Madeira’s Top Pool & Beach Spots

As an archipelago, Madeira is home to numerousof beaches and pools, each possessing its own set of unique qualities. What makes one beach or pool great for some may not necessarily be great for others who just want to relax and sunbathe on the shore.

To help narrow down the search for your own personal perfect beach or pool destination, the following list is a compilation of what are widely agreed to be the most common beach or pool spots of this archipelago:

Complexo Balnear da Barreirinha

Largo do Socorro

Tel: 291 105 098 / 931 781 145

Monday - Sunday

09:00 - 17:00 (Summer)

Located next to the São Tiago Fortress, this bathing complex has direct access to the sea.

Complexo do Lido

Largo do Socorro

Tel: 291 105 163 / 931 781 148

Monday - Sunday

09:00 - 19:00 (Summer)

The pools of Lido are the most popular pools in Funchal.

Complexo Balnear da Ponta Gorda

Passeio Público Marítimo

Tel: 291 105 763 / 939 018 155

Monday - Sunday

09:00 - 19:00 (Summer)

The Complex includes two salt-water pools, one for adults and the other one for children.

Complexo Balnear Doca do Cavacas

Ponta da Cruz

Tel: 291 105 158 / 931 7881 146

Monday - Sunday

10:00 - 18:00 (Summer)

This is a small beach complex with a natural swimming pool of volcanic origin and direct access to the sea.

Complexo Balnear Praia Formosa

Praia Formosa

Tel: 291 105 760 / 939 123 264

This is the largest public beach in Madeira and includes both sandy and pebbled seashores.

Praia do Gorgulho

Promenade do Lido

This is a small public beach under the watchful eyes of lifeguards. It is located near the Lido promenade.

Praia de São Tiago

Located near the Fort of São Tiago, it is a small public beach which has become a hotspot for diving.

Praia do Vigário

This is a pebbled beach located in the city centre of Câmara de Lobos.

Piscinas das Salinas

Located near Câmara de Lobos bay, the Salinas natural swimming pools are part of a bathing complex, surrounded by green areas and a swimming pool for adults and the other one for children..

Praia da Fajã do Rancho

Located at the foot of Cabo Girão, it is accessible only by boat or by the Rancho Cable Car..

Complexo Balnear da Ribeira Brava

The Complex consists of a pebbled beach mixed with black sand, protected from the waves by wave-breakers. It features swimming pools, changing rooms, sanitary facilities, snack bar and restaurant.

Praia da Fajã dos Padres

Nestled at the foot of the right side of Cabo Girão, it is accessible only by boat or by the Quinta Grande lift.

Calhau da Lapa

Located in Campanário, just below a cliff, you will find the most pristine waters.

Zona Balnear da Ponta do Sol

The beach, hidden away in a small cove in the village of Ponta do Sol, consists of a small pebbled beach with excellent water quality.

Praias da Madalena do Mar

Praia da Madalena do Mar is a pebbled beach where one can enjoy a peaceful day out.

Praia dos Anjos

If sun, peaceful water and warm weather is what you’re looking for then this is the place to be.

Praia de Areia da Calheta

The manmade sandy beach of Calheta village features a sunbathing area of about 7,300 m2.

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Praia do Calhau

Located near the Saccharum Hotel, Praia do Calhau is a pebbled beach that features a sunbathing area

Praias do Portinho, da Enseada e Ponta Jardim

The pebbled beaches of Jardim do Mar are very popular amongst surfers, who regard the waves here as the best in Europe.

Praias do Porto e da Ribeira das Galinhas

Sunny, tranquil and with clear waters, the pebbled beaches of Paul do Mar are one of a kind.

Piscinas Naturais do Porto Moniz

Tel: 291 850 190

Monday - Sunday

09:00 - 19:00 (Summer)

The natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz are formed by volcanic lava, naturally filled with crystal-clear sea water.

Piscinas Naturais do Cachalote

The Pools, located at the entrance to the village of Porto Moniz, are volcanic in origin and one of the village’s best known visitor attractions.

