We are entering the summer, and if we are not going on vacation yet, the idea of being on a beach soaking in the sea becomes more attractive every day. What do you think of Madeira beaches, riding a Portugal?
These islands are not far from the Canary Islands and Lisbon, with short flights, so for the European summer they have become a great beach destination. There are several islands and there are several beaches so today we have to talk about the best beaches in Madeira to sunbathe, rest, go out, have a good time and swim a bit.
Madeira
As we said above Madeira is an archipelago which today functions as an autonomous region. Have five islands in total, two inhabited and three uninhabited, being all of volcanic origino.
The Island Madeira is the largest, with 57 kilometers long and a maximum width of 22; It is followed by the island of Porto Santo and then the two small groups of uninhabited islands, the so-called Desertas Islands and the Wild Islands.
Madeira's capital is Funchal, on the south coast, but then there are other important cities such as Machico, Santana or Porto Santo, for example. Obviously, if you want to visit the beaches of Madeira, you will surely enter through its airport and you will stay in the center to visit, in addition to the beaches, its other attractions.
Just know that Funchal is in the south of the island and is divided into ten neighborhoods or parishes. Its name derives from fennel, fennel in Portuguese, as this vegetable was abundant everywhere in the days of the Portuguese settlers. Briefly, before going to the beaches, you can visit the Arriaga avenue that crosses the center in Funchal, its gardens and the historic building of the Bank of Portugal from the mid-XNUMXth century, the Palace of the Count of Carvahal, the Church of San Juan Evangelista and the beautiful old Esperanza Bookstore.
Madeira's beaches
Now yes, the beaches. Lmost of them are pebble beaches or stones, there are some black sands and also artificial sand. They are not white sand, like Polynesia, but that does not detract from their charm. Also in Madeira there are natural pools very attractive for families with children.
One of the best beaches if not the best is the Porto Santo beach. It has nine kilometers of golden sand and turquoise waters. In turn, it is divided into a series of smaller beaches such as the pLaya de Cabeco, the beach of Penedo, with Blue Flag, the Fontinha beach, Pedras Pretas beach, Calheta beach with its natural pools and dunes. These beaches have sand with therapeutic properties, very good for fighting rheumatism.
Calheta beach is for many the best beach in Madeira, so you cannot miss it because the contrast between rocks and light, almost white sands is wonderful. To the west of Funchal is the Formosa beach formed by four beaches: Formosa, Nova, dos Namorados and do Arrieiro. Over here is the night life with discos bars and restaurants. They are all beaches of Blue flag and sports options.
Over here is also the Sao Tiago Beach, in the old town and near Fort Sao Tiago. It has stones and can be an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city as it is usually quiet. Nothing else, it is neither near nor far the best beach on the island but it is an option if you want to relax a little and listen to the sea.
There are other beaches known as las Jardim do Mar beaches, very popular with surfers: Portinho, Enseada and Ponta jardim. To the southwest is the Ponta de Sol Beach, with black sands and warm waters, in the center and therefore with many services. Another black beach is the Laje Beach or Jamaica Beach, with good services, and a pebbly beach is the Ribeira da Janela beach, with the frame of cliffs, and with some basic services, also sought after by surfers.
To the northeast of the island is the Lagoa Porto da Cruz beach, great beach, dark sands, very familiar and with good services. To the east is the Machico beach, the only one with golden sands in Madeira, and the Prainha Beach, difficult to access but very pretty. But speaking of difficult accesses we cannot ignore the Faja dos Padres beach, to the south of the island and at sea level. To get there you have to take an elevator so you can't let them pass.
But we said that in addition to beaches Madeira also has natural pools. And what natural pools! In principle we can talk about the natural pools of Porto Moniz, of crystalline waters between volcanic rocks. The area has a total of 3217 square kilometers, has all the services and It is a Blue Flag.
They are also the Seixal natural pools, which follow those of Porto Moniz in beauty and popularity. They are accessed only by road and this is not very easy but obviously, it is worth it. Canical is another pool area, with two natural ponds, one for adults and one for children.
It also has a terrace with a bar, sun loungers and parasols for rent. More pools are in Ribeira da Boaventura, in the municipality of Santa Cruz. Here there are two swimming pools and since they rest in a small bay it is possible to access the sea in a simple way and that is why there is a small nautical area.
A very attractive pool complex is Barreirinha, in the highest part of the Santa María neighborhood and near the Sao Tiago Fort. Here are the pools with umbrellas and sunbeds but also access to the sea is ensured. Another pool complex is that of Ponta Gorda, in the tourist area of Lido de Funchal. They are freshwater and there is one built with floating blocks. They are a bit more expensive than those in Porto Moniz but you can play with the cool of the Atlantic and the warm temperate of the sweet pools.
Between historical destinations, very island cuisine, beautiful beaches and charming pools, the truth is that Madeira is increasingly attractive this summer. What a great way to climb out of these oppressive temperatures!