We will share one of our favourite spots on Madeira island: the Praia das Palmeiras.
Situated in the heart of Santa Cruz, on the east island coast. It is the perfect destination for a family afternoon. Discover more activities in Funchal: Things To Do In Funchal Madeira. Or learn more about the island, read Things To Do Madeira.
- Coordinates: 32.687154, -16.791069
The beach is a stunning sight, with a vivid contrast between the blue of the sea and the sky. The presence of palm trees adds an exotic touch to the surroundings.
In the distance, planes can be seen taking off and landing at the nearby airport, adding to the unique scenery.
Map
When to visit?
The best time to visit is between May and October when temperatures are higher, and the sun shines with intensity. There is enough warmth to relax on the sun loungers and seek the shade of the palm trees.
We swam and enjoyed diving in the gentle waves. During this time, the seawater is crystal clear.
Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays.
How to get there?
You can take the VR1 highway and exit at Santa Cruz-Caniço-Camacha. From there, follow the signs to the city centre and the beach. You will find a free parking lot near the beach. The trip takes around 15-20 minutes.
Amenities and Features
The Praia das Palmeiras offers everything we need for a day at the seaside.
It is supervised and has first aid, clean changing rooms, showers, and well-maintained bathrooms.
In addition, there are two swimming pools: for adults and children who can play without fear of waves or strong sea currents.
It holds a blue flag, meeting the quality and environmental requirements.
There is also a bar and restaurant where we can grab a quick bite or enjoy a complete meal.
Where to stay?
For those looking for other accommodation options near Praia das Palmeiras, there are plenty to choose from, including hotels, apartments, holiday homes, and hostels to suit all tastes and budgets.
Here are our top suggestions:
Hotel Santa Cruz Village: a four-star hotel just a few meters from the beach, offering comfortable and modern rooms with private balconies. It also features an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and spa.
For those seeking a peaceful and beautiful retreat, the five-star Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club hotel provides a unique experience with nature and the sea. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and tastefully decorated, with all the amenities you need for a luxurious stay.
Where to eat?
The Praia das Palmeiras Restaurant is by the beach, boasting an excellent terrace that rewards us with a privileged sea view.
It specializes in fresh fish but also offers meat or salads. It serves generous and tasty dishes.
Things to do nearby
There is so much to see and do in this area of Madeira. Here are our suggestions:
Visit the Madeira Aquapark: guaranteed fun for the whole family. It has various water slides, pools, a bar, a restaurant, and a playground for the little ones.
The Ribeira da Boaventura Bathing Complex is an oasis of tranquillity on the east coast of Madeira Island. It offers two crystal-clear swimming pools.
Machico Beach is a treasure of golden and soft sand. Although artificially created with sand imported from Morocco, it seems to blend perfectly with the landscape of Machico bay.
At Ponta de São Lourenço, we can explore wild and breathtaking Madeira nature. It is the easternmost point of the island and an adventure for the senses.
