Praia da Madalena do Mar
Long, quiet pebble beach in a banana-growing village west of Ponta do Sol.
About Praia da Madalena do Mar
Praia da Madalena do Mar sits in Madeira's sunniest western strip and is best known for rounded pebbles rather than soft sand — water shoes make a real difference
Lifeguards work the summer months and the swimming zone is clearly buoyed off from rock and boat traffic. On-site facilities include lifeguard and cafe.
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
Ponta do Sol, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.72220, -17.13110
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Frequently asked
Is Praia da Madalena do Mar good for families?+
Yes — Praia da Madalena do Mar has a seasonal lifeguard and facilities such as lifeguard and cafe, which makes it well suited to families.
What kind of beach is Praia da Madalena do Mar?+
Praia da Madalena do Mar is a pebble site in Ponta do Sol. 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 Madalena 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 Praia da Madalena do Mar
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Plan the rest of your trip
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