Praia do Seixal

Introduction

Welcome to one of the best-kept secrets of Madeira's north coast! Today, we want to tell you about Praia do Seixal, one of those Madeira beaches that will take your breath away and will undoubtedly be etched in your memory as one of the most authentic experiences on the island. Far from the hustle and bustle of Funchal, this volcanic cove is a testament to the strength and natural beauty of the 'Pearl of the Atlantic'.

Our first impression upon arriving at Praia do Seixal was awe. The contrast between the vibrant blue of the Atlantic Ocean, the intense green of the surrounding cliffs, and the deep black of its volcanic sand creates a visual spectacle that is hard to describe in words. It's not the typical golden sand beach one expects to find in many Portugal beaches, but something much rawer, more genuine, more… Madeira. It's a place where nature shows itself in its purest and most dramatic state, inviting us to immerse ourselves in its unique charm.

But Praia do Seixal is not just a feast for the eyes. It's also an oasis of tranquility and fun, especially thanks to its famous natural pools formed by lava, which offer a safe and refreshing swim any time of the year. It's a destination that perfectly combines spectacular scenery with the possibility of enjoying a relaxed and different beach day, ideal for those seeking an authentic and memorable experience on their trip to the island.

How to Get to Praia do Seixal

Getting to Praia do Seixal is part of the adventure and offers us the chance to enjoy some of the most impressive landscapes of Madeira's north coast. The most comfortable and recommended way, without a doubt, is by car. We rented a vehicle and headed north from Funchal, following the ER101 road. The journey is spectacular, winding through tunnels and viaducts overlooking dizzying cliffs and lush valleys. It's a route that gifts us panoramic views that make every kilometer worthwhile. The trip from Funchal takes about an hour, depending on traffic and the photo stops, which we assure you, will be many.

Once we reached the picturesque village of Seixal, the Praia do Seixal beach is well signposted. We found a large and free Parking area right next to the beach, which is a great advantage, especially in high season. This allowed us to comfortably access it with all our beach gear and without worries. If you prefer not to drive, there are public transport options, although they are less frequent. Several bus lines connect Seixal with other important towns on the island, such as Funchal or Porto Moniz. However, to have complete freedom of schedule and explore the surroundings at your own pace, the car is the most practical option. We always choose the freedom that a car gives us in Madeira.

The Sand and Water

One of the most distinctive aspects of Praia do Seixal is, without a doubt, its sand. Here you won't find the typical light sands of the Mediterranean, but a deep and surprising volcanic sand of intense black color. We found it fascinating how this sand absorbs the sun's heat, becoming quite warm to the touch, so we recommend wearing suitable footwear to walk on it. It's a fine and soft sand, which feels incredibly good underfoot and contrasts spectacularly with the turquoise and emerald blue of the water.

The water at Praia do Seixal beach is exceptionally clean and clear, inviting us for a refreshing swim. The water quality is excellent, something we always highly value. But what really makes this Madeira beach unique are its natural pools. Formed by ancient lava flows that solidified upon contact with the ocean, these pools offer a safe and tranquil space for swimming, even when the open sea is rougher. The pools are perfect for relaxing, floating, and enjoying the scenery without worrying about waves or currents. We spent hours exploring every corner of these rock formations, marveling at the marine life hiding among them.

The water temperature in the natural pools is slightly warmer than in the open sea, making them even more pleasant. Furthermore, they are ideal for children, as their waters are shallow in many areas and protected from the waves. Watching the contrast between the white foam of the waves breaking against the outer rocks and the serene calm of the inner pools is a truly magical experience. Without a doubt, the combination of the black volcanic sand and the natural pools makes Praia do Seixal an incomparable place to enjoy the Atlantic.

Services and Facilities

Although Praia do Seixal maintains a natural and wild charm, it has a fairly adequate service infrastructure to ensure a comfortable and pleasant visit. We were glad to find a good number of facilities that contribute to a positive experience at this Madeira beach. The first thing we noticed was the availability of Parking right next to the beach, which is extremely convenient and avoids worries when looking for a place to leave the car.

For our comfort after a swim in the sea or the pools, we found public Showers, which allowed us to rinse off the sand and salt before getting back in the car. There are also clean and well-maintained Bathrooms/WC, a detail that is always appreciated at any beach. During the bathing season, the presence of Lifeguards gave us an additional sense of security, knowing that there are professionals looking after the safety of bathers. This is especially important if you're traveling with children or if you're not experienced swimmers.

Right in the surroun