Madeira Islands, Portugal

Praia do Garajau

Praia do Garajau is a beautiful beach located near Funchal. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking landscapes. The beach is characterized by its big black pebbles, both inside and outside the sea, making it a unique spot for a swim. Despite not being a sandy beach, it offers a calm sea and is generally not crowded, providing a serene environment for visitors.

One of the main attractions of Praia do Garajau is the cable car ride that offers incredible views and leads straight to the beach. Cars can only go up to a certain point, after which visitors have to walk down a long road to reach the beach. However, the cable car ride, which is a round trip, is a preferred option for many due to the scenic views it offers.

The beach also offers easy parking, although there might be a short wait time during peak hours. Safety is a priority at Praia do Garajau, with lifeguards on duty ensuring the well-being of visitors. The beach also has a designated area for scuba diving, making it a popular spot for underwater exploration.

Discover places to stay near Praia do Garajau and enjoy the unique experience of swimming among big black pebbles and vibrant marine life.

In addition to its natural beauty, Praia do Garajau offers amenities such as a restaurant and other services. The left side of the beach, by the cliff side path at shore, is a popular spot for snorkelling. Here, visitors can find numerous tropical fish, including the colourful Parrot Fish, adding to the overall experience at Praia do Garajau.

What to do at Praia do Garajau?

Amenities

Praia do Garajau amenities include parking.

Restaurants

Best restaurants near Praia do Garajau include Bar Restaurante O Mero, Restaurante, Restaurant Garajau, Zitis - Restaurantes, Lda. and O Fuso Restaurante.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beauty of the beach, with its crystal-clear waters, breathtaking landscapes, and unique black pebbles. Many visitors appreciate the calm sea, the opportunity for snorkeling, and the convenience of a cable car service. However, some visitors mention that the beach is not sandy and that it can be a long walk down if not using the cable car.

Where to Stay near Praia do Garajau?

Visitors to Praia do Garajau often stay in the nearby town of Caniço, which offers a range of accommodations including hotels and vacation rentals. Many also choose to stay in Funchal, the capital of Madeira, which is a short drive away and provides easy access to the beach and other attractions in the region.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Praia do Garajau?

Latitude: 32.638446 / Longitude: -16.8528885

Praia do Garajau is located in Madeira Islands. The following map of Praia do Garajau shows the exact location.

Praia do Garajau: Weather Today

📅 Friday, July 31, 2026
Today offers a pleasant day at the beach, making it a great time to enjoy the coast. With a maximum air temperature of 26.5 °C and the water temperature reaching 24.3 °C, the sea is perfectly inviting for a refreshing swim. You can expect a mix of sun and clouds, creating a comfortable atmosphere for relaxing on the shore. While there is a slight breeze, the conditions remain steady for most beach activities. However, please be mindful of the sun, as the UV index is quite high at 8.25, so remember to wear adequate protection during the midday hours. Overall, it is a wonderful day to head down to the water and enjoy the beautiful seaside environment.
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Air

Low / High21.8°C/26.5°C
Feels Like (High)30.7°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature24.3 °C
Wave Height1.0 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:20/21:06
Sunshine Hours13.1 hrs
UV Index8.25
Cloud Cover49%
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Wind

Speed13.6 km/h
Gusts29.9 km/h
DirectionN

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