Praia do Porto do Seixal

The Seixal Port offers a black sandy beach surrounded by an impressive view over Madeira’s north coast.

Complexo Balnear do Clube Naval do Seixal

Tel: 963 843 830

The Seixal Naval Club has a natural swimming pool that can be accessed free of charge. It is also possible to rent kayaks and diving equipment.

Piscinas Naturais do Seixal

These pools of volcanic origin, set in an incredible landscape, are filled with clean, crystal clear sea water.

Praia da Laje

The Laje beach is a black sandy beach, also known as “Jamaica Beach”, located in Seixal.

Complexo Balnear da Ponta Delgada

Tel: 291 863 091

Monday - Sunday

10:00 - 17:00 (Summer)

It features two saltwater swimming pools, sunbathing area, gardens, changing rooms, bar/terrace service and first aid, lifeguard and car park.

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Complexo Balnear de São Vicente

Consists of a sunbathing area with direct sea access, restaurant, bar, gym, parking and a 620 m long promenade.

Complexo Balnear do Calhau de São Jorge

Tel: 291 576 008

Located at the extreme tip of the São Jorge stream this beach complex consists of three swimming pools.

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Complexo Balnear da Foz da Ribeira do Faial

Located at Ribeira do Faial, it features a natural swimming pool and numerous recreational areas.

Praia da Banda d' Além

Located in the bay of Machico, this is a manmade sandy beach.

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Praia de São Roque

This is a pebbled beach located in the bay of Machico.

Praia da Prainha

Prainha, not far away from the point of São Lourenço (Caniçal), is a black sandy beach of volcanic origin. The Piedade Dunes, which contain limestone fossils of geomorphologic interest, can be found here.

Complexo Balnear do Caniçal

Located on the Caniçal village sea front this complex consists of ttwo saltwater swimming pools, one for adults and the other one for children, as well as direct access to the sea.

Praia da Ribeira Natal

This beach offers visitors the chance to take an enchanting stroll along the promenade, which leads to Caniçal.

Complexo Balnear do Porto da Cruz

Monday - Sunday

10:00 - 19:00 (Summer)

Located in Porto da Cruz, this complex includes two swimming pools and facilities.

Praia da Alagoa

Located in Porto da Cruz, it’s a black sandy beach known for its grandiose mountain overlooking the sea.

Praia das Palmeiras

Tel: 291 520 100

Located in Santa Cruz, this pebbled beach offers visitors two swimming pools, changing rooms, showers, WC and first aid facilities.

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Praia dos Reis Magos

Located in Caniço de Baixo, this pebbled beach consists of crystal clear sea water.

Praia do Garajau

Excellent scuba diving conditions can be found at the Garajau beach, inside the Garajau Natural Partial Reserve.

Complexo Balnear Hotel Roca Mar

Caminho Cais da Oliveira, Caniço de Baixo

Tel: 291 934 334

Monday - Sunday

09:00 - 18:00 (Summer)

Tucked away at the base of a cliff at the eastern end of the Garajau Natural Partial Reserve, this complex consists of a saltwater swimming pool, sunbathing area and direct access to the sea.

Complexo Balnear Lido Galomar

Rua Dom Francisco Santana, Caniço de Baixo

Tel: 291 930 930

This complex consists of a beach with a saltwater swimming pool, a diving centre and a lift offering panoramic views.

Complexo Balnear da Ribeira da Boaventura

Foz da Ribeira da Boaventura, Santa Cruz

Tel: 291 520 100

Monday - Sunday

09:30 - 19:00 (Summer)

This complex consists of two swimming pools and a small protected bay. The Water Park can be found nearby.

Porto Santo Beach

Regarded as the jewel in the crown of Madeira's beaches, Porto Santo possesses a nine kilometer stretch of beautiful golden sand.

