Madeira is not exactly known as a beach destination. Most people come here for the hikes, the mountains, the waterfalls. But if you’ve spent a bit more time on the island, you’ll quickly realize that Madeira does have something pretty unique to offer: black sand beaches.

And honestly, I sometimes forget that I live so close to the ocean. I’m usually out hiking somewhere in the mountains, but today is one of those perfect early April days where it just feels wrong not to be at the beach. So I packed my laptop, headed out, ordered a sangria… and here I am writing this from a beach bar. And no, I’m not at Seixal.

If you’ve been researching Madeira, you’ve definitely come across Seixal Beach. It’s all over Instagram and travel blogs. So let’s start there.

If you want more Madeira tips and hidden gems, you can always support my work here: https://buymeacoffee.com/your_madeira

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Is Seixal Beach worth visiting?

Short answer: yes… but with a few caveats.

To be completely honest, Seixal Beach is a bit underwhelming for me. It’s beautiful, no doubt. But it’s also one of the most overhyped spots on the island. Here’s what you should know before going:

Where is it?
Seixal is located on the north coast of Madeira, about a 45-minute drive from Funchal. The drive is actually quite easy as most of it is on main roads and through tunnels. Only the last stretch into the village gets a bit narrower.

Where to park?
This is probably the biggest downside. Seixal is a small town with less than 1000 residents and not really built for the number of visitors it gets these days. There are no large parking areas and the streets are narrow. It used to be complete chaos. It’s slightly improved now with better traffic flow, but in summer you still need to come early or be ready for a bit of a walk.

What time to go?
Timing is everything here. I recommend going in the morning. In the afternoon, the sun disappears behind the cliffs and the beach ends up completely in the shade. Also, check the tides. At high tide, the water comes up quite far and the already small beach gets even smaller and more crowded.

Why is it so popular?
If you’ve seen photos of Seixal, you’ll know why. Black sand, lush green cliffs, waterfalls in the background. It looks incredible. And it is beautiful in real life too. But what you don’t see in most photos is how small the beach actually is… and the large concrete structure from the port on one side, which kind of ruins the vibe for me personally.

So yes, it’s worth seeing. Just don’t expect a hidden paradise.

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A better alternative: Prainha do Caniçal

Now let’s talk about where I actually am right now.

If you want a black sand beach that feels a bit more relaxed and authentic, head to Prainha do Caniçal on the east coast.

Where is it?
Close to Ponta de São Lourenço, about 30 minutes from Funchal. Most people drive right past it on their way to the PR8 hike. Don’t make that mistake.

Where to park?
Easy. There’s a dedicated parking lot at the top and it’s free. Just follow the signs for Prainha.

What time to go?
This beach gets sun for most of the day, which is already a big win compared to Seixal. Still, tides matter here too. At high tide, the beach gets smaller. It’s also popular with locals, especially on weekends, so if you want it quieter, come during the week.

Why I love it
For me, this is the perfect beach on Madeira. It’s easy to reach, parking is simple, and the water is crystal clear. No rocks when entering the water, just smooth black sand. Perfect for swimming and actually enjoying the ocean. There’s also a small beach bar with bathrooms and everything you need. Which is exactly where I’m sitting right now, sipping my sangria and wondering why I don’t do this more often.

It doesn’t have the dramatic waterfalls and towering cliffs like Seixal, but it has its own charm. It feels more real, less like a photo spot and more like a place you actually want to spend time. The only downside? You have to walk down a long set of stairs to get there. And yes, that means walking back up later. But honestly, it’s worth every step.

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So if you’re deciding between the two, it really depends on what you’re looking for.

Seixal for the iconic views.
Prainha for the experience.

As for me, I’m going to finish my drink, take a quick dip in the ocean (a fresh 18 degrees, so still slightly shocking), and enjoy this perfect April afternoon.

If you’re planning your trip and want to discover more spots like this, check out my Ultimate Madeira Travel Guide with all my favorite locations, tips, and ready-to-use Google Maps.