The visual record
Paul do Mar: beach in Madeira
Paul do Mar is a pebble beach in Calheta, with a café and parking. Lifeguards are on duty during the bathing season.
Long pebble beach below dramatic cliffs, popular with surfers.
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About Paul do Mar
Paul do Mar sits in the south-west, where the laurisilva spills toward the coast and is best known for rounded pebbles rather than soft sand, water shoes make a real difference
The site is supervised in season, with a marked swimming area and clear flag signalling. On-site facilities include lifeguard, cafe and parking.
What to know before you go
- Madeira's water is cooler than the Canaries, sea-surface temperatures sit around 19–23 °C through the year.
- Bring water shoes; entry is not soft-sand friendly.
- Cash is rarely required, cafés and parking meters mostly take cards.
- Parking fills early on summer weekends; arrive before 10:00 or after 16:00 for the best chance of a spot.
Best time to visit
June to October is peak season for swimming, with the warmest water in September. The site stays open year-round but the Atlantic gets bigger and colder from November.
Location
Calheta, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.75744, -17.23031
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Frequently asked
Is Paul do Mar good for families?
Yes: Paul do Mar has a seasonal lifeguard and facilities such as lifeguard, cafe and parking, which makes it well suited to families.
What kind of beach is Paul do Mar?
Paul do Mar is a pebble site in Calheta. Most of Madeira's coastline is volcanic, so soft golden sand beaches are the exception rather than the rule.
Is there parking at Paul do Mar?
Most coastal sites on Madeira have nearby paid parking, but spots fill quickly in summer. Arrive early or use local taxis and buses when possible.
Plan around Paul do Mar
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Paul do Mar in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Paul do Mar.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.
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