Machico Beach (Praia da Banda d’Além): The Best Sandy Beach in Madeira for Families

Planning a family trip to Madeira? Discover why Machico Beach (Praia da Banda d’Além) is one of the island’s best beaches for kids, with golden sand, calm waters, family facilities, and helpful tips for a perfect beach day.

If you're visiting Madeira with children and looking for a family-friendly beach, Machico Beach, also known as Praia da Banda d'Além, should be at the top of your list.

Located in the beautiful Bay of Machico on Madeira's east coast, this beach offers something unique on an island known for its pebble beaches: a wide stretch of golden sand, calm waters, and excellent facilities for families.

Why Is Machico Beach Special?

Praia da Banda d'Além is one of the few sandy beaches in Madeira. The golden sand was imported from Morocco, creating a beach experience that feels very different from the island's traditional volcanic pebble shores.

The beach measures approximately 125 metres in length and 70 metres in width, providing plenty of space for families to relax, play, and enjoy a day by the sea.

Its sheltered location within Machico Bay helps create calm swimming conditions, making it one of the safest and most enjoyable beaches for children in Madeira.

Two Different Beach Areas

One of the interesting features of Machico Bay is that it offers two distinct beach experiences:

Praia da Banda d'Além (Golden Sand Beach)

This is the artificial sandy beach most visitors come to enjoy. It is particularly popular with families thanks to its soft sand and gentle waters.

Traditional Pebble Beach

On the opposite side of the bay, visitors can experience a more traditional Madeiran beach with volcanic pebbles and stunning coastal views.

Family-Friendly Facilities

Machico Beach is well equipped and provides everything families need for a comfortable beach day.

Facilities include:

Public toilets
Free beach showers
Lifeguard supervision during the bathing season
Children's playgrounds nearby
Easy access for strollers and families
Parking close to the beach
Restaurants and cafés along the promenade

These amenities make it one of the most convenient beaches for families visiting Madeira.

Things to Do at Machico Beach

Besides swimming and building sandcastles, there are plenty of activities available for all ages.

Visitors can enjoy:

Pedal boat rentals
Canoeing
Windsurfing
Walking along the seafront promenade
Visiting the nearby marina
Enjoying family meals at local restaurants

The surrounding area offers a relaxed atmosphere, making it easy to spend an entire day here.

Tips for Families Visiting Machico Beach

Arrive Early During Summer

Machico Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Madeira, especially during the summer months.

💡 Tip Parking is available nearby but can fill up quickly on weekends and during school holidays. Arriving early will help you secure a good parking space and choose the best spot on the beach.

Bring Your Own Beach Umbrella

There are limited shaded areas available.

☂️ Tip If you're visiting with young children, bringing your own umbrella or beach shelter is highly recommended, especially during the hottest hours of the day.

Carry Some Cash

💶 Tip Although many restaurants and cafés accept cards, some smaller snack bars and kiosks may not always have card payment facilities available. Having some cash on hand can be useful.

Stay for Sunset

The views across Machico Bay during the late afternoon are beautiful and offer a perfect end to a family beach day.

Nearby Restaurants and Services

One of the advantages of Machico Beach is its location within walking distance of numerous restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and convenience stores.

Families can easily find:

Ice cream shops
Fresh pastries
Local Madeiran dishes
Quick snacks and drinks
Supermarkets for beach essentials

This means you don't need to pack everything for the day if you prefer to buy food locally.

Is Machico Beach Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. For families visiting Madeira, Praia da Banda d'Além offers one of the most enjoyable beach experiences on the island. The combination of golden sand, calm waters, excellent facilities, nearby restaurants, and easy accessibility makes it a fantastic destination for parents travelling with children.

Whether you're planning a full beach day, looking for a safe place for kids to swim, or simply want to experience one of Madeira's few sandy beaches, Machico Beach is a must-visit destination.

Quick Facts

📍 Location: Machico, Madeira Island, Portugal
🏖️ Beach Type: Artificial golden sand beach
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best For: Families with children
🚿 Facilities: Toilets, showers, lifeguards, playgrounds
🍴 Nearby: Restaurants, cafés, marina, shops
🚗 Parking: Available (paid)
☂️ Tip: Bring your own umbrella and arrive early during summer