Feb 26

Seixal Black Sand Beach- The most beautiful beach on Madeira

Seixal Beach in Madeira is a truly stunning and unique spot. Unlike most rocky beaches on the island, this one is made of volcanic black sand. Surrounded by lush green cliffs, mountains, and even a waterfall right on the beach, it creates a breathtaking scene for a summer day by the sea.

Our E-Book Guide to Madeira Island

Discover Madeira Island with our comprehensive E-Book Guide! Uncover the best attractions Madeira has to offer and easily locate all the places you want to visit. Plus, our specially curated Photographer's Itinerary ensures you can effortlessly explore Madeira and capture stunning photographs. Check it out in our shop!

Planning a trip?

Looking to book an activity or hire a guide? After spending two years on Madeira, we’ve gathered our top recommendations for local travel services, which you can find in our Madeira E-Book. But when we’re exploring new places, we always turn to GetYourGuide. They offer a huge selection of activities from trusted providers, all with upfront pricing and reviews from real customers, so you can book with confidence. Check out the activities below and find your next adventure with GetYourGuide!

What to do at Seixal Beach on Madeira

Most visitors come to Seixal Beach for a nice swim in the ocean. Seixal is known for being one of the safest beaches in Madeira, making it just right for a dip. Sometimes, you might even catch people surfing on the smaller waves. Seixal also has restaurants and bars for when you're ready to take a break. Plus, there are changing rooms, toilets, and outdoor showers right there.

While you're at Seixal Beach, it's a good idea to check out the Seixal Natural Swimming Pools. One is close to a restaurant, and the others can be found by typing "Piscinas Naturais do Seixal" on your map. Even though you can't see it from the beach, there's a really cool waterfall pouring water straight into the ocean. For a better view, head over to the "Véu da Noiva viewpoint."

How to get to Seixal Beach

To reach Seixal, you can take the public bus Rodoeste number 139 from Funchal. While using public transportation is an option, the easiest way to explore Madeira is by renting a car or taking a taxi. If you plan to spend a whole day at the beach, you can announce it on various Madeira Facebook Groups to find someone to share a ride with, a common practice among tourists.

The route to Seixal is straightforward, not technical at all. Just input "Praia do Porto do Seixal" into your navigation, and you'll arrive in about an hour without any issues. There's free parking near the beach, but it's quite small and fills up quickly with daily visitors. If you aim for a full day at the beach, arrive in the morning, as midday tends to be the busiest. Like most places in Madeira, entry to Seixal Beach is free of charge.

What to expect of Seixal Beach on Madeira

When you go to Seixal Beach, get ready to be amazed by the beautiful views all around. You'll feel like you're in a special place for sure. The beach looks its best at sunrise, so if you go then, you might spot a few local photographers snapping pictures on the black sand. I also enjoy taking photos there in the morning quite often.

If the weather is nice, the beach starts getting busier around noon. It's not just tourists who like it; Seixal is also one of the favourite beaches among the locals, who especially like to spend their Sundays out in Madeira's nature. Even when it gets pretty crowded, the beach is quite big, so you can enjoy it no matter when you visit.

What's the best time to visit Seixal Beach on Madeira

Madeira has a subtropical climate, meaning it has warm and pleasant weather all year round. However, because of its central mountain range, the weather can differ in various parts of the island. Seixal, being in the northern part, tends to be more cloudy and gets more rain compared to the southern beaches. The best time to visit Seixal Beach is definitely in the summer when you can expect clear skies and warm temperatures.

Even though the weather can be a bit gloomy for most of the year, Seixal Beach is so unique that you'll enjoy it in any conditions. Keep in mind that Madeira's weather can be unpredictable in the long term and can change quickly during the day. So, to avoid surprises, always check online webcams before planning your road trip on Madeira.

Locations Nearby Seixal Beach

You can easily include a visit to Seixal in your day trip plan because it's conveniently situated near some of the top attractions on the island. If you're already in the north, check out Ribeira de Janela beach with its famous rock formations. Although it's a rocky beach and not ideal for swimming, the scenery is magnificent, so it's worth a visit. Another nearby spot is the Porto Moniz natural swimming pools, an outdoor bathing area shaped by lava. The pools are connected, letting ocean water mix in, providing a relaxing place to swim without worrying about strong currents or big waves. These natural swimming pools are a must-see on Madeira.

Just a 45-minute drive from Seixal, you can reach the world-famous UNESCO Heritage Site Fanal Forest. Fanal Forest is like a postcard from Madeira, unique in appearance and one of the few remaining laurel forests worldwide. This enchanting location is a must-visit during your trip to Madeira.

My Experience at Seixal Beach on Madeira

Seixal Beach is one of my top spots to visit in Madeira, and I make it a point to stop by whenever I'm in the northern part of the island. As a photographer, I consistently suggest this place to my clients for a candid photoshoot. I've been to Seixal many times, and every visit has been enjoyable, even experiencing it in various weather conditions.