Beautiful Seixal Beach in Madeira – A Must Visit!
Seixal Beach is located on the north western coast of Madeira and is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. Because most of the beaches in Madeira are covered in volcanic stones and pebbles, a sandy beach in Madeira is unique. But Seixal Beach is definitely the most stunning beach in Madeira if you ask us! With the impressive backdrop of green cliffs, a waterfall in the distance pouring into the ocean, and the soft black sand, Seixal Beach provides everything for beachgoers, photographers and surfers! Read in this complete guide everything you need to know about Seixal beach!
How to get to Seixal Beach
Seixal Beach is located on the impressive jungle feel north coast of Madeira island, Portugal. From the main town of Madeira, Funchal, it’s about 45 minutes driving over 40 kilometres. You can easily combine a visit to this incredible beach with the Porto Moniz Natural Pools and the Seixal Natural Pools. You can find Seixal Beach under it’s name on Google Maps, or Praia do Porto do Seixal in Portuguese. There are a few other beaches in the area such as Laje Beach, but the popular and most beautiful beach is known as Seixal Beach with the stunning backdrop of green cliffs.
Book here your rental car for Madeira
Book here your Madeira tour including guide and visit to Seixal
This post may contain affiliate links
We hope this guide will help you plan your travels! If you consider booking your accommodation, tours or rental car via our affiliate links, you support this blog because we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you!
What to expect at Seixal Beach
Seixal Beach has man reasons why it’s so popular with locals and tourists. The impressive green mountain backdrop almost makes you think as if you’re in Hawaii. Maybe that’s also the reason that Madeira has been called ‘Europe’s Hawaii’. On this part of the island you truly feel and understand why! The towering lush green cliffs that end up straight in the ocean isn’t something you can see anywhere else on the island. And in the far distance you can even see a waterfall flowing into the ocean. Almost a surreal sight. More about this waterfall called Véu da Noiva waterfall later in this blog post.
There are some fun things to do and explore on this beach, and also in the close area. Below a summary of all the things to do at Seixal Beach!
The beautiful black sand beach is a place you must have seen in Madeira. While most of the other beaches in Madeira have rocky shores or pebbles, Seixal Beach is one of the few sandy beaches in Madeira. And of course the impressive mountain backdrop is a huge bonus of the whole experience at this beach. Photographers and drone lovers will shoot many pictures here. And because Seixal Beach is facing east along the north coast, it is also a perfect spot for sunrise!
Entrance fee, parking and facilities at Seixal Beach
Just like many other nature attractions in Madeira, Seixal Beach has no entry fee and also the parking lot is free of charge. There is a parking area next to the beach and a bit uphill along the street. If it’s a busy day you might have to park further up the hill, or wait until a spot comes free. In front of the natural pools which are a little above the beach located, is a restaurant. You can also find toilets and a shower at the beach.
Sunrise at Seixal Beach
The first time we went to Seixal Beach was at the end of the morning after watching the sunrise at the Seixal Natural Pools a few kilometres further away. While exploring around we thought it would be a great idea to come back another time to watch and shoot the sunrise at Seixal Beach. And what a great idea was that! Because the beach is facing east along the north coast of Madeira, you can watch a stunning sunrise here. The first light of the day will shine directly on the green mountains, lighting up the black sand and creating an even more magical scene than the beach already is.
When we arrived a little before sunrise, it was pretty moody with thick grey low hanging clouds. We were in doubt if the sun would come through, but as with everything in life, you gotta stay patient and keep the faith! When the first sunlight peeked through the clouds, it created some of the most magical lightrays we have ever seen! As if a ladder from heaven was send out below the clouds to touch the ocean, we were in awe of this magical morning and couldn’t stop shooting! Below some of our favourite photos.
Seixal Beach caves
If you walk down the beach to the far end, you will find a few small caves facing towards the ocean. If you have some time left and looking for a little exploration, it is fun to check out these Seixal Beach caves!
