Seixal beach: A mystical escape in Madeira's hidden paradise
There is a beach in Madeira where magic happens. You see it, and you immediately take off your shoes, pants, and shirt, and head for the water. In Seixal, the ocean acts like a magnet. You just feel like you have to dive in.
1:06 PM EDT, June 24, 2024
Madeira is not known for its sandy beaches. There are precisely four on the entire island, but that doesn't matter. Absolutely every beach in this archipelago is unique. They differ in their location or type of ground, but all of them have their charm.
Seixal Beach in Madeira
One of the beaches that, apart from its charm, has a bit of magic is Seixal Beach in the north of the island. Tucked under the slopes of lush green mountains, it captures attention with its fine black sand and waves that attract surfing enthusiasts.
To get there from Funchal - the island's capital -, you need to enter Praia do Porto do Seixal (the full name of the beach) into your navigation. The trip takes about 45 minutes. But from there, it's just a "stone's throw" to Porto Moniz or other attractions north of the island.
Some say that Seixal is like a moving postcard. And there's something to it because you can just stand and gaze at the ocean while observing people running into the water, swimming, or jumping through the waves on the shore. Children build black sand castles, a group of friends lounges around, someone chases a dog, girlfriends sunbathe topless in a secluded spot, and seniors walk along the shore back and forth. Nobody bothers anyone; everyone enjoys the charms of this small paradise as they can.
A paradise, because Seixal Beach is nestled in the slope of a rocky cliff that is covered with various plants. They look like a carpet in different shades of green flowing directly into the ocean.
At one end of the beach, there is a breakwater, and at the other, a natural shower. It's a dream instaspot, so during the season, queues form not just to rinse off but to take a great photo. Water gushes from between rocks covered with moss and succulents, 24 hours a day.
- For many people, a photo at Seixal Beach is an absolute "must-have" during their stay in Madeira. The place is appreciated not only by swimming enthusiasts but also by photographers, all thanks to the impressive scenery. Black sand bathed in the mysterious Atlantic Ocean, and incredibly green mountains – all this provides a calm, soothing atmosphere for relaxation and a perfect backdrop for photo sessions - says Agata Chmiel from Wakacje.pl. - The whole of Madeira boasts interesting photo scenery. It's a destination we can choose for relaxation year-round.
A paradise for surfers
At Seixal, you can swim, dive, and surf. It's a popular spot where some people take their first steps on a surfboard. The waves can be substantial, but adventurers are never scarce.
The necessary infrastructure is available - changing rooms, toilets, and showers. There is also a bar, water sports equipment rental, and parking.
Although the beach is very popular and can be crowded during the season, it exudes genuine tranquillity, making one visit enough to make you want to come back endlessly.