Discover the most beautiful beaches of the Madeira archipelago: black sand, white sand, steep cliffs, calm or rough waters, there’s something for everyone!
Madeira is a Portuguese island destination less than four hours by direct flight from Paris, Nantes or Lyon. In addition to its breathtaking natural landscapes, beaches are also among its tourist attractions. Here are the five most beautiful beaches not to be missed during a visit to the islands of Madeira.
1. Seixal Beach: This black sand beach is located on Madeira’s north-west coast, near the village of Seixal. It offers spectacular views of the Atlantic and is surrounded by cliffs with lush vegetation. Natural swimming pools are also nearby.
2. Fajã dos Padres beach: This beach can only be reached by cable car from Quinta Grande, west of Funchal. It is lined with fruit trees and offers magnificent sea views.
3. Jardim do Mar beach: This beach is ideal for water sports, especially surfing. It is located in a picturesque village and offers a charming setting with narrow streets lined with bougainvillea, banana plantations and palm trees.
4. Calhau da Lapa beach: This beach is only accessible by boat or on foot from Estrada da Lapa. Surrounded by steep cliffs, it offers a wild and unspoilt setting. Troglodyte houses can also be found on the beach.
5. Porto Santo Beach: This 9 km white sand beach is located on Porto Santo Island, accessible by boat from Madeira. Its crystal-clear, shallow waters and fine sand make it a veritable paradise.

Madeira offers a wide variety of beaches, each with its own charm. Black or white sandy beaches, calm or rough waters, steep cliffs or golden expanses, the landscapes are varied and unique. The destination has something for everyone.

