Beaches
Praia Formosa
2km of Blue Flag sand-and-pebble beaches linking Funchal to Câmara de Lobos
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The place
Praia Formosa is really four beaches in one — Nova, Formosa, dos Namorados and Areeiro — strung along a coastal promenade that connects Funchal to Câmara de Lobos on foot, with a mix of imported sand and natural pebble and volcanic-rock stretches. It's the default 'real beach' choice near Funchal, as opposed to the city's rocky lidos, with lifeguards, a playground and a strip of snack bars behind it.
When to come
Summer for swimming; the promenade walk works year-round
Worth knowing
- Blue Flag certified, lifeguards on duty
- 10 minutes' drive or a 25-minute walk from central Funchal
- Parking available but fills up on summer weekends
- Walkable all the way to Câmara de Lobos along the coastal path