Praia da Ponta do Sol
Pebble beach in the sunniest town in Madeira, with a long seafront promenade and cafés.
About Praia da Ponta do Sol
Praia da Ponta do Sol 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, 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.
- 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
32.67890, -17.10140
Frequently asked
Is Praia da Ponta do Sol good for families?+
Yes — Praia da Ponta do Sol 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 Ponta do Sol?+
Praia da Ponta do Sol 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 Ponta do Sol?+
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.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Praia da Ponta do Sol.