in Madeira this is a pebble beach
Kids-proof factor: our kids really liked to play here, but less suitable to swim
Insider tip: you can walk the whole promenade to Camara do Lobos and have dinner there. Below location is a free parking lot
📍 Location Pin: 32.641310572105326, -16.951708830386693
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: J2RX+F4 Funchal
4. Praia da Calheta
Highlights: this is a artificial beach with white sand from the Sahara but nice for kids to play
Kids-proof factor: good overview and safe to swim, but can get very busy on sunny days
Insider tip: there’s a Pingo Doce supermarket close by to get some beach snacks
📍 Location Pin: 32.755095747549476, -17.133820638383444
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: PRCC+4M Calheta
3. Praia de Machico
Highlights: this is another artificial beach with white sand from the Sahara but nice for kids to play
Kids-proof factor: good overview and safe to swim, but can get very busy on sunny days
Insider tip: you can make a plunge here after your visit to the Santo da Serra farmer’s market on Sunday
📍 Location Pin: 32.719498184720614, -16.75823693713926
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: -
2. Seixal beach
Highlights: this natural black sand with a waterfall beach is like a dream. Don’t be surprised about influencers walking into the sea in dresses 😂
Kids-proof factor: good overview, but sea can get rough in the north
Insider tip: combine your trip with a visit to the Espaço Infinito viewpoint
📍 Location Pin: 32.82235228829057, -17.102768735471248
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: RVCW+WQ Seixal
1. Prainha do Caniçal
Highlights: a beautiful natural sand beach between cliffs with mainly locals
Kids-proof factor: there’s a clear overview and safe to swim
Insider tip: you can combine your trip with a visit to the Whale museum in Caniçal
📍 Location Pin: 32.742700004819014, -16.715697923798224
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: P7VM+3M Caniçal
