Praia das Palmeiras
Small pebble beach with a swimming pool complex in the centre of Santa Cruz, close to the airport.
About Praia das Palmeiras
Praia das Palmeiras sits in Santa Cruz and is best known for rounded pebbles rather than soft sand — water shoes make a real difference. Small pebble beach with a swimming pool complex in the centre of Santa Cruz, close to the airport.
The site is supervised in season, with a marked swimming area and clear flag signalling. On-site facilities include lifeguard, pools, cafe 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
Santa Cruz, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.69110, -16.79720
Frequently asked
Is Praia das Palmeiras good for families?+
Yes — Praia das Palmeiras has a seasonal lifeguard and facilities such as lifeguard, pools, cafe and parking, which makes it well suited to families.
What kind of beach is Praia das Palmeiras?+
Praia das Palmeiras is a pebble site in Santa Cruz. Most of Madeira's coastline is volcanic, so soft golden sand beaches are the exception rather than the rule.
Is there parking at Praia das Palmeiras?+
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 das Palmeiras.