The visual record
Praia da Alagoa (Porto da Cruz): beach in Madeira
Praia da Alagoa (Porto da Cruz) is a black-sand beach in Porto da Cruz, with a café, showers and parking. Lifeguards are on duty during the bathing season.
Black-sand and pebble beach in the surfing village of Porto da Cruz, framed by the Penha de Águia rock.
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About Praia da Alagoa (Porto da Cruz)
Praia da Alagoa (Porto da Cruz) sits in Porto da Cruz and is best known for black volcanic sand, soft underfoot but quick to heat up in summer sun
Lifeguards work the summer months and the swimming zone is clearly buoyed off from rock and boat traffic. On-site facilities include lifeguard, cafe, showers 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.
- Standard beach footwear is fine, though a small towel for rocky paths to the water helps.
- 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
Porto da Cruz, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.77470, -16.82940
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Frequently asked
Is Praia da Alagoa (Porto da Cruz) good for families?
Yes: Praia da Alagoa (Porto da Cruz) has a seasonal lifeguard and facilities such as lifeguard, cafe, showers and parking, which makes it well suited to families.
What kind of beach is Praia da Alagoa (Porto da Cruz)?
Praia da Alagoa (Porto da Cruz) is a volcanic site in Porto da Cruz. Most of Madeira's coastline is volcanic, so soft golden sand beaches are the exception rather than the rule.
Is there parking at Praia da Alagoa (Porto da Cruz)?
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 Praia da Alagoa (Porto da Cruz)
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Praia da Alagoa (Porto da Cruz) in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Praia da Alagoa (Porto da Cruz).
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.
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