8 hours North West
North West & Porto Moniz Day Trip
Seixal's black sand, the Véu da Noiva waterfall and swimming time in the Porto Moniz volcanic pools.
from €50
Check availabilityBeaches & Natural Pools
Madeira is a volcanic island, so its swimming is unusual: lava pools that fill with clean Atlantic water, engineered sea complexes carved into the rock, black sand at Seixal and imported golden sand at Calheta. Where you swim depends heavily on swell and which coast you are on.
Where to go
Porto Moniz
The best-known lava pools, with lifeguards and a paid and a free section.
Seixal
Black sand beach with a waterfall behind and a separate natural pool.
Praia da Calheta
Sheltered golden sand, the calmest option with small children.
Doca do Cavacas
A quiet rock pool complex on the edge of Funchal.
Book it
Guided options
2 hours Funchal Marina
Family Boat & Swim Trip
A shorter, calmer sailing trip built around a swim stop in a sheltered bay — the easiest way to get small children onto the water.
from €30
Check availabilityGuides on this subject
Nature
Best Beaches and Natural Pools in Madeira
Where to actually swim on a volcanic island, coast by coast.
6 min read
Family
Madeira with Kids
Which walks, beaches and boat trips work with children, and how to pace the week.
8 min read