Faial Beach lies on the north coast of Madeira, at Faial on the ER101. Swimming is in a bay of the open Atlantic, with steps leading into the water and a lifeguard on duty; the beach itself is pebble and mountains rise directly behind it. The complex around the bay has showers, toilets and changing rooms, a separate pool for children, a large playground, and a bar and restaurant. Depth in the swimming area depends on the tide.
- Parking
- Free car park 15–40 m from the beach.
- Transport
- Nearest bus stops: Paragem Covas and Centro de Saúde do Faial, both about 345 m away.
- Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–23:00; closed on Mondays.
What makes it special
The swimming is open Atlantic water, and yet the swell rolls into the bay without dragging out to sea. Steps take you down into the ocean and a lifeguard watches it. Mountains stand directly behind the beach, and from the Crane Viewpoint the whole bay lies in view below — that is how plenty of people find out it is there at all.
The complex is modern and well used by people from the village: a separate pool for small children, a large playground, showers and changing rooms, and a restaurant turning out plain hot food such as vegetable soup and omelettes.
Good to know
- Underfoot: pebbles, not sand — bring something for your feet.
- Facilities: free showers, toilets and changing rooms at the beach.
- With children: a separate children's pool beside the sea and a large playground.
- Food and drink: a bar and a restaurant on site.
Getting there
The beach sits on the ER101 as it runs along the north coast, and the car park is at the beach itself: from the car to the water is a matter of a few dozen metres. By bus, the nearest stops are Paragem Covas and Centro de Saúde do Faial, both about 345 m away, which leaves that last stretch on foot.
Best time to visit
Better: high tide, when there is real depth in the swimming area.
Avoid: low water, when the bay is much shallower.
The tide governs the swim here more than the season does: a mid-December visit found the water good for floating on the swell, and July brought no crowds.
Sun & daylight
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Faial Beach on the map
The steps into the ocean are slippery, and the waves are strong: getting in and out of the water is harder than staying afloat once you are past the break. A lifeguard is on duty, but this is open ocean.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the tide affect swimming at Faial Beach?
Yes. At low water the bay is much shallower; at high tide there is proper depth to swim.Is the swimming supervised?
A lifeguard is on duty. Entry is by steps into the ocean, and those steps are slippery.Is there anything for young children?
A separate children's pool sits beside the sea, and the complex has a large playground.Can you eat at the beach?
There is a bar and a restaurant on site, serving plain hot dishes such as vegetable soup and omelettes.