The Best Beaches in Madeira to Explore by Car

When we think of Madeira, we usually think of mountains, levadas and lush green landscapes. But the island also has a spectacular coastline, with black-sand beaches, pebble beaches, golden-sand beaches and natural swimming pools formed by volcanic activity.

One of the best ways to discover this diversity is to rent a car and explore different parts of the island at your own pace.

In this guide, we highlight some of the beaches and swimming spots worth adding to your itinerary, from locations close to Funchal to beaches along Madeira's north and west coasts.

1. Praia Formosa

Praia Formosa is one of the most convenient options if you are staying in Funchal.

Located west of the city centre, it is Madeira's largest public beach and stretches for around 2 kilometres, combining pebble areas with black sand.

It is a great choice if you want to combine a beach day with a visit to Funchal or the Lido area.

Why visit:

• Easy access by car;
• Close to Funchal;
• Black-sand and pebble areas;
• Restaurants and bars nearby;
• Parking and other facilities available.

How to get there by car:
Praia Formosa is just a few minutes' drive from Funchal city centre, making it one of the easiest beaches to include in a trip around the south coast.

2. Machico Beach

Machico Beach is one of the best-known beaches on Madeira's east coast and stands out for its yellow sand.

The beach is located in a bay next to the town of Machico, making it easy to combine a beach day with a visit to the historic centre and seafront.

Machico is also one of the island's most accessible sandy beaches.

Why visit:

• Yellow sand;
• Sheltered bay;
• Easy access by car;
• Restaurants and cafés nearby;
• Great option for families.

How to get there by car:
From Funchal, follow the Via Rápida towards Machico. The journey makes it easy to reach the town and the beach area.

3. Seixal Beach

Seixal Beach is probably one of the most photographed beaches in Madeira.

Located on the north coast, it combines black sand, crystal-clear water and huge green mountains surrounding the beach. The result is one of the most distinctive coastal landscapes on the island.

The beach also has good access, showers and a beach bar, and visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, bodyboarding and stand-up paddleboarding.

Why visit:

• One of Madeira's most famous landscapes;
• Natural black sand;
• Mountains right next to the ocean;
• Good access;
• Excellent for photography.

How to get there by car:
The best way to get there is by following the north coast towards Seixal. The drive itself is also part of the experience, with several impressive viewpoints and landscapes along the way.

4. Calheta Beach

Calheta Beach is one of the best options for those looking for sand and calmer waters on Madeira's west coast.

The two yellow-sand beaches in Calheta are protected by breakwaters, creating a popular swimming area during the warmer months.

Why visit:

• Yellow sand;
• Generally calmer waters;
• Good access;
• Restaurants and cafés nearby;
• Ideal for spending several hours.

How to get there by car:
From Funchal, follow the road towards the west coast via the Via Rápida. The journey to Calheta is straightforward and allows you to explore other towns along the south coast on the way.

5. Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

If you are looking for something different from a traditional beach, the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools are a must-visit.

Formed by volcanic rocks, these pools are naturally filled with Atlantic seawater and have become one of the main attractions on Madeira's north coast.

The entrance to the main bathing complex is paid, but the pools offer a completely different experience from a traditional beach day.

Why visit:

• Volcanic natural swimming pools;
• Atlantic seawater;
• Unique landscape;
• One of the most famous attractions on the north coast.

How to get there by car:
From Funchal, drive towards São Vicente and then continue along the north coast to Porto Moniz. Having a car makes this trip much easier, especially if you want to combine Porto Moniz with Seixal and other locations along the north coast.

6. Alagoa Beach, Porto da Cruz

For those looking for a beach surrounded by a different kind of scenery, Alagoa Beach in Porto da Cruz is an excellent option.

The black sand contrasts with the green mountains rising directly behind the beach, creating a landscape that is very characteristic of Madeira's east coast.

The area is also known for its conditions for surfing and bodyboarding.

Why visit:

• Impressive natural scenery;
• Black sand;
• Great for surfing;
• Easy to combine with a visit to Porto da Cruz.

How to get there by car:
Follow the Via Rápida towards Machico and then continue towards Porto da Cruz. Having a car also makes it easy to explore other locations along the east coast on the same day.

Beach, Car and Freedom: The Best Way to Explore Madeira

One of the biggest advantages of renting a car in Madeira is being able to visit different coastal areas on the same day.

For example, you could start your morning at Machico Beach, continue to Porto da Cruz and finish the day with a drive along the north coast.

Alternatively, start in Funchal, visit Praia Formosa, continue along the south coast towards Calheta and explore other towns along the way.

With a car, you can:

• Choose your beach according to the weather;
• Avoid depending on public transport schedules;
• Easily carry your beach equipment;
• Visit several beaches in one day;
• Stop at viewpoints and small towns along the way;
• Explore the island at your own pace.

Tips for Exploring Madeira's Beaches by Car

Before heading out for a day at the beach, there are a few things worth keeping in mind.

Check the weather forecast: the weather can be quite different between Madeira's north, south, east and west coasts.

Leave early: some of the most popular beaches can get busy during the summer months.

Bring suitable footwear: many of Madeira's beaches are made up of pebbles or have rocky areas.

Don't forget sunscreen: even when temperatures are pleasant, sun exposure can be strong.

Pay attention to sea conditions: especially at unsupervised beaches. Always check local conditions before entering the water.

Is It Worth Renting a Car to Visit Madeira's Beaches?

Yes.

Although there are beaches close to the main urban areas, some of the island's most impressive coastal landscapes are spread across different parts of Madeira.

Having a car allows you to travel from one coast to another, discover less-known beaches and adapt your itinerary according to the weather conditions on the day.

At 7M Rent a Car, you can choose from different vehicle categories to suit different types of trips, allowing you to select the car that best fits your plans for exploring Madeira with comfort and freedom.

Conclusion

Madeira may not be known exclusively for its beaches, but the diversity of its coastline is one of the island's great surprises.

From the black sand of Seixal to the calmer waters of Calheta, passing through Machico, Praia Formosa and the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, there are options for all types of travellers.

And one of the best ways to discover them is by car.

With 7M Rent a Car, you can pick up your vehicle, create your own itinerary and explore Madeira's beaches without depending on public transport.

Choose your beach, plan your route and enjoy the freedom to discover Madeira at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best beach in Madeira?

It depends on what you are looking for. For black sand and natural scenery, Seixal Beach is an excellent option. For yellow sand, Machico and Calheta are great choices.

2. Which beach is easiest to visit by car?

Praia Formosa, in Funchal, is one of the most accessible options, just a few minutes' drive from the city centre.

3. Does Madeira have sandy beaches?

Yes. Although many of the island's beaches are made up of pebbles, Madeira also has natural black-sand beaches, such as Seixal and Alagoa, as well as yellow-sand beaches such as Machico and Calheta.

4. Is it worth renting a car to visit Madeira's beaches?

Yes. A car allows you to visit beaches in different parts of the island, combine several stops in one day and explore the coastline with greater freedom.

5. Can I visit several beaches in one day?

Yes. With a car, it is possible to combine different beaches and coastal areas in the same itinerary, especially if you plan your route in advance.

6. Which is the best beach for black sand in Madeira?

Seixal Beach is one of the best-known options, thanks to its natural black sand and the green mountains surrounding the Atlantic coastline.

7. Are the Porto Moniz natural swimming pools free?

The main bathing complex at the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools has an entrance fee.