Madeira Portugal — The Complete Guide to Madeira Island
Madeira is one of Portugal’s hottest vacation destinations for many reasons. Aside from being a summer paradise year-round, Madeira is a magnificent and safe city that you won’t tire of exploring — even if you go year after year!
After researching all the hottest tips on having a perfect vacation at Madeira Beach, Portugal, I’ve compiled a thorough guide on where to go and what to do to make your next trip unforgettable.
Why Should I Go to Madeira?
With a gorgeous, breezy shoreline lined with tall palm trees and blooming botanicals, Madeira is Europe’s finest tropical paradise. The weather is always sunny, ensuring that every day is a wonderful opportunity to explore the attractions and sights around you. Best of all, the locals have an infectious positivity and friendliness that you just can’t forget.
The Best Beaches on Madeira Island
Madeira Beach is not made up of just one beach but comprises approximately 25 beaches. The majority of Madeira beaches are not your typical golden sand beaches but are covered in coarse pebbles. A fun fact about Madeira is that there are no natural golden sand beaches. However, that doesn’t take away from the beauty of what is known as the most beautiful island in the world.
Praia Formosa
Praia Formosa can be found in Funchal, the capital of Madeira, and is just a 10-minute drive from Funchal’s city center. Four beaches of sand and pebbles make up Funchal: Praia do Areeiro, Praia Formosa, Praia dos Namorados, and Praia Nova.
Praia Formosa is the largest public beach on Madeira Island and includes snack bars, changing rooms, a sports center, and plenty of restaurants and bars. A team of lifeguards watches over swimming locals and tourists to ensure their safety at any beach on Praia Formosa.
Calheta Beach (Praia da Calheta)
Calheta Beach is one of the only beaches in Madeira that is covered in golden sand. While we did say there are no natural golden sand beaches in Madeira, Calheta Beach contains imported sand!
This beautiful beach is incredibly popular, given that it is one of the few beaches in Madeira that contains golden sand and can be crowded with swimming tourists on weekends. Plenty of nautical activities are available at Calheta Beach, including windsurfing, canoeing, and catamaran rentals. You can also find the previously inaccessible pebble beach of Praia do Calhau nearby, which is now a public beach complete with a sundeck and an esplanade to gaze out at the crystal clear waters.
Seixal Beach
This stunning black sand beach is 40 minutes from the capital of Funchal and is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. Its natural black sand, mountain backdrop, and several waterfalls make this gorgeous spot a sight to behold. The Seixal natural pools, tidal pools made out of volcanic lava rock, are also excellent for swimming.
The water in Seixal Beach is calm and crystal clear, with a gently sloping shore. Despite the popularity of Seixal Beach, this spot is not well equipped for its many visitors, as it does not contain bathrooms or sun loungers. This does not deter those who wish to experience the breathtaking scenery of Seixal Beach, as this is still one of the best beaches on Madeira Island.
Machico Beach
The beautiful Machico Beach is another man-made sandy beach of Madeira. This artificial golden sand beach is picture-perfect, and even though it’s just 0.6 km away from Madeira’s city center, it features stunning mountain scenery and calm waters.
Machico Beach is one of Madeira’s best beaches for families with children. You will not find high waves, sharp shells, or huge boulders on this sandy beach.
Prainha Beach
The half-moon-shaped Prainha Beach is a unique experience and is not your typical sandy beach. While Prainha Beach is technically one of Madeira Island’s sandy beaches, it features natural black sand of volcanic origin.
While still one of the most stunning beaches in Madeira, you will be surrounded by a brown, orange, and yellow landscape, and calcareous fossils, instead of the more typical greens of Madeira beaches.
Things To Do On Madeira Island
In Madeira, the possibilities for fun are endless. Some adventurous activities include Levada walking, dolphin and whale watching, surfing, paragliding, and hiking. You can enjoy local culture through attractions like the Carnival and Flower Festival or find meditative calm under the sea with activities like diving along the Garajau coastline.
See Below the Sea by Scuba Diving
With a year-round temperate climate, crystal-clear waters, and a diversity of fascinating aquatic wildlife like dolphins, rays, mantas, monkfish, and barracudas, Madeira is a perfect destination for anyone who loves diving.
And fortunately, there are plenty of diving schools and leisure diving companies that will help you make the best of your holiday. These companies are primarily located in Caniço de Baixo and Funchal and offer equipment, courses, and diving trips for divers of all levels.
Go For A Swim At The Famous Madeira Beaches
While it might defy expectations with its often-dark volcanic sand and pebbled beaches, Madeira is one of the finest destinations for a beach trip. This island offers crystal clear water and pleasantly warm weather, making it an exciting place to go year-round. If you prefer a golden beach, Porto Santo beach is a sight.
