Seixal Beach, Madeira: One Of The Best Beaches
Looking for information about Seixal Beach? We’ve got you covered in this guide! Find out the best places to park, what to expect, and why this is one of the best beaches on Madeira Island. With its iconic black sand, it’s a very popular spot to visit, so expect crowded conditions.
Madeira is known for its dramatic scenery, amazing hiking, and delicious food. Beaches though? Not so much. Let’s be honest…Madeira not really a beach destination. We visited Madeira for the epic hikes, but we could not pass up a visit to Seixal Beach.
Plan to visit at least one beach while exploring the island, and this is the one. Read on for all the details so you know exactly what to expect at Seixal Beach.
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Webcams In Madeira
As always, don’t forget to check the live webcams each morning before heading out to explore the island. A quick glance can save you from setting out on a hike or heading to a viewpoint, only to be met with clouds, rain, or poor visibility.
Things to Know
- Parking to visit Seixal Beach is somewhat difficult if you plan to arrive during peak hours. We recommend either going very early or late in the day to easily find a spot. Here are a few places to park when you arrive:
- This area is the closest and free, but it fills up quickly.
- Parking area near the dock.
- If you don’t mind paying, you’ll come across paid parking areas around the parish.
- Various street parking options around Seixal. We found street parking here, but we had to drive around for a while! The small parish was literally FULL of tourists in the afternoon.
- Near the beach, you will find restrooms, but these are not the greatest. It might be best to come to the beach already changed and prepared to swim.
- If you are having no luck in parking, or the beach is super crowded, you can also try your luck at the natural rock pools. Here, there are also restrooms and a nice, natural area to swim.
If you are planning on spending more time on Madeira, check out our full 9-day itinerary with the best hikes and things to do on the island!
Seixal Beach
🐚 While exploring the northern coast of Madeira, don’t miss the Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela.
Known for its fine volcanic black sand, Seixal Beach lies near Madeira’s towering green cliffs. Off to the side, a small waterfall adds to the scene, tumbling down the surrounding rock face as Atlantic waves roll in.
Near the beach, you can even rent kayaks or a surfboard and explore the waves if lying on the beach is not your thing.
There are lifeguards present at the beach, but please be aware of changing conditions and currents. During our visit here, the waves were quite large! That being said, the docks do provide some protection from the biggest waves, as they provide a wall to make a nice cove.
If you are looking for some drinks or a bite to eat while enjoying Seixal Beach, be sure to check out Clube Naval do Seixal, located right near the beach.
💤 Looking for a place to stay in Funchal or across the island? Check out Expedia and compare prices and options for your trip!
🚡 Looking for another fun adventure nearby? Hop on the Achadas da Cruz cable car for a steep ride down to the coast. This was one of our favorite Madeira adventures!
Seixal Natural Pools
If the beach is overcrowded and you are looking for another water adventure nearby, head to the Seixal Natural Pools. These are located northwest of the beach, but you will need to drive or walk there.
Volcanic rock formations have carved out a series of natural pools in this sheltered cove, each one sculpted by centuries of Atlantic forces into its own distinct shape. The black lava rock with the vivid turquoise of the ocean water gives off a stunning contrast.
Also known as Poças das Lesmas, the Seixal Natural Swimming Pools are guarded by lifeguards, who are a welcome addition for those swimming. That said, the ocean should be respected, and you are encouraged to keep a safe distance from the more exposed edges while staying mindful of changing conditions. You never know when a rogue wave might hit!
Tickets for entry cost €2.50 for adults, €1.00 for children aged 5-11, and free for children 5 and under.
There are restrooms and changing areas here, which might be a bit better quality than those at Seixal Beach. As with the beach, it may be hard to find parking nearby, but you can start here, right at the entrance.
🏠 Check out your options on VRBO and book a great rental home for your trip to Madeira.
Don’t Forget Your Rental Car
If you want to make the most of your time on the island of Madeira, be sure to book a rental car and book it early. For the best rates, check the prices and options at DiscoverCars! You really can’t go wrong with DiscoverCars.
If there is one takeaway about rental cars in Madeira, make sure you get the smallest one that fits your party. Roads are narrow, and parking can be tough!
Where to Stay While Enjoying Madeira
Madeira has plenty of great hotels and rentals to choose from. We recommend picking one location on the island and using that as your home base. You can get anywhere on the island in about an hour or a bit more.
We chose the warm, scenic, and small town of Ponta do Sol as our home base, and we really loved our rental house! Some choose to stay in Funchal, which has tons of amenities.
Here are a few great places to stay in Ponta do Sol:
- A VRBO! If you are looking for your own place to stay on Madeira, check out the great rental options in Ponta do Sol or across the entire island of Madeira!
- 1905 Zino’s Palace – a beautifully restored pink palace in Ponta do Sol, offering an intimate boutique stay in a historic 19th-century building. With elegant rooms, ocean views, and a peaceful pool area, it blends Madeiran heritage with relaxed, modern comfort. Complete with a pool, an on-site restaurant, and a bar. Check it out now on Expedia or Booking.com.
- Enotel Sunset Bay – a relaxed 4-star hotel in Ponta do Sol, right by the Atlantic with stunning sunset views and easy access to a pebble beach. The property offers a heated pool, sauna, and restaurant serving local cuisine. Book right now on Expedia or Booking.com.
Final Thoughts
We stopped at Seixal Beach after visiting Achadas da Cruz and Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela. The weather was not cooperating with us that day, so it was pretty overcast and cool, which made swimming a bit chilly.
We did not get in the water, but enjoyed sitting on the beach and watching the waves roll in. The ocean was alive, and massive waves would crash onto the nearby docks, sending the water flying into the air, drenching the cars in the lot.
After spending some time at the beach, we decided to walk around Seixal and enjoyed the cute homes, narrow alleyways, and friendly cats as we wandered around the town.
🛌🏽 Looking for a place to stay with an epic view and pool, too? Don’t forget to check out VRBO or Expedia to book your stay!
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