Tucked beneath green cliffs on the north coast, Seixal has one of the few natural black-sand beaches in Madeira, volcanic rock pools and vineyards terraced down to the sea. It is a short drive from Porto Moniz and an easy stop on any day out in the north-west.
Next to Seixal's small harbour, the Praia do Porto do Seixal is a beach of fine, soft black sand formed by volcanic rock – natural sand, unlike the imported golden sand of beaches such as Calheta. Behind it rise steep green mountains streaked with waterfalls, one of the most photographed beach views on the island.
A breakwater shelters the beach from the biggest waves, but this is the north coast and the Atlantic can be rough, especially outside summer. There is no lifeguard on the beach, only basic showers, so swim only when the sea is calm. Parking is the main problem: there is a small car park by the harbour and some spaces along the road, which fill up early on sunny days and at weekends.
A few hundred metres away, the Poça das Lesmas natural pools are basins in the black lava rock refilled by the sea, next to the small Laje beach, also known as Jamaica. The parish charges a small entry fee (about €2.50) and there is a snack bar, toilets and changing rooms. The access road is very steep, so it is easier to park above and walk down.
Lifeguard cover at the pools has varied from year to year, so check on arrival. In summer, the pool of the Clube Naval next to the pier is also supervised. If you want bigger pools with more facilities, the lava pools of Porto Moniz are 15 minutes away.
On the coast road between São Vicente and Seixal, the Véu da Noiva (Bride's Veil) viewpoint looks out over a waterfall that plunges down the cliff straight towards the sea. It is free, with a car park and a small shop, and gets busy with coaches in the middle of the morning. See more in our guide to Madeira's waterfalls.
The slopes around Seixal are covered in small vineyards on terraces, protected from the salty wind by fences of heather. Their grapes, especially Sercial, go into Madeira wine and into local table wines made by Seixal's growers. Some family vineyards offer short tours with a tasting; ask locally, and see Madeira wine for the background.
Above the village, the valley of Chão da Ribeira runs deep into the UNESCO-listed laurel forest, with old thatched haystacks, a picnic park and the starting points of several canyoning trips. Higher up, on the Paul da Serra plateau, lies the misty Fanal forest.
From Funchal, take the expressway north through the tunnels to São Vicente and follow the coast road west: about 50–60 minutes. Sections of the old coast road are sometimes closed because of rockfall risk, so follow the signs. Buses run only a few times a day, so a rental car or a tour is the practical choice.
Seixal fits easily into a day with Porto Moniz, São Vicente and Fanal. Many jeep tours of the west stop here for a swim or a photo, which saves you the parking.
Yes. It is natural black volcanic sand, which makes Seixal one of the few natural sand beaches in Madeira.
Yes, when the sea is calm. A breakwater shelters the beach, but the north coast can get rough and there is no lifeguard on the beach, so the natural pools are a safer choice on wavy days.
The Poça das Lesmas pools charge a small entry fee of about €2.50, which includes access to the facilities. Prices can change, so check on arrival.
Porto Moniz has bigger lava pools with more facilities; Seixal is wilder, with a black sand beach and green cliffs. They are 15 minutes apart, so you can easily see both in a day.
By car it takes about 50–60 minutes via São Vicente. Without a car, a west-coast jeep tour or day trip is the easiest option, as buses are infrequent.
A day-long 4x4 route through western Madeira, suited to visitors who want several stops in one trip. The tour takes about eight hours.
from €66 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Day trip with about an hour in Fanal's laurel forest, around 2.5 hours of free time at Porto Moniz for a swim or lunch, and an hour at Seixal's black sand beach. Suits families and couples.
from €45 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
A day tour of roughly 8.5 hours through the west of the island, with stops including Achadas da Cruz, Seixal and Fanal. Suits visitors who want to cover the west in one day.
from €75 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
For thrill-seekers who like a jeep ride on an old mountain road. The zipline and giant swing are optional extras and must be booked ahead with Adrenaline Xtreme, in a slot between 11:20 and 13:30.
from €61 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Off-road day from Funchal mixing viewpoints, history and local flavours: a 1,400 m plateau, a black sand beach, natural pools and a walk in Fanal forest.
from €70 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
For travellers who want to leave the city and see Madeira's valleys on old island tracks. The guide is a native with knowledge of local history, farming and endemic wildlife.
from €52.80 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
A full day in the west of Madeira by 4x4 jeep, suited to travellers who want scenic, lesser-known areas without driving themselves. The whole route is done in the jeep.
from €67 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
A north-coast loop that starts in Funchal and ends at Ponta do Sol, with a black sand beach, lava pools, Fanal forest and the Paúl da Serra plateau. Suits those wanting variety in one day.
from €69 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 16, 2026.
Porto Moniz Natural lava pools on the north-west tip. 
Fanal forest Ancient laurel trees in the fog on the Paul da Serra plateau. 
Cabo Girão A glass skywalk on one of Europe's highest sea cliffs. 
Curral das Freiras (Nuns' Valley) A village deep in a ring of mountains, with a dramatic viewpoint. Ponta do Pargo The lighthouse at Madeira's westernmost point, famous for sunsets. 
Ponta do Sol One of the sunniest villages, with a pebble beach and the Anjos waterfall. 