3 hours Caniçal
Ponta de São Lourenço Boat Tour
A calm coastal boat tour around the eastern peninsula's red cliffs — sea caves, swim stops and the easiest way to get the family on the water.
from €38
Check availabilityPraia da Calheta
Imported golden sand behind two breakwaters — the calmest swimming on the island.
One of only two golden-sand beaches on Madeira, created with sand shipped in from North Africa and protected by harbour walls. The water is flat, shallow and reliably warmer than anywhere on the north coast.
Why families end up here
The breakwaters kill almost all swell, so this is the beach where small children can actually swim rather than being knocked over. Lifeguards, showers, sun loungers, a marina and several restaurants sit around it.
The Calheta side of the island also gets the most sunshine hours, which matters in spring and autumn.
Around the beach
The Mudas contemporary art museum sits on the cliff above, and the Engenhos da Calheta rum distillery in town still produces sugar-cane spirit and sells poncha at the bar.
Local tips
- — Arrive before 11am in August for a parking space and a patch of sand.
Guided trips here
Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.
2.5 hours Calheta MarinaWhale & Dolphin Watching Tour
A marine-biologist-led catamaran trip into the deep Atlantic, where pilot whales and three dolphin species are resident year round. Rated 4.9 from over 1,200 reviews.
from €74
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3 hours Calheta 5.0(13)From Calheta: Private Morning/Sunset Catamaran Tour w/ Open Bar
Departing from Calheta, discover Madeira from the sea in a fully private experience - the catamaran is exclusively reserved for you, your friends, or family.
from €420
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4 hours Madeira 4.9(8)Madeira: Private Guided Half-Day Tour of Northwest Madeira
Start the day with a convenient pickup from your accommodation or the cruise port of Funchal and depart with your private guide to the first stop of tour at São Vicente, where you'll see a beautiful sight over the valley.
from €180
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8 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(13)Shore Excursion Porto Moniz - Enchanted Terraces 4x4 tour
This is a shore excursion with pick up / drop off at the cruise terminal (pick up at the harbour €5.00 extra or free pick up at CR7 statue / museum) Enjoy a beautiful and pleasant tour alongside Madeira’s North West Coast, deep in…
from €69
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6 hours Madeira 5.0(302)West Side Private Full Day Tours around Madeira Island
A local guide providing a fun, relaxing and knowledgeable tour around Madeira Island. Whenever you are a seasoned traveler or visiting for the first time, these tours are designed to cater all interests.
from €220
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Stay nearby
Where to base yourself for this part of the island.
Avenida do Infante, Funchal
Palace Vista · Luxury 2BR opposite Savoy Palace
Three private balconies, steps from the seafront
4 guests 2 bedrooms
€275 / night
View stay
Santa Luzia, Funchal
Funchal modern 3 bedroom bay view apartment
Large balcony with a full Funchal bay view
6 guests 3 bedrooms
€125 / night
View stayNearby
Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.
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