Praia Formosa

Top choice in Funchal


Anyone who says Madeira has no beaches should hop on bus 1 or 43 to the boulders and browny-black sand of this wild strand in Funchal's western suburbs. Cafe-bars, a car park and other facilities are all here and the salt-white Atlantic surf crashing onto dark volcanic sand is a sight you'll long remember.

An interesting way to reach the beach is to take bus 2 to Ponta da Cruz, then head down the cliffs to the Doca do Cavacas seafood restaurant from where a tunnel heads to the far eastern end. This route is always closed when seas are high.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Funchal attractions

1. Complexo Balnear Ponta Gorda

0.55 MILES

This down-to-earth swimming and sunbathing area is located at Ponta Gorda, just west of Funchal. The pools, cafe bar, table tennis area and concrete …

2. Jardim Panorâmico

0.58 MILES

Up a set of steps from the seafront, the terraced Jardim Panorâmico is a sun-catching spot ideal for a lazy afternoon with a book. It's also a superb halt…

3. Igreja de São Martinho

0.86 MILES

High above west Funchal rises the highly visable, whitewashed spire of the Igreja de São Martinho, a big early-20th-century creation. The interior is…

4. Jardim de São Martinho

0.87 MILES

Just below Igreja de São Martinho, you'll discover the lovely Jardim de São Martinho, a south-facing, artificially created set of gardens with thousands…

5. Cemitério de São Martinho

1 MILES

One of Funchal's largest cemeteries and well off the tourist path, making it all the more fascinating to visit. Funchal's wealthy were once laid to rest…

6. Henriques & Henriques

1.97 MILES

Widely regarded by those in the know as the island's best wine producer, Henriques & Henriques only uses grapes from its own vineyards in Quinta Grande…

7. Parque de Santa Catarina

2.08 MILES

This large sloping park contains a well-equipped children's playground, a cafe and Madeira's first chapel. It's a lovely picnic spot amid exotic greenery.

8. Museu CR7

2.09 MILES

If after a few days in Funchal, the fact has escaped your attention, now you know: the world's greatest footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo was born and grew up…