Praia de Machico
Yellow-sand beach in the bay of Machico, Madeira's first settlement. Sand was imported from Morocco.
About Praia de Machico
Praia de Machico sits in the dry, dramatic eastern tip of the island and is best known for imported golden sand inside a sheltered swimming area
The site is supervised in season, with a marked swimming area and clear flag signalling. On-site facilities include lifeguard, showers and cafe.
Machico's golden-sand beach was built in 2008 with 11,500 tonnes of sand imported from Morocco, and it transformed the town overnight. It is one of only two true sandy beaches on Madeira (Calheta is the other) and the most family-friendly swimming spot on the island, with a sheltered bay, lifeguards, gentle entry and beach restaurants two minutes away.
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
Machico, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.71960, -16.76890
Frequently asked
Is Praia de Machico good for families?+
Yes — Praia de Machico has a seasonal lifeguard and facilities such as lifeguard, showers and cafe, which makes it well suited to families.
What kind of beach is Praia de Machico?+
Praia de Machico is a sand site in Machico. Most of Madeira's coastline is volcanic, so soft golden sand beaches are the exception rather than the rule.
Is there parking at Praia de Machico?+
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 de Machico.