MV Oriana

MV Oriana, a cruise ship and ocean liner of the P&O Cruises fleet, was built in Papenburg,Germany. It is the smallest of seven ships currently in service with P&O Cruises. It officially entered service with the company in 1995 and though it is the oldest, and longest-serving ship in the fleet, it holds the Golden Cockerel as the fastest one. Oriana’s scheduled appearances in Madeira for 2019 include:

Funchal (Madeira)   7 June 2019     08:00-17:00

Funchal (Madeira)   2 Sept 2019     09:00-15:00

Funchal (Madeira)   13 Oct 2019     08:00-17:00

Funchal (Madeira)   13 Dec 2019           N/A

Aim... Oriana was the first ship to be designed specifically for the British cruise market. It was also designed in the style of an ocean liner to facilitate long distance voyages and world cruises. Despite numerous changes of ownership, Oriana has been operated by P&O Cruises throughout and it is an adult-only ship.

Characteristics...

Oriana is 260 metres (853 ft) long, with a beam of just over 32 metres (105 ft), and a draught of 7.9 metres (26 ft), which varies up to 8.2 m depending on load. There is a 69,153 GT and a maximum passenger capacity of 1,928. Outside passenger deck space is 105,000 square feet (9,800 m²). Power is provided by four MAN B&W Diesels generating a total of 47,750 kW giving the ship a service speed of 24 knots (44 km/h).

Design...

Oriana has a single deck of balconies reserved for suites, mini suites and staterooms to cater for the growing desire for balconies on board.

Oriana’s team of designers were engaged by P&O to bring the British look to the high-revenue generating interiors of the ship, such as Anderson's, Lord's Tavern, the Knightsbridge Shops, the Emporium, Harlequins, the Casino, the Photo Gallery, the Pacific Lounge, and related public spaces, as well as on-board information graphics.

Service...

When Oriana entered service it was one of the largest cruise ships in the world, and the largest ship built in Germany since 1914. Since then tonnages have increased as economies of scale make larger ships more profitable to operate. Oriana normally operates cruises within the Mediterranean, the Canaries, Madeira and the Baltic seas.

Refitting...

In 2006 the Oriana underwent a £12 million refit in  Germany. Due to the success of the 'Arcadian Rhodes' restaurant on board the Arcadia, a new Oriana Rhodes restaurant was introduced, replacing The Curzon Room. Oriana Rhodes was designed by chef Gary Rhodes, and can accommodate 96 passengers. Other modifications included the extension of the popular Lord's Tavern bar, festooned with cricket memorabilia, and refurbishment of the children's play areas, which were converted to cabins.

Carnation Revolution

One of the more important days in modern Portuguese history was the Carnation Revolution, a military coup that took place on April 25, 1974. Famous for toppling an authoritarian government and ending fascism in Portugal with barely any violence, it also led to a new democracy. Now, April 25 is a national holiday, also known as Freedom Day, when government offices close and many locals have the day off work. Here are some extra facts about Portugal’s Carnation Revolution.

The revolution ended the ‘Estado Novo’ regime

 

The Estado Novo (Second Republic) regime began in 1933 under the leadership of Prime Minister and dictator António Salazar, after a prior coup overthrew the 16-year First Republic. Characterized as an authoritarian government, it was a time of censorship and oppression and maintained by a “secret police” force. After Salazar suffered a stroke, leadership was shifted to Marcello Caetano who ruled for six years until his resignation after the Carnation Revolution.

It ended Portugal’s colonization of Africa

 

One of the driving forces that led to the Carnation Revolution was a desire to end colonization in Africa, especially in light of the violent and costly Portuguese Colonial War. Decolonization began shortly after and by the end of 1975, many of Portugal’s (now) ex-colonies, like Angola, Cape Verde, São Tomé, and Mozambique, gained their independence.

The details were planned from the African colonies

Much of the planning for the Carnation Revolution happened by military stationed in African colonies, primarily Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea Bissau.

One of Lisbon’s two bridges is named after the revolution

 

Lisbon’s famous bridge, which heads towards the beaches of Costa da Caparica and Almada, has been nicknamed as Portugal’s Golden Gate Bridge but it is officially called Ponte 25 de Abril (25 of April Bridge), named for the day of the Carnation Revolution. Before this historic day, it was the Ponte Salazar (Salazar Bridge).