Seixal Beach pier
Another very fun activity to do at Seixal Beach is walking on the man made pier towards the end where you can enjoy the crashing waves up on the lava rocks. But you can also jump off from the pier into the water! The pier is about 3 meters high and with the incredible backdrop of green mountains and blue ocean water it is the perfect setting for a jump or backflip! We saw many locals kids doing this, so it was sure for us that is was safe to do and turned out into a very fun experience!
Natural Pools at Seixal Beach
At the back side of the beach is a restaurant located looking out over some natural pools. Here you can take a dip to enjoy the salty water which is protected by the lava rock walls. Because there are no waves coming into the pools, it is safer to swim here when the sea is a bit rough. These natural pools are quite similar to the Seixal Natural Pools a few kilometres further up, but without the amazing rock arches.
Surfing at Seixal Beach
If you’re in for some activity, there is an option to learn surfing here. Because of the sandy bottom and small waves, Seixal Beach has the perfect circumstances to learn surfing in Madeira. And what a location is it to learn surfing! You probably won’t find another beach like this one in Europe. The waves are suitable for a beginners surf lessons, of course depending on the weather and swell. You can book surf lessons at the surf club next to the beach and they also offer stand up paddle boards.
Short video about Seixal Beach
Of each beautiful destination in Madeira we have created a short scene for our full Madeira promotional film. Of course we couldn’t miss this amazing beach in it! So at the sunrise morning here we’ve made some shots which will be included in the Madeira travel film. But you can watch the 1 minute short video about Seixal beach below. Feel the vibes of this special place, and if you weren’t convinced yet to go here, this video must give you the last push!
Watch this video from our experience of Seixal Beach Madeira!
Other things to do near Seixal Beach
After exploring and relaxing at the beach, there are more fun things to do in the close area. The things you can’t miss are listed down below.
Véu da Noiva waterfall (Bridal Veil viewpoint)
From the beach you can see a waterfall pouring down from the mountain straight into the ocean. This waterfall has the name Bridal Veil (Véu da Noiva) and can be seen from closer up at the viewpoint a few kilometres further away from Seixal Beach. You can reach the waterfall from the water with a paddle board or boat if you want to have a look from closer up. If you go to the viewpoint, you will see a platform facing towards the ocean and down towards the east where you can spot the waterfall. Well worth a visit an ideal to combine this activity with a visit to the beach!
Seixal Natural Swimming Pools
The Seixal Natural swimming pools are well worth a visit and just like Seixal Beach a great place to watch the sunrise. This collection of natural lava rock pools is a great spot to hang out for a few hours. You can explore many things here such as the caves, rock arches and different natural pools. Bring your swimwear and enjoy this beautiful nature phenomenon! On a calm day the water inside the pools is perfectly still creating a beautiful reflection of the clouds, if there are any in the sky. These are the safest circumstances for swimming as there won’t be any waves crashing over the pool. But be aware on windy days with bigger waves as a dangerous situation might occur when the waves crash over the edge of the natural pools.
Read everything about the Seixal Natural Pools in this complete guide
Best Madeira island tours
If you want to explore the best of Madeira with a guide then here some great tours I recommend. During these tours you will pass by some of the best viewpoints which I share in this complete guide. All of these tours include transport with hotel pick up and drop off, certified guides and sometimes the entrance fees if applicable. You can reserve now and pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
Madeira Tours
- Customized 6 hour Madeira tour. On this six-hour tour you can choose the different areas you want to visit on Madeira island. Pick the landmarks and iconic places to make your own itinerary with the help of your local guide/driver.
- West Madeira private tour. Starting in the fishing town of Câmara de Lobos you will drive via Cabo Girao, the highest cape in Europe, to the beautiful view of Serra d’Agua valley. From there you will head to São Vicente to explore the Laurisilva forest. Continuing north, you will visit Porto Moniz, known for its natural lava pools where you can swim. As last stop you will visit the famous rocks at Ribeira da Janela.
