Beach days in Madeira – Our family favorites
Madalena do Mar
A natural beach with a special charm. You'll usually find a pebble beach here – perfect for little explorers who want to collect snails and crabs or build stone towers. Depending on the weather, sand can even accumulate, making sandcastles possible too.
Wooden platforms and parasols invite you to linger. Taberna do Mar offers excellent local specialties and cocktails. Our tip for children: Picado (meat with fries and creamy sauce).
Swimming is possible, depending on the waves – please keep an eye on children at all times.
Calheta
Calheta offers two family-friendly beach options:
Pebble beach with a beach bar: Quiet, with hardly any waves and ideal for snorkeling. The Calhau Beach Club offers comfortable sun loungers and delicious snacks.
Sandy beach: The yellow sandy beach is especially child-friendly. Sheltered from waves, with sun loungers, parasols, and a good beach bar. Highlight: Ice cream at Manifattura Di Gelato.
Paul do Mar – Surfer beach
A rugged pebble beach with a real surfer vibe. Perfect for watching surfers. Best suited for a short stopover. Recommendation: Maktub Pub for a relaxing break.
Praia do Garajau
Start at the viewpoint by the Christ statue and then take the cable car down to the beach. A quiet pebble beach, ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Beach bar, sun loungers, and parasols are available. Water shoes are recommended.
Seixal – Black Sand Beach
An impressive natural beach with black sand, waterfalls, and a green mountain backdrop. A sheltered bay, ideal for children. Small waves are perfect for learning to surf or bodyboard. A nearby pizzeria provides easy access to food.
Praia Formosa (near Funchal)
Pebble and sand beach with a lovely promenade. No sun loungers for rent – ideal for a relaxing, spontaneous day at the beach. Restaurant recommendation: Praia Formosa Restaurant with spaghetti for children and excellent seafood for adults.
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