It was Portugal’s third coup in approximately six decades

The first Portuguese revolution of the 20th century was organized by the Portuguese Republican Party and overthrew the monarchy on October 5, 1910. After approximately 16 years of an unstable government, a military coup overthrew the First Republic and replaced it with the Estado Novo. The Carnation Revolution, the third Portuguese coup of the 20th century, took place almost 50 years later.

Soldiers placed flowers inside their guns

Google the Carnation Revolution and you’re likely to see photos and artwork depicting soldiers covered with carnations. The flowers were offered by civilians who joined the “rebel” soldiers in peaceful civil resistance. Even the officers’ guns had flowers poking out of them.

Soldiers placed flowers inside their gun barrels

Google the Carnation Revolution and you’re likely to see photos and artwork depicting soldiers covered with carnations. The flowers were offered by civilians who joined the “rebel” soldiers in peaceful civil resistance. Even the officers’ guns had flowers poking out of the barrels.

 

There were casulaties

 

Many people don’t know it but there were four casualties on April 25, 1974 – civilians shot by PIDE (Polícia Internacional e de Defesa do Estado), the Estado Novo’s secret police.

 

The first democratic vote took place a year later

 

Even though Prime Minister Marcelo Caetano resigned shortly after the revolution and the authoritarian government ended, the first democratic election wouldn’t take place until April 25, 1975. This is exactly one year after the Carnation Revolution.

The Wollen Earflap Knitted Hat

From Rihanna’s earflap hat to Bob Marley’s rasta fedora , history has had its fair share of iconic headgear. However, when it comes to hats with a short, plain history, Madeira’s simple wollen earflap knit hat, the Barreto de Orelhas, is in a class of its own. Whether you call it a tuque or just a plain beanie, there’s a straightforward story behind this cold-weather staple. It’s shape protects the head with an appendix that can be pulled up and down to protect the ears.

Traditionally, the Barreto de Orelhas was made from sheep’s wool, knitted with five needles, and worn by peasants in Madeira Island. Nowadays, it is an iconic accessory appreciated by locals and visitors.

The Barreto de Orelhas has it’s origin in England. Two English hats to be exact: one known as the Bentley Cap (used by early twentieth century drivers, so that their hat wouldn’t fly away) and the Deerstalker (popular hat worn by Sherlock Holmes ). So, it’s safe to say that this funny looking wollen hat had its debut in Madeira in the beginning of the twentieth century.

Madeira Toy Museum

Toys, we have all had that one extra special one we loved and treasured, no matter how bashed and broken it might have become over the years. That lovable doll with tufts of her hair where it’s been styled and styled time and time again, eventually falling out. The toy car that has taken young boys on magical imaginary road trips. The toy soldier that put up a fight with Star Wars creatures as Wampas and Tauntauns. The plastic fighter plane that flew around the living room, but ended up crashing behind couch pillows.

According to Wikipedia, the origin of the word "toy" is unknown, but it is believed that it was first used in the fourteenth century. The oldest known doll toy is thought to be 4,000 years old. Playing with toys is considered to be important when it comes to growing up and learning about the world around us. Younger children use toys to discover their identity, help their bodies grow strong, learn cause and effect, explore relationships, and practice skills they will need as adults. Adults on occasion use toys to form and strengthen social bonds, teach, help in therapy, and to remember and reinforce lessons from their youth.

The Madeira Toy Museum is a toy museum located in the heart of Funchal just behind the Farmer’s Market.

The museum was founded by a local architect, José Manuel Borges Pereira, in 2003.

Currently, the museum has on display 20,000 toys and miniatures from as early as the nineteenth century, which come from Portugal, England, Germany and France.

Miniature cars, dolls, airplanes, toy soldiers, and games are among the many collectibles that give life to this unique museum.

Previously located in a private house, in Barreiros, the museum now has a new home, located in a building dated from the eighteen century, part of the new “Armazém do Mercado”.

