Beach in Funchal
Praia Formosa
Madeira's largest public beach, about 2 km of pebbles and black sand west of the hotel zone, with a seafront promenade, playground and lifeguards in season.
- Address
- Praia Formosa, São Martinho, Funchal
OK with kids
Playground and first-aid post; pebbles and Atlantic waves rather than a gentle sandy slope (Visit Madeira).
The notes
What the sources say (research)
- Called ‘the largest public beach in Madeira’: four beaches, pebbles and black sand, about 2 km, about 10 minutes’ drive from the centre. [visitmadeira.com, 9 Oct 2026]
- Lifeguards in season, parking, playground, first-aid post. [visitmadeira.com, 9 Oct 2026]
- Blue Flag 2026; official season 1 June–15 September 2026. [ABAE; JORAM Portaria 206/2026]
- Public beach access is free, as stated by Visit Madeira and the municipality’s separate “Acesso Livre” entry for Praia Formosa. The municipality’s 2026 tariff table also includes Praia Formosa in a €6 complex-entry heading, so confirm any charge for specific facilities. Sunbeds are listed at €2.80. [visitmadeira.com; frentemarfunchal.pt/tarifario, 14 Oct 2026]
- The direct Aerobus runs from Airport stop 01 to Praia Formosa stop 26; the operator’s 2026 PDF gives 50 minutes for this journey on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, except 25 December when it does not run. Check the current timetable before travel. [SIGA Aerobus PDF, 14 Oct 2026]
Funchal’s pools and the island’s other beaches: best beaches in Madeira.