Poças do Gomes (Seixal)
Natural saltwater pools at the western edge of Seixal village, a quieter alternative to Porto Moniz.
About Poças do Gomes (Seixal)
Poças do Gomes (Seixal) sits in the wild, mossy north coast and is best known for naturally formed volcanic pools, refilled by the Atlantic at each tide. Natural saltwater pools at the western edge of Seixal village, a quieter alternative to Porto Moniz.
The site is supervised in season, with a marked swimming area and clear flag signalling. On-site facilities include lifeguard, cafe, parking and showers.
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
Seixal, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.82750, -17.10560
Frequently asked
Is Poças do Gomes (Seixal) good for families?+
Yes — Poças do Gomes (Seixal) has a seasonal lifeguard and facilities such as lifeguard, cafe, parking and showers, which makes it well suited to families.
What kind of beach is Poças do Gomes (Seixal)?+
Poças do Gomes (Seixal) is a natural pools site in Seixal. Most of Madeira's coastline is volcanic, so soft golden sand beaches are the exception rather than the rule.
Is there parking at Poças do Gomes (Seixal)?+
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 Poças do Gomes (Seixal).