- East Madeira tour. Visit Pico do Arieiro viewpoint, make pictures at the Santana houses and the beautiful viewpoints at Porto da Cruz to finish the day at the impressive volcanic landscape of Ponta de São Lourenço.
- Canyoning adventure with transfer from Funchal. Get the thrill of canyoneering and explore Madeira’s untouched nature. follow a river as you walk, rappel, slide and jump through hidden waterfalls with streams that cross endemic forests. A super fun and adventurous day!
- Ponta de São Lourenço hike with pick up in Funchal. Explore the most eastern tail of Madeira island with its unique volcanic rock formations to understand how the island was created.
Funchal Tours
- Funchal 48-hour hop-on hop off bus tour. Explore the lush landscape of Madeira and the sights of Funchal at your own pace with a 2 or 5 day ticket for the hop-on, hop-off bus.
- Tuk-Tuk tour to Monte Tropical Garden with Toboggan ride from Funchal. Explore Funchal Old Town with a Tuk Tuk before making your way to the mountains to the stunning Monte Tropical Garden. There you will explore over 70,000 square meters of exotic plants. At the end of the tour you will enjoy the thrilling ride down the hill with a Toboggan ride.
- Funchal Old Town walking tour. Learn about the history of Funchal and Madeira on a guided walk through the city’s medieval center. Visit the farmer’s market, the Campo Almirante Reis. The Fortress of St. James, and a number of other sites as your guide provides commentary.
Boat Tours
- Dolphin & Whale watching Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Funchal. Enjoy the views of Funchal from a luxury catamaran. Look out for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat as your relax on board and explore the underwater world with a snorkel.
- Scuba diving Madeira. Explore the underwater world of Madeira island. A theory lesson and practice in swimming pool is included. This before you will dive about 12 meters for 45 meters in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Sunset tour from Funchal by Catamaran. Watch the sunset off the coast of Madeira on a 3-hour evening catamaran cruise from Funchal and spot dolphins (guaranteed, or you get a 2nd trip for free).
General travel must haves for Madeira
Have you thought about how to get around in Madeira? A car is the easiest way to drive around the island.
- Book your rental car here and compare the providers to get the best deal.
- Book your scooter or motorbike here to get around in Madeira. Most of the scooters you can drive with driving license (A1/A2/A) from 18 years old, or from 25 years old with a car (B) license. The motorbikes have a minimum age of 20 or 21 with A (moto) license.
Do you prefer a private driver for the day and the freedom to create your own itinerary?
Did you already book your accommodation?
Are you insured during your travels?
- Buy your travel insurance here. Safetywing not only includes coverage for travel delay, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters and personal liability. But also covers all your medical expenses for hospitalisation.
More Madeira travel inspiration
We hope you enjoyed this blog post about Seixal beach Madeira.
For more inspiration about the best things to do in Madeira, head over to our other blog posts.
50 best things to do in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide
40 best photo spots in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide
30 best viewpoints in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide
30 best hikes in Madeira – The Complete Guide
25 best things to do in Funchal – The Ultimate Guide
25 best waterfalls in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide
20 best levada walks in Madeira – The Complete Guide
20 best restaurants in Madeira – The Complete Guide
15 best sunrise viewpoints in Madeira – The Complete Guide
15 best sunset viewpoints in Madeira – The Complete Guide
12 best beaches in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide
12 best Funchal restaurants – The Complete Guide
All about Poncha – The Ultimate Guide about Madeira’s traditional drink
Hi Ilse, got so exited by seeing your beautiful pictures of Seixal Beach on Madeira. It makes us want to go to Madeira soon. Thanks for sharing all the info about this beautiful beach !
Thanks for your comment! You will love Madeira, hope you can visit Madeira soon 🙂
We have a few black sand beaches, but this one is the prettier. Awesome shots and video
Thanks so much! We love Seixal Beach 😀