Praia da Foz da Ribeira do Faial
Pebble river-mouth beach on the north coast at Faial. Crystal-clear water, popular with locals.
About Praia da Foz da Ribeira do Faial
Praia da Foz da Ribeira do Faial sits in Faial 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 showers.
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
Faial, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.79690, -16.86940
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Frequently asked
Is Praia da Foz da Ribeira do Faial good for families?+
Yes — Praia da Foz da Ribeira do Faial has a seasonal lifeguard and facilities such as lifeguard, cafe and showers, which makes it well suited to families.
What kind of beach is Praia da Foz da Ribeira do Faial?+
Praia da Foz da Ribeira do Faial is a pebble site in Faial. 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 Foz da Ribeira do Faial?+
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 Foz da Ribeira do Faial
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Plan the rest of your trip
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