Craving sunshine, beaches galore and fabulous local food? Look no further than Madeira, the Portuguese island in the Atlantic. With short flights (around 4 hours) from the UK and year-round sunshine, Madeira is a great choice for a beach break. But this volcanic island offers more than just relaxation (there’s plenty of that too!). Madeira’s wild coastline boasts a variety of beaches, from black sand stretches to hidden coves and secret surf spots.
In this blog, we’ll be counting down the top 10 beaches in Madeira. We’ll reveal what makes each beach special and all the insider tips you need to know to plan your perfect Madeiran beach holiday. Get ready to discover your new favourite beach destination!
Top 10 Beaches in Madeira
So, here it goes. Whether you’re a family looking for the perfect beach day spot, a couple seeking a romantic escape or an adrenaline-seeker chasing world-class waves, Madeira has a beach for you.
Here are our 10 best beaches in Madeira:
1. Porto Santo beach
This beach (‘praia’ in Portuguese) isn’t technically on Madeira Island, but on the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, accessible by ferry or plane. It boasts a whopping 9km stretch of golden sand (perfect for the sandcastle architects among us!), so it’s ideal for families and relaxation seekers. It was even elected the best beach in Europe by the European Best Destinations!
Top tip: Pack a picnic basket and an umbrella for shade, as there are limited facilities directly on the beach.
2. Praia de Vigário
Praia de Vigário is a small beach of around 400 meters, made up of pebble stones of various sizes. It offers calm waters and stunning views of Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a delicious meal at the beachfront restaurant with its ocean-view terrace.
Top tip: While there’s a car park nearby, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Consider arriving early or using public transport.
3. Praia de Machico
Praia de Machico is one of the wide, sandy beaches in Madeira with calm waters alongside numerous pebble coves. It’s one of the largest and most popular beaches in Madeira. This beach is steeped in history, as it was the landing spot of the first Portuguese explorers to Madeira, João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira.
Top tip: This beach has toilets and changing rooms on the nearby promenade so it’s perfect for a beach day followed by dinner or drinks in a beach-front restaurant.
4. Calheta Beach
Families with young children will love Calheta Beach. Protected by a breakwater, it offers calm, shallow waters ideal for splashing around. Plus, the golden sand imported from Morocco adds a touch of exotic luxury.
Top tip: The side of the beach near the Calheta Beach Hotel offers free parking a little further up the road (where there are no blue-marked bays).
5. Praia da Ribeira Brava
Perfect for families, this beach offers a mix of pebble and black sand alongside a free-to-access bathing complex with swimming pools (including a children’s pool), sun loungers, toilets, changing rooms, a bar, and a restaurant. Accessibility is a priority here, with new walkways and an elevator ensuring everyone can enjoy the beach.
Top tip: Bathers can directly access the solarium area via the elevator installed in the car park.
6. Prainha Beach Caniçal
This tiny cove near Caniçal is a beach lover’s dream come true. Surrounded by volcanic rock formations, Prainha Beach is a secluded spot for couples or solo travellers looking to get away from it all.
Top tip: Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Dunas da Piedade, sand dunes with fascinating limestone fossils.
7. Beach Santa Cruz
Beach Santa Cruz is a convenient beach option, great for sunbathing, swimming, and trying out some watersports. It’s a rocky beach, so the numerous piers dotted along the shoreline make access to the water easier.
Top tip: For even easier access, make the most of the salt-water swimming pool along the promenade with toilets, showers and changing facilities.
8. Reis Magos Beach
Reis Magos Beach in Caniço is an ideal spot for swimming in Madeira’s famously clear waters. This small pebble beach has numerous amenities, including a parking area, accessible toilets, a sports area, and parasols. This Blue Flag beach is a great choice for a relaxing day by the sea.
Top tip: Did someone say “Cannonball!”? The pier at Reis Magos beach is perfect for jumping and diving off into the sea!
9. Jardim do Mar
This one’s for the surfers out there. Jardim do Mar is renowned for its long, right-hander wave and north and northwest swells. When the swell is big, waves can reach more than 10 meters high and about 300 meters long. As such, it’s a spot that experienced surfers won’t want to miss.
Top tip: Surfing may be the main activity here, but there are also beautiful walks and hikes, places to go swimming and many other adventures to be found.
10. Praia do Porto do Seixal
If you’re into surfing but maybe not at the level needed to surf at Jardim do Mar, then Praia do Porto do Seixal is for you. This beach break offers consistent waves all year round and you’ll find several surf schools in the area. With the fascinating backdrop of Laurissilva Forest, the UNESCO World Heritage site, and its fine black sand, this is the perfect spot for surfers, bodyboarders, and beachgoers alike.
Top tip: There can often be strong currents here so be aware before entering the water.
Madeira's Beaches: Your Next Holiday Destination
Are there beaches in Madeira? Absolutely. Each of our top 10 beaches offers a unique slice of paradise. From family-friendly coves to world-class surf spots, Madeira’s coastline has something for everyone.
Madeira’s natural beauty extends far beyond its beaches, with stunning hikes, mountain villages, and a rich cultural heritage waiting to be explored.
Make your dream Madeiran beach holiday a reality by browsing our selection of beautiful villas, houses, cottages and apartments at Atlantic Holiday Rentals. With properties located all across the island, you’re sure to find the perfect place to base your beach adventures. Start planning your unforgettable Madeiran escape today!
