#580 European Rank Blue Flag Certified
Praia Formosa (Madeira)
Madeira Archipelago (Funchal), Portugal•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Photo: Dietmar Rabich (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.24/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
23.9°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€42/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Volcanic Black Sand
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Madeira Archipelago (Funchal) · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Ideal Swimming
Jan
18.8°C
Air 12°C
Feb
18.2°C
Air 13°C
Mar
18.4°C
Air 15°C
Apr
18.9°C
Air 18°C
May
19.8°C
Air 21°C
Jun
21.4°C
Air 24°C
Jul
22.8°C
Air 26°C
Aug
23.9°C
Air 26°C
Peak
Sep
24.1°C
Air 24°C
Oct
23.2°C
Air 21°C
Nov
21.2°C
Air 17°C
Dec
19.6°C
Air 14°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Swimmable 7 Jun – 19 Nov (>21°C) · 164 days
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Portugal Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting3.6 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.6 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.5 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.8 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.8 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5
About Praia Formosa (Madeira)
Madeira’s largest free public beach, stretching over 2 kilometers of volcanic black sand and pebbles beneath the towering 580-meter Cabo Girão sea cliff.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Coastal road and Lido seaside promenade connecting Funchal to Câmara de Lobos with dedicated parking
•Protected Status / Environment: Open Atlantic volcanic coastline of Southern Madeira
•Notable Feature: Largest public beach in Madeira consisting of four connected bays with dark volcanic sand and polished basalt pebbles
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
YesShowers
YesFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
YesDog Friendly
NoLifeguard on Duty
YesSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
YesNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
NoWheelchair Accessible
YesSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Take local bus line 01, 02, or 24 from central Funchal west to Praia Formosa.
•Look west to admire the colossal 580-meter vertical cliff face of Cabo Girão, one of Europe's highest sea cliffs
•The seaside promenade connects Funchal's Lido area all the way to Câmara de Lobos fishing village
•Subtropical Atlantic waters remain comfortably warm for swimming well into November
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Madeira Archipelago (Funchal), Portugal.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Praia Formosa (Madeira)?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Praia Formosa (Madeira)
What is the water temperature at Praia Formosa (Madeira)?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Praia Formosa (Madeira) averages 23.9°C (75°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Praia Formosa (Madeira)?
Praia Formosa (Madeira) is classified as a volcanic black sand shoreline located in Madeira Archipelago (Funchal), Portugal.
Is Praia Formosa (Madeira) good for families with kids?
Yes, Praia Formosa (Madeira) is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.
Are there parking and facilities at Praia Formosa (Madeira)?
Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.
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