Anyone who has ever visited the main island of the archipelago of the same name knows that travellers encounter extremes here. Rugged cliffs drop almost vertically into the deep blue water, and the waves of the Atlantic powerfully lash against the rocks at the numerous bays. At first glance, the volcanic island looks rather hostile to those spoiled by the sun. But, they can also find happiness on Madeira - and at these seven beaches.

Related: Don't miss it: What you should definitely experience in Madeira

Praia da Garajau

Where? Near Caniço, about 15 min. from Funchal
What? Black pebble beach

The view from the observation deck drops down the steep cliffs to the black pebble beach. © Said Karlsson

Simply spectacular: above the viewing platform at the city Caniço de Baixo towers the imposing statue of the Cristo Rei and looks expectantly across the blue expanses. The cable car takes you directly down to the beach, and those who have the leisure and stamina walk down the serpentine path. The Praia da Garajau itself, with its rocky shore and steep entrance, is probably more suitable for experienced swimmers than families. In the sun, however, you can always take a little doze here.

Highlight:

For less than five euros, you can travel back and forth between the beach and the viewing plateau - in any case, you should bring binoculars: With a little luck you can spot, in the distance, some whales!

Praia do Club Naval do Seixal

Where? In the coastal town of Seixal
What? Natural lava pools

Well protected, splash around in the seawater pools at Seixal. © Shutterstock

Around Madeira, bathers dive into the unique 'Piscinas Naturais' - including at Seixal. These lava pools boast crystal-clear, warmer water and are well protected from the vagaries of the Atlantic thanks to the volcanic rock walls. This also makes them the ideal place for family swimming trips.

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Also great: Near Seixal is one of the most spectacular waterfalls on the island, the Cascata da Ribeira da Hortelã. This one is worth the 30-minute drive!

Praia de Vigaro

Where? Near Câmara de Lobos, 15 min. from Funchal
What? Coastal resort idyll and pebble beach

The picturesque pebble beach is as suitable as a photo motif as it is for sunbathing. © Shutterstock

Praia de Vigaro is a fine, natural pebble beach, surrounded by white, picturesque cottages. Since the beach is located directly on a cliff, those who tend to get red in the face of too much sun will find enough shade here. In addition, the Vigaro is directly accessible by car and has a small bar. Great to relax and dip your toes in the water or spend an afternoon by the sea with children.

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The charming pebble beach is not far from the coastal town of Câmara de Lobos, a former fishing village with white cottages. Must-see: The viewing platform at Cabo Girão.

Praia de Calheta

Where? In the southeast of the island, near Funchal
What? Fine sandy beach

Dream beach with Sahara sand awaits at Praia de Calheta. © Shutterstock

It is the first beach on the island whose sand does not come from Madeira: Calheta, near Funchal, was filled with imported sand from the Sahara and lies, well protected, in a bay surrounded by breakwaters. Sunbathers can borrow sunbeds here, children play on the waves at the playground on the water, and sports lovers let off steam at the volleyball court. For the small hunger in between, one can be seen in the nearby restaurant or supermarket. Calheta is the beach for all those who do not want to do without anything during their stay.

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Let's promenade: strolling along the promenade of Calheta is simply dreamlike. And if you have reached Madeira by sea, you can drop anchor in Calheta's marina.

Praia Formosa

Where? West of Funchal
What? Longest beach on the island

Beyond the horizon: Praia Formosa is in Funchal's trendy neighborhood, just a 10-minute drive from the center. © Shutterstock

The Praia Formosa is the longest beach on Madeira. Its dark pebbles combined with the large rocks are worth more than one photo - but beware: the beach drops relatively steeply into the sea. The Formosa is accessible via a charming promenade from Funchal.

Good to know:

Since the beach is located in one of the most fashionable neighborhoods of Funchal, you can also find celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo here quite often.

Porto Moniz

Where. Porto Moniz, in the northeast of the island
What? Natural lava pools

Porto Moniz is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the island. © Tim Roosjen

This place should not be missed: Porto Moniz is home to a picture-perfect swimming landscape made up of the island's own lava pools - the so-called "Piscina Naturais" - which have been supplemented by concrete walls. This way, fresh seawater always enters the pools, and at the same time swimmers are protected from the vagaries of the Atlantic. 

Highlight:

The town of Porto Moniz is today known mainly for tourism and its viticulture. It is therefore worthwhile to try a glass of the local island wine after a long round in the sea pools.

Cais do Seixal

Where? In the coastal town of Seixal
What? Black soft sand

It is probably the most photographed beach in Madeira: the Cais do Seixal. © Shutterstock

The fine, very soft black sand in combination with the aquamarine expanse of the Atlantic remains unforgettable. Apart from the great lava sand, which slopes very gently into the water, the surroundings are also impressive with their lush green cliffs and waterfalls all around. This makes the lagoon an absolute place-to-be! 

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The sand here is particularly fine, so you can easily walk barefoot on the beach. And since the Cais do Seixal is also protected by a small pier, children can also safely go into the water here.