Seixal Beach, Porto Moniz (Madeira)

Beach and Village in Porto Moniz (Madeira)

Seixal in Porto Moniz Madeira
Seixal in Porto Moniz Madeira
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ximonic (Simo Räsänen)

Seixal Beach (often referred to as Porto do Abrigo do Seixal Beach) is one of those places that barely looks real when you first see it: a ribbon of black sand framed by steep escarpments and lush mountains, with the Atlantic rolling in at the edge. It's the kind of setting that pulls in swimmers, photographers, and anyone chasing Madeira's wilder north-coast mood.

It's one of the best places to visit in Seixal if you want a scenic beach that still feels natural rather than overly curated, and it's also a highlight of any tour of Seixal because the coastline here rewards slow exploration as much as it does a quick swim.

History and Significance of the Seixal Beach

Seixal Beach is a reminder that Madeira's coastline is still evolving. The black sand and rock formations come from the island's volcanic origins, and the north coast's exposure to Atlantic swell constantly reshapes coves, river mouths, and pocket beaches over time.

What makes Seixal distinctive is the colour contrast: dark sand against bright green slopes and often surprisingly clear water. It's not a historic “monument” in the traditional sense, but it has become an iconic north-coast landscape because it showcases Madeira's geology and vegetation in one concentrated, dramatic amphitheatre.

In practical terms, the beach's growing popularity also reflects how Madeira travel has shifted toward nature-led experiences. Seixal is a place where the main attraction is the environment itself, and the best visits come from timing, weather awareness, and letting the coastline set the pace.

Things to See and Do in the Seixal Beach

Start with the beach experience itself. On a calm day, Seixal is ideal for a relaxed swim and a slow beach session, with black sand underfoot and cliffs rising almost vertically behind you. On windier days, it's still worth visiting for the atmosphere and photos, even if you decide the water is better admired than entered.

If you enjoy water sports, Seixal is often used for bodyboarding, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding when conditions cooperate. The nearby harbour area and club facilities can add convenience for basics like rinsing off, grabbing a drink, or checking what's feasible given the day's sea state.

For nature-focused travellers, Seixal also works as a gateway point for the wider north-coast and Laurissilva-area exploration. Even if you're not doing a full hike from here, you can use it as a scenic “anchor stop” before heading up to forest trails and viewpoints where Madeira's famous green landscapes feel at their most immersive.

How to Get to the Seixal Beach

Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (Funchal) is the nearest airport, and it's the standard arrival point for visiting Seixal on the island's north coast. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Porto Moniz (Madeira) on Booking.com.

Buses connect Funchal with Seixal, but travel times can be long and services are not always frequent, so it's best to plan around a fixed departure and return rather than relying on spontaneous timing.

If you're travelling by car, Seixal is a straightforward drive on Madeira's road network, but expect winding sections and quick weather shifts as you move between south- and north-coast microclimates. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Once you're in Seixal, the beach area is easy to reach on foot from nearby parking and the harbour-side zone.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Seixal Beach

  • Suggested tips: Check wind and swell before you commit to a long beach day, and bring water shoes if you plan to move between sand and rocky edges.
  • Best time to visit: Morning for calmer conditions and fewer people; late afternoon for softer light and more dramatic photography.
  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • How long to spend: 1-2 hours for photos and a quick swim; 3-5 hours if you settle in for a full beach session.
  • Accessibility: Access is generally straightforward for a natural beach, but sand, ramps, and surfaces can vary; conditions are easiest on calmer days.
  • Facilities: Showers, a bar nearby, and occasional equipment rentals (such as kayaks) depending on season and operator availability.
  • Photography tip: Frame the shot with black sand in the foreground and the green cliffs behind to capture the full “north-coast contrast” in one image.
  • Guided tours: Many west- and north-coast day tours include Seixal as a stop, but independent travel gives you more flexibility to wait for better light or calmer water.
  • Nearby food options: For better value, eat in Seixal village or nearby São Vicente rather than relying only on the closest seafront options.

Where to Stay close to the Seixal Beach

If you want Seixal Beach at its best-quiet mornings, golden-hour light, and the flexibility to return if conditions improve-staying nearby makes a real difference on the north coast. For an extremely close base, Baia Seixal Ocean Front keeps you right in Seixal, ideal for sunrise or late-afternoon visits.

For a local stay with a strong sense of place and quick access to both the beach and nearby natural pools, Casa das Videiras is a good option if you prefer something smaller and more personal.

If you want a wider choice of restaurants and easy access to multiple north-coast highlights, Porto Moniz is a practical base a short drive away, and Hotel Euro Moniz works well for simple logistics.

Is Seixal Beach Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you want the “Madeira north coast” experience in a single stop: black sand, steep green walls of landscape, and an ocean that feels powerful and close. It's one of the most naturally photogenic places on the island, and the setting alone is worth the detour even if you don't swim.

