Does Madeira have any sand beaches?

On the island of Madeira there are some golden sand beaches, such as Calheta and Machico on the south coast, created artificially and now very popular recreational areas. Although uncommon, the dark sandy beaches of volcanic origin are natural to the island.



People Also Ask

Sadly, no there aren't any sandy beaches in Funchal. There are two golden sand beaches on the island and they are both around a 30-40 minute drive from Funchal. There is a beach in Funchal but it's full of rocks and pebbles.

MORE DETAILS

It is rocky and there are some small areas of shingle and rock where the locals seem to swim. While we were eating at the Forte we watched the locals swimming from the rocks. There is also a golden sandy beach at Machico, which has sea access. The other beaches are mostly black sand or pebbles.

MORE DETAILS

Considered one of the best beaches in Europe and enjoying the unique characteristics of the north coast, Seixal Beach is a paradise for all kinds of swimmers: from beginners to the most experienced ones. Calheta Beach is one of the island of Madeira's few yellow sandy beaches.

MORE DETAILS

The average standard of living tends to be a bit lower than in mainland Portugal, and the local autonomous government gives generous subsidies coming from the tourist industry revenues and from the Portuguese national budget. Go where the locals go and everything will be cheap.

MORE DETAILS

If you don't already know, Funchal is the capital city of a magical Portuguese island archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic known as Madeira.

MORE DETAILS

The water temperature remains very pleasant all year round, ranging between 19°C/66°F (winter) and 24°C/75°F (summer). The best month to swim in the sea is in September, when the average sea temperature is 24°C (75°F).

MORE DETAILS

My first stay at a Florida beach and Madeira didn't disappoint. White sand, warm clear water.

MORE DETAILS

Located in Funchal, the Complexo Balnear do Lido, open year round, is a place for swimming enthusiasts, either in the sea or in a saltwater pool. Formosa Beach - A long beach that combines pebble and sandy areas, offering a complete swimming experience along the coast of Funchal.

MORE DETAILS

On the dramatic northeast coast, around 35 minutes from Funchal, Alagoa is one of the best beaches in Madeira for combining sandy days, surfing, and scenic viewpoints.

MORE DETAILS

Hyams Beach: Australia Hyams Beach in New South Wales is considered one of the beaches with the whitest sand in the world, composed primarily of quartz.

MORE DETAILS

Amazing and stable weather denotes April through November as the best time to visit Madeira. April to mid-June is known for price cuts and moderate crowds. This period can offer you unforgettable hiking among lush green vegetation, and you can join famous Madeira Flower Festival.

MORE DETAILS

Madeira is renowned for its landscapes, lore—and its legendary wine, which graced the tables of America's Founding Fathers.

MORE DETAILS

Walk along the cobbled streets and squares of Funchal to the east, especially through Funchal old town is worth a visit if you want to experience the Funchal authenticity, because is considered a historic area of great architectural and heritage value.

MORE DETAILS

The southwest is the place to be for more guaranteed sun; Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol and Calheta boast the best climates on the island followed by Funchal, Camera de lobos and Machico.

MORE DETAILS

So you can swim all year round in Madeira if you are not cold. If you want to sunbathe and swim, the months of May to September are obviously the best. The island of Porto Santo and its 7 km long beach should interest you, even if the influence of tourists is impressive in high season!

MORE DETAILS

I highly recommend going if you love nature, if you enjoy great food, a warm culture and breathtaking views at every turn. I stayed in the main Funchal, away from the tourist area. I didn't go to Madeira to be surrounded by other tourists taking photos of this or that.

MORE DETAILS

Madeira in general isn't an expensive place to live. Housing, transport, and food are quite affordable for expats staying in Madeira longer term.

MORE DETAILS

Madeira is a super easy island to get around – with or without a car! There are buses that can take you almost everywhere and anywhere on the island. There are also lots of awesome tours to all the Levada hikes that pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation (especially if you're staying in Funchal).

MORE DETAILS

We went in April and whilst I agree that Madeira is a stunning island particularly in the interior we found it much cooler than the Canaries at the same time of year. It depends what you want in a holiday but you only need to look at how green the island is to realise that there must be significant rainfall.

MORE DETAILS

Funchal is the most expensive place to buy property on the islands – given its higher demand and abundance of services.

MORE DETAILS