Santana Beaches

Overview

Santana, nestled on Madeira's dramatic north coast, offers a different kind of coastal experience compared to the island's sunny south. While renowned for its traditional A-frame houses and stunning mountain scenery, Santana isn't a typical sandy beach resort town. Visitors often wonder about beach holidays here; it's important to know the area excels in natural beauty and rugged shorelines rather than vast stretches of golden sand.

The coastline near Santana features dramatic cliffs, pebble beaches, and popular man-made swimming complexes built right by the sea. These complexes, like the one at Praia do Faial, provide safe access to saltwater swimming, often in pools, which is ideal given the North Atlantic waves can be powerful. While you can swim in the