The only caveat is that Seixal is exposed to Atlantic conditions, so it's not always a calm-beach day. If you approach it with flexibility-arrive early, watch conditions, and treat it as scenery first and swimming second-you'll almost always come away impressed.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (7,409)

Praia do Porto do Seixal is a dramatic black‑sand beach with warm, inviting water, natural pools and waterfalls to explore; visitors praise its striking coastline and calm pools ideal for swimming or letting kids play. Facilities noted include a shower, changing rooms and a nearby restaurant/bar that overlooks a pool. Parking is available but limited and can be tricky—some park up the road and walk down 10–15 minutes, and the steep access makes it less suitable for those with mobility issues.

Lindsey Hiner
a month ago
"Beautiful spot! We swung by for sunset and found parking easily, although I'm sure it would be difficult earlier in the day. There is a lot right bythe beach and marked parking sprinkled down the road on the way down to the beach. We did see someone get a ticket who wasn't in designated parking. There are two waterfalls viewable from the beach, and one you can walk right up to. We didn't walk on the sand, but it did look quite sticky so keep that in mind...."
Y HU
3 months ago
"Beautiful beach with a stu ing dramatic coastline backdrop. Right next to the black sand is a natural pool, which is fun to explore. Definitely wortha stop if you’re driving by. Parking can be tricky, but with a little patience spots do open up...."
Anand Shankaran
a month ago
"Beautiful black-sand beach with amazing water and very limited crowds. Parking is limited, so you may need to park a bit farther away and walk about10–15 minutes. Still, the beach is extraordinary and absolutely worth the visit...."

FAQs for Visiting Seixal Beach

Yes, they refer to the same beach area; “Seixal Beach” is the common name used by visitors.
No, access to the beach is free.
It depends on the day. The north coast can be rough, so always assess conditions and avoid the water if swell or currents look strong.
The volcanic black sand and the dramatic green cliffs and mountains enclosing the cove create a distinctive “natural amphitheatre” setting.
Yes, you can usually find basic amenities nearby such as showers and a bar, though availability can vary by season and conditions.
Sometimes, yes. Kayak rentals and water sports activity depend on operators and sea conditions on the day.
Early morning is typically quietest, especially outside peak summer.
On very calm, clear days it can be enjoyable near the edges, but it’s not guaranteed; visibility and safety are highly weather-dependent.
Access is generally manageable compared with remote coves, but sand and uneven surfaces can be challenging, and conditions vary.
Yes. They pair very well, and many travellers combine Seixal Beach with the Porto Moniz natural pools and north-coast viewpoints.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Seixal Beach can work well for families when conditions are calm, especially if you treat it as a “scenery plus short swim” stop rather than an all-day open-ocean beach. The black sand and cliffs make it visually exciting, and it's easy to keep the visit structured: arrive, set up, swim briefly if safe, then move on before kids get overtired or the wind picks up.

To make it smoother, bring snacks, water, and something warm to throw on after swimming, because the north coast can feel cooler and breezier than you expect. If the sea looks too lively, use the beach time for photos and play on the sand, then switch to a more sheltered swim option elsewhere.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Seixal is at its most romantic when you time it for late afternoon. The cliffs catch soft light, the black sand looks richer in colour, and the atmosphere feels more cinematic than busy. It's ideal for a slow stroll, a few photos that look genuinely “Madeira,” and then a relaxed drink nearby.

If you want a quieter experience, prioritise shoulder season or weekday mornings. The setting does the work for you; you don’t need a long itinerary here-just good timing and a willingness to linger.

Budget Travelers

Seixal Beach is a high-impact, low-cost highlight. It's free to visit, the scenery is top-tier, and you can build a full north-coast day around it without stacking ticketed attractions.

To keep costs tight, bring your own water and lunch, and use Seixal as a scenic anchor point before exploring free viewpoints and walks nearby. If you're renting a car anyway, the beach becomes one of the best value stops on the island.

Nearby Attractions to the Seixal Beach

  • Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools: Lava-formed basins where you can swim in Atlantic seawater with a more controlled, facility-supported setup.
  • Fanal Forest: An atmospheric laurel-forest plateau known for moody mist, ancient-looking trees, and easy walking trails.
  • Miradouro do Véu da Noiva: A classic north-coast viewpoint where a waterfall drops beside dramatic sea cliffs.
  • Ribeira da Janela Viewpoints: Rugged coastal scenery with striking rock formations and wide north-shore panoramas.
  • São Vicente: A nearby town that pairs well with Seixal for cafés, viewpoints, and access toward Laurissilva-area walks.

The Seixal Beach appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Porto Moniz (Madeira)!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Address: Seixal, Portugal
Porto Moniz (Madeira): 8 km
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