Praia da Madalena do Mar is a pebble beach on the west coast of Madeira, set under rocky cliffs. A flat promenade runs along the front, lined with cafés, bars and restaurants, and there is a playground beside it. Banana plantations lie behind the seafront, with short paths running through them. The beach is one of the most popular on this coast during the bathing season, and the level seafront walk to Ponta do Sol is a reason to come in its own right.
Praia da Madalena do Mar
The old coast road out from the beach runs under a waterfall, and taxis once pulled up beneath it for a free wash.
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking; the promenade is flat and level.
- Parking
- Free car park by the seafront; the nearest lots are about 240 m and 300 m from the beach. Street parking is free as well.
- Difficulty
- Level, easy walking along the promenade; the seafront route to Ponta do Sol is flat.
- Transport
- Nearest bus stop, Rodoeste 80, about 260 m from the beach.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
What makes it special
The beach is pebbly rather than sandy. On Madeira that is normal — sandy shores are rare. Rocky cliffs stand behind it, and a flat promenade runs the length of the front. Cafés, bars and restaurants line the walkway, among them Bar Dona Maria, Casa de Pedra and Restaurante Moreia. A playground for children sits beside it. Behind the seafront the banana plantations begin, and short paths run through them; the workers there will sometimes stop and explain the crop. In the bathing season this is one of the most popular beaches on this part of the west coast.
Good to know
- Pebbles, not sand: the shore is stony underfoot. Water shoes make getting in and out easier.
- No drinking water point nearby: bring your own bottle.
- Toilets: free public toilets stand about 330 m from the beach.
- The Anjos waterfall: from the roundabout the old coast road runs to it on foot, through two tunnels.
Getting there
Most people arrive by car and park behind the seafront, then walk onto the promenade on the flat. Parking on the far side of the bay gets hectic. The alternative is to leave the car in Ponta do Sol and walk in along the seafront, which is level the whole way and takes you straight onto the front.
Best time to visit
Best: morning, for the seafront walk in from Ponta do Sol.
Avoid: the height of the bathing season if you want the beach quiet — this is one of the most popular beaches with bathers in the area.
The beach fills with bathers in season; the promenade, the plantation paths and the coffee stops are the draw the rest of the year.
Sun & daylight
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Frequently asked questions
Is Praia da Madalena do Mar sandy?
No. The beach is pebbly. Sandy shores are rare on Madeira, and this is one of the stony ones.Can you walk to Ponta do Sol from the beach?
Yes. The seafront walk between the two runs along the water and is level easy walking, with coffee shops along the way.Is there anything here for children?
There is a small playground beside the promenade, and the promenade itself is flat the whole way.Where does the old coast road lead?
From the roundabout it runs through two tunnels to the Anjos waterfall. It is walked rather than driven.Are there places to eat on the seafront?
Yes. Bars and restaurants stand on the front, among them Bar Dona Maria, Casa de Pedra and Restaurante Moreia.