HOLIDAYS IN MADEIRA: BEACHES AND WHAT TO SEE

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Find out about your holiday in Madeira! We have prepared an overview of the weather and temperature by month, a list of all the beaches and the main attractions of the island.

Madeira's climate is extremely favorable, in general it can be described as a mild oceanic subtropical. It should be noted that the climate changes from north to south due to the peculiarities of the island's relief (high mountains and deep gorges), the influence of two currents (the Gulf Stream and the Canary), as well as the distance from the land and the direction of the winds.

We will take a closer look at the weather in Madeira by months - we will give the average monthly values of temperatures and precipitation, as well as tell you what is better to do and what to see during your holiday in Madeira.

Madeira beaches

Beaches in Southwest Madeira

Piscinas das Salinas is a beach on the Camara de Lobos bay.
Praia do Vigário is a nice pebble beach in the Camara de Lobos bay.
Praia da Fajã do Cabo Girão is an isolated, hidden pebble beach under the Cabo Girão cliff with no amenities. You can get there either by cable car or by sea. It's nice and clean here.
Praia da Fajã dos Padres is another isolated pebble beach with crystal clear waters. It is located in Quinta Grande, at Cape Cabo Girau. You can get there by sea or by lift.
Calhau da Lapa is a great pebble beach under a cliff in Campanario. Clean, calm and secluded.
Ribeira Brava is a sandy beach (formerly pebbled) in the center of the village of the same name. There are many amenities.
Ponta do Sol is a pebble beach with amenities in a picturesque village.
Madalena do Mar is a fully equipped pebble beach in Madeira.
Calheta is one of the most popular beaches in Madeira. This is an artificial beach with imported golden sand. Facilities, bars, the opportunity to practice active sports.
Jardin do Mar beach, Portinho, Enseada and Vigia are clean pebble beaches with little or no amenities. Here you can "catch a wave" - the waves sometimes reach 8 meters.
Paúl do Mar - consists of two pebble beaches. The purest water and stunning landscapes. The beaches mostly attract surfers.

Beaches in the south-east of Madeira

Prainha is a sandy beach with black sand. There are amenities.
Piscinas do Caniçal - a complex of swimming pools in the eastern part of Funchal (Canisal village), access to the sea.
Praia da Ribeira de Natal is a free public pebble beach in Machico.
Praia de Machico is a fully developed golden sand beach in Machico. Bars, restaurants, various activities.
Praia das Palmeiras is a beach in Santa Cruz, divided into two parts - the pebble beach itself and the pools with sea water.
Praia de sao Fernando is a landscaped pebble beach in the center of Santa Cruz.
Praia dos Reis Magos is a popular pebble beach near the village of Caniso.
Galomar beach complex is a private comfortable beach complex. You can get there by lift.
Praia da Cana-vieira is a secluded free public beach in Caniso. You can go up the stairs. The beach is not well maintained.
Praia do Garajau is a quiet pebble beach in Caniso with amenities. Suitable for diving.

Funchal beaches in Madeira

Barreirinha beach complex - a complex of beaches east of Funchal, near the Old Town.
Praia de São Tiago - located at the yellow fort of São Tiago, in the Old Town. Free public beach with amenities.
Praia Formosa is one of the largest free beaches in Madeira. Consists of 4 sandy and pebble beaches.
Lido pool complex is a popular pool complex with sea water and access to the sea in Funchal. Connects to Formosa beach. Developed infrastructure.
Praia do Gorgulho is a free pebble beach with facilities, located along Lido street.
Ponta Gorda pool complex - a complex of swimming pools with access to the sea in the tourist area of Furshala.
Doca do Cavacas is a small complex of natural volcanic pools near Formosa beach, connected to it by a tunnel.

Beaches in northwest Madeira

Porto Moniz pools - volcanic seawater pools. A popular holiday destination in Madeira, the beach is fully equipped.
Ribeira da Janela is a beautiful pebble beach in the north of the island with wonderful views. Popular with surfers, there are facilities. Nearby - camping, parking, you can take a walk along the hiking trails.
Praia da Laje is a quiet and secluded black sand and pebble beach in a bay in Seixal.
Piscinas Naturais do Seixal - natural pools with clear water. This place is located near Praia da Laje.
Praia do Club Naval do Seixal is another black sand beach in Seixal. Large natural pool.
São Vicente - The beach consists of three beaches and is popular with surfers.

Beaches in the northeast of Madeira

Balnear da Ribeira do Faial is a pebble beach with amenities.
Praia da Lagoa Porto da Cruz is an excellent black sand beach, convenient access to the sea. Popular with surfers.

Porto Santo Island

The island of Porto Santo, which is part of the Madeira archipelago, is worth mentioning separately. He is known for his 9 km long sandy beach with soft golden sand, which mainly attracts tourists, and a varied landscape. Porto Santo beach has a developed infrastructure; you can get there from Funchal by ferry or plane.

Find out also about the best seaside destinations in Portugal >>

Madeira landmarks

Madeira is primarily famous for its stunning natural landscapes, national parks and botanical gardens with rare plants. Let's make a small list of what you need to see in Madeira during your vacation or independent travel:

Funchal - the capital of the once main commercial port of Madeira. What to see there? The old town, museums and old churches with beautiful paintings, gardens and much more. The city is surrounded by mountains and a bay, which in itself makes it picturesque and worth seeing.
Monte - a suburb of Funchal, considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Madeira. Visit the historic palace and tropical garden of the Palais de Monte, the 18th century Igreya de Monte church, the botanical garden and more. One of the activities is to ride the cable car and enjoy the view of the bay.
Machico - the oldest city and the first capital of Madeira. See the city with its churches and forts, then drive to Pico do Facho, an ancient observation post where torches were lit when pirates approached.
Calheta Is also a popular town with tourists. In addition to two sandy beaches with golden sand, there are many ancient attractions, since it was from here that the active development of the island began (the village was founded in 1430). There are many churches, an interesting art center on the rock, where exhibitions are held.
Ponta do Sol Is a beautiful and secluded village located in the sunniest part of the island.
Pico do arieiro will be of interest to lovers of hiking and climbing. This mountain is the third highest mountain in Madeira (1818 meters). The views from the mountain are amazing! Also worth climbing is Pico das Torres (1850 m) and Pico Ruivo (1862 m), the highest point in Madeira.
Santana - a cute town in the north-west of Madeira, where traditional triangular houses of the local population have been preserved since the 16th century.
Câmara de Lobos Is an extremely picturesque fishing village.
Village of Prazeres Is one of the most beautiful villages in Madeira. There is a small zoo and hiking trails.
Ponta de São Lourenço known for its natural black sand beach, stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic and extraordinary volcanic formations.
Arco de São Jorge - another picturesque village by the sea, surrounded by high mountains and vineyards. There is a rose garden with a huge collection of roses - Quinta do Arco Rosarium.
For lovers of tranquility and solitude, we recommend visiting the village Boaventura - pacification is guaranteed to you.