Praia do Zimbralinho (Porto Santo): beach in Porto Santo
Praia do Zimbralinho (Porto Santo) is a pebble beach in Porto Santo. There is no lifeguard cover.
Hidden pebble cove on Porto Santo's wild south-west coast, reached only by hiking or boat.
Share this venue
About Praia do Zimbralinho (Porto Santo)
Praia do Zimbralinho (Porto Santo) sits in Porto Santo and is best known for rounded pebbles rather than soft sand, water shoes make a real difference
There is no lifeguard service, so swim within your ability and read the swell before you commit to a long stroke.
What to know before you go
- Porto Santo's sea is a touch warmer and calmer than Madeira's, roughly 19–24 °C across the year, with a long, shallow shelf.
- Bring water shoes; entry is not soft-sand friendly.
- Cash is rarely required, cafés and parking meters mostly take cards.
- Reaching the island means the Funchal ferry (about 2h15) or a short flight from Madeira airport; there is free parking at most beach access points.
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
Porto Santo, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
33.02310, -16.37220
Visitor reviews
Honest first-person notes from people who have actually been to Praia do Zimbralinho (Porto Santo). Reviews are moderated before they appear, no account needed.
Loading reviews…
Frequently asked
Is Praia do Zimbralinho (Porto Santo) good for families?
Praia do Zimbralinho (Porto Santo) can be enjoyed by families, but it has no lifeguard service and the Atlantic swell can change quickly. Younger children should always stay within arm's reach in the water.
What kind of beach is Praia do Zimbralinho (Porto Santo)?
Praia do Zimbralinho (Porto Santo) is a pebble site on Porto Santo, the second inhabited island of the Madeira archipelago, about 43 km north-east of Madeira island. Unlike Madeira's volcanic shoreline, Porto Santo's sand is natural: biogenic carbonate grains built up from shells, calcareous algae and marine fossils, not imported.
Is there parking at Praia do Zimbralinho (Porto Santo)?
Yes, there are free car parks and roadside spaces along the beach road between Vila Baleira and Ponta da Calheta. The island is small enough that many visitors use a bike, buggy or the local bus instead.
Plan around Praia do Zimbralinho (Porto Santo)
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Praia do Zimbralinho (Porto Santo) in a day.
Nearby on Porto Santo
Other places within easy reach of Praia do Zimbralinho (Porto Santo).
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.
The monthly Madeira letter
Once a month: what's on the island next month, trails that closed or reopened, ferry and cable car changes, and the new guides worth reading. Written by Mike, no sponsored posts, unsubscribe in one click.
Your address is used for this letter only. Never sold, never shared.