Address: Rua Latino Coelho, 39 - 2.º Piso Funchal

Telephone: 291 640 640

E-mail: museu@armazemdomercado.com

Website: http://www.armazemdomercado.com

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10.00am to 7.00pm

Tickets: Regular:5€    Children: 3€
Family Pack (2 adults + 2 children): 12€
Special prices for schools (require prior-registration)

Ernest Miller Hemingway

Famous author and journalist, Ernest Miller Hemingway was born in the affluent Chicago suburb of Oak Park, Illinois, on July 21, 1899. His father was a doctor and his mother a musician.

As a young man, he was interested in writing. He wrote for and edited his high school’s newspaper, as well as the high school yearbook. Upon graduating from Oak Park and River Forest High School in 1917, he worked for the Kansas City Star newspaper briefly, but in that short time, he learned the writing style that would shape nearly all of his future work.

As an ambulance driver in Italy during World War I, Ernest Hemingway was wounded and spent several months in the hospital. While there, he met and fell in love with a Red Crossnurse named Agnes von Kurowsky. They planned to marry, but she became engaged to an Italian officer instead. This experience devastated Hemingway, and Agnes became the basis for the female characters in his subsequent short stories “A Very Short Story” (1925) and “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” (1936), as well as the famous novel “A Farewell To Arms” (1929). This would also start a pattern Ernest would repeat for the rest of his life – leaving women before they had the chance to leave him first.

Ernest Hemingway began work as a journalist upon moving to Paris in the early 1920s, but he still found time to write. He was at his most prolific in the 20s and 30s. His first short story collection, aptly titled “Three Stories and Ten Poems,” was published in 1923. His next short story collection, “In Our Time,” published in 1925, was the formal introduction of the vaunted Hemingway style to the rest of the world, and considered one of the most important works of 20th century prose. He would then go on to write some of the most famous works of the 20th century, including “A Farewell to Arms,” “The Sun Also Rises,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and “The Old Man and the Sea.” He also in.

In 1954, Ernest Hemingway won the Nobel Prize for Literature. That summer, on June 15^th , the Italian ship Francesco Morosini made a brief stop at Funchal, the capital city of Madeira Island. Among the ship’s passengers were Ernest Hemingway and his wife, Mary Welsh Hemingway. It was the world-famous writer’s first and only visit to the Island dubbed as ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’. Hemingway appears not to have left any record of his visit to Madeira, but his wife did. In her memoir, How It Was (New York: Knopf, 1976), Mary Welsh Hemingway offers a short account of the 1954 visit. Playing for the moment the travel writer, she recalls wine, the porcelain plaques, and the basket-sledding down the mountain on her brief sighseeing tour.

It is believed, however, that Ernest Hemingway had never gone ashore. Instead, he chose to remain aboard the Francesco Morosini, which, as scheduled, sailed later in the day. The reason as to why he never escorted his wife ashore still remains a mystery to this day.

Ernest Hemingway lived most of his later years in Idaho. He began to suffer from paranoia, believing the FBI was aggressively monitoring him. In November of 1960 he began frequent trips to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for electroconvulsive therapy – colloquially known as “shock treatments.” He had his final treatment on June 30, 1961. Two days later, on July 2, 1961, he committed suicide by shooting himself in the mouth with a twelve-gauge shotgun. He was a few weeks short of his 62nd birthday. This wound up being a recurring trend in his family; his father, as well as his brother and sister, also died by committing suicide. The legend of Hemingway looms large, and his writing style is so unique that it left a legacy in literature that will endure forever.

Famous Canadian Youtuber Chris Hau Visits Madeira

Famous Canadian Youtuber Chris Hau spent one week on the beautiful island of Madeira in June 2018. Accordingly, he experienced the sledge car, breathtaking views, the cable car, Madeira wine, Poncha, whale watching, parasailing, and the beautiful city of Funchal. Watch the video and experience Madeira in a nutshell. By the way, Chris, great job!