Kick Back And Relax
After enjoying some Madeira paragliding or hiking, you might be looking for a way to decompress. Luckily, Madeira has a leisurely pace of life and relaxing energy that will let you recover quickly. If you like beautiful nature views, consider walking along the levadas to view the spectacular countryside.
If you’re looking to completely zen out, the lido pools are the place to go. But if you prefer to stay active while you relax, the Santo da Serra or Palheiro golf clubs are essential destinations. And if you’re enjoying a weekend, there’s no better way to conclude the night than going to a festa.
Sightsee At Gorgeous Natural Gardens
Often called the ‘floating garden in the Atlantic,’ Madeira is world famous for its beautiful plant life. Visiting one of Madeira’s well-maintained and incredible gardens is a great way to enjoy the island’s reputation. In 2000, Madeira even received a gold award for the ‘European Flowering City,’ cementing its status as a beautiful and lush destination.
Eat Like A Local
With over 1,000 restaurants serving locals and tourists year-round, Madeira offers something to every palate and budget. You’ll never struggle to satisfy your appetite, from international cuisine to authentic local eateries. Madeira is famous for its fresh ingredients and healthy dishes, and when you visit, you can expect to enjoy local delights like scabbard filets, brochettes, fried corn, and Bolo do Caco bread.
Some of the best dishes to try in Madeira include:
- Espetada, a beef skewer seasoned with bay leaf and garlic
- Bolo de mel, a baked delicacy with nuts and dark cane sugar
- Poncha is a traditional drink made with fruit juice, aguardiente, honey, and sugar
- Lapas, a seafood dish made with limpets
- Peixe-Espada, battered and fried black scabbardfish served with a banana and/or passionfruit sauce.
Where To Go On Madeira Island
Whether you prefer a lush seascape or a rustic and quiet valley, there’s a place for everyone in Madeira. Some of the most popular destinations in Madeira include Funchal, Câmara de Lobos (Cabo Girao), Machico, Porto Moniz, and Calheta.
Funchal
Known worldwide for its excellent restaurants, warm climate, and famous Cristiano Ronaldo, Funchal is a fantastic destination for anyone. With a dramatic mountain backdrop and lush scenery, Funchal is beautiful. And whether you prefer to go to its welcoming beaches or enjoy its vibrant city life, there’s something in Funchal for everyone to enjoy. And if you’re looking for a stay at a 5-star resort, there’s no better option than the Savoy Palace.
Porto Da Cruz
With the heart of Porto da Cruz sitting on the Atlantic Ocean, this northeast Madeira village offers spectacular views. You can find public swimming pools next to the sea and a small, sandy beach. Popular with hikers, sunbathers, and surfers alike, Porto da Cruz is easily accessible by bus, car, or even by foot.
Machico
There’s no more historic place to visit in Madeira than the peculiar city of Machico. You can see the oldest church on the island at Capela dos Milagres or sightsee at the two forts that once defended locals from pirates. If you like art, visiting the São Roque chapel and admiring the blue and white tiles telling the story of Saint Roch is essential. After satiating your mind’s curiosity, you can kick back and relax on the warm sands of Machico Bay Beach.
Porto Moniz
With one of the most spectacular views along the coast and incredible beaches, Porto Moniz is a hidden gem for anyone looking for a beach vacation. If you like a natural pool, you’ll be delighted by the Piscinas Naturals do Cachalote in the Porto Moniz parish. If you’d prefer to see the unusual black beaches Madeira is known for, Seixal is a destination you can’t miss.
Calheta
With naturally gorgeous valleys and mountains, the coastal region of Calheta has something to offer everyone. The beaches along Calheta village and Paul do Mar are warm and inviting, and the blue sides contrast beautifully against the scenery that will surround you everywhere. Calheta has many cultural attractions, including the Engenho da Calheta, Mudas museum, and Limpet Festival.
When Should I Go To Madeira Island?
The ideal time to visit Madeira Beach, Portugal, is between April and July. This is the best time of the year to see spectacular wildlife like dolphins and whales, and when you visit, the flowers and foliage will be lush and full bloom. The weather will also be pleasant, not uncomfortably hot, but well past the rainy season.
You can expect temperatures to be warm enough to swim as early as January, but if you like sunbathing, you should plan to visit in the months mentioned above. June and July are especially dry. While Madeira Island is temperate and pleasant, it’s important to note that the weather can still be unpredictable.
Madeira Island is busy when the Carnival, Flower Festival, Christmas celebrations, and New Year’s Eve celebrations are taking place. If you prefer a quiet vacation, you should avoid these celebrations, but they have a lot of excitement to offer visitors if you choose to attend one! You can also vacation outside Funchal to avoid crowds most of the year.
