Prainha

Madeira's only natural black-sand beach, tucked below Caniçal.

Small cove of black volcanic sand at Prainha near Caniçal
Photo: Michael Gaylard from Horsham, UK · CC BY 2.0

A small cove of genuinely volcanic black sand on the road out to Ponta de São Lourenço. It is reached by a flight of steps and is the obvious swim after that walk.

The cove

Sheltered by headlands on both sides, so the water is usually calmer than the exposed east coast suggests. There is a café, showers and lifeguards in summer, and a chapel on the hill above.

It is small — in August it fills by mid-morning.

Local tips

  • The black sand gets very hot — bring something to sit on.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Rugged coastal ridge on Madeira's eastern peninsula
    6 hours Caniçal

    Ponta de São Lourenço Guided Hike

    The dry, wind-carved eastern peninsula — red cliffs, sea on both sides and nothing like the rest of the island, with a guide and transfers.

  • Funchal Old Town & Christ the Redeemer Tour – East Coast Views in Madeira
    2 hours Funchal 5.0(27)

    Funchal Old Town & Christ the Redeemer Tour – East Coast Views

    Embarking from your hotel or cruise ship, our journey begins with a visit to Funchal's City Centre and enchanting Old Town.

  • East private full day in Madeira
    9 hours Madeira 4.9(12)

    East private full day

    If you want to have a open 4x4 tour just for you and your family up to 7 persons, this is the best choise. In a open roof 4x4, you'll visit the East side of Madeira, leaving the hotel and driving to Machico town.

  • Family-friendly sailing boat on calm water off Madeira
    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.

  • Full Day East Tour at Pico do Arieiro and Santana with Pickup in Madeira
    8 hours Santana 5.0(54)

    Full Day East Tour at Pico do Arieiro and Santana with Pickup

    Why explore the East of Madeira in a noisy, polluting car when you can experience it in silence, comfort, and style? We don't just show you places– we help you feel the heart of Madeira’s wild side.

  • Madeira Surreal East Tour in Madeira
    7 hours Madeira 5.0(44)

    Madeira Surreal East Tour

    Discover nature’s beauty while walking a scenic 1.5 km trail that offers stunning panoramic views.

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

Read next

Remote cliffs and ocean on Madeira's north coast

Things to Do

Hidden Gems in Madeira

Twelve places we send returning guests, none of which appear on the coach routes.

7 min read