Seixal: Madeira's Black-Sand Beach

Seixal, on Madeira’s wild north coast, has one of the island’s most beautiful spots: a black-sand beach beneath towering green cliffs and waterfalls, plus natural rock pools and terraced vineyards. It’s a great stop on a drive to Porto Moniz.

Quick answer: Seixal is about 1 hour 15 minutes from Funchal, 15 minutes east of Porto Moniz. Swim from the black-sand beach (with lifeguards in summer) or in the natural pools, photograph the cliffs and waterfalls, and visit the nearby Veu da Noiva waterfall viewpoint. See west Madeira tours.

Things to do

• The black-sand beach: dark volcanic sand framed by lush cliffs.
• Natural pools: swimming in rock pools by the sea.
• The “Bridal Veil” waterfall: a waterfall tumbling down the cliffs, seen from a viewpoint on the coast road.
• Vineyards: terraced vines on the steep slopes.

Nearby

• Porto Moniz: see the Porto Moniz pools.
• Fanal: see the Fanal forest.
• São Vicente: volcanic caves and a pretty village.

Tips

• Sea: the north coast can be rough, so swim only in calm conditions.
• Weather: cloudier and cooler than Funchal.

More: the Madeira itinerary and getting around Madeira.

See also: the Sao Vicente caves.

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