Formosa beach in Funchal: this is a large beach with black sand and/or pebbles. It is almost 2 km long and located west of the capital. It is actually composed of 4 beaches:
- Praia Nova
- Praia Formosa
- Praia dos Namorados
- Praia do Arieiro
Surrounded by concrete, hotels and restaurants, this is not the most unusual beach on the island. However, it has the advantage of being developed and having various facilities. In short, if you want to swim or sunbathe while still in Funchal, this is probably the place for you. Other beaches are much better known in Madeira, such as the black sand beach in Seixal. Remember that black sand comes from the volcanic rock of the island. The few white sand beaches on the island are all artificial!
Access through the tunnel
One of the accesses to the beach is through a small tunnel dug in the rock (and lit).
You can also access the beach from the northwest, by parking at the Beira Calhau car park. As such, the seaside walk can take you to Câmara de Lobos, a small fishing village at the foot of the great Cabo Girao.
The rock of Formosa beach
Small curiosity of the place, a big rock facing the Atlantic Ocean, equipped with stairs to climb on it and take a nice souvenir photo.
Other places to swim in Funchal...
... but also on the island! The waves are often powerful in Madeira and swimming in the rocks doesn't help. If you want to swim in a pleasant setting, there is the small resort of Doca do Cavacas only a few steps away, one of Madeira Island's natural pools. The place is equipped, and swimming is charged but accessible (less than 3 €). There are other beaches in Funchal, but Praia Formosa is the biggest.
If hotel resorts are not your thing, you can enjoy the ocean at other beaches on Madeira Island: many of them are man-made, also with blonde sand and protected from the waves by seawalls.