The visual record
Praia do Calhau (Caniçal): beach in Madeira
Praia do Calhau (Caniçal) is a pebble beach in Caniçal, with a café.
Grey-pebble beach on Caniçal's seafront, with thatched parasols, a boat slipway where fishing boats are hauled up, and a concrete promenade with steps into the sea. Seafront cafés are a short walk away. Lava rocks and the fishing harbour lie just beyond the promenade.
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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
Caniçal, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.73830, -16.73860
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Frequently asked
Where is Praia do Calhau in Caniçal?
On Caniçal's seafront, between the boat slipway and the fishing harbour, with cafés and restaurants a short walk away.
Is Praia do Calhau sand or pebbles?
Grey pebbles. Water shoes make getting in and out easier.
Is Praia do Calhau good for swimming?
There is a concrete promenade with steps into the sea at the end of the beach. The sea around the lava rocks beyond can be rough, so swim only in calm conditions.
What else is near Praia do Calhau?
Caniçal's seafront cafés, the Museu da Baleia (whale museum), Praia da Ribeira do Natal 1.2 km away and Prainha, the island's natural sand beach, about 1.5 km away.
Plan around Praia do Calhau (Caniçal)
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Praia do Calhau (Caniçal) in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Praia do Calhau (Caniçal).
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.
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