Seixal: the famous black sand beach on Madeira

Visit rate: 5/5 / Rating: 4/5 

Seixal is best known for its black sand beach, which you've probably seen all over Instagram. During our visit, a few "models" even came here for photos, despite the rainy and rather unpleasant weather, and the beach was almost empty. We can only imagine how crowded it gets on a sunny day. As for parking, it's honestly hard to say where everyone fits, as there aren't many spaces nearby. Most people park along the road above the village and then walk down. There are also a few limited parking spots right by the beach itself.

We'd rate the beach itself around 6/10. It definitely looks better in photos than in reality, but it's still a black sand beach, and there aren't many of those on Madeira. Besides Seixal, there's also Prainha near Caniçal in the east of the island and Praia Formosa near Funchal, but Seixal is by far the most beautiful and natural of them. Right next to the beach you'll also find natural pools similar to those in Porto Moniz. We didn't go for a swim, though—the waves were really high and the wind was quite strong.

On your way along the road, definitely don't forget to stop at the viewpoint overlooking the Véu da Noiva waterfall. You'll find many waterfalls like this on Madeira, but this one is particularly photogenic, and it's worth a 15-minute stop. We actually stopped here twice during our island exploration—simply because why not. Unfortunately, the trail directly to the waterfall is closed due to landslides, and access is prohibited, which is completely normal on Madeira.

On Instagram and TikTok, you might occasionally come across videos of people walking through closed and officially prohibited levadas and trails, presenting them as "top secret gems." No, they are not some hidden treasures, they are genuinely dangerous, and it's not worth getting into unnecessary trouble for them. 

Week on Madeira for 2 (7 nights)                                                                                               Flights (Smartwings): 820,-                                                                                                               Car rental (Sixt): 370,-                                                                                                   Accommodation (Booking): 570,-                                                                                           Spending: 610,-                                                                                                                               Total: 2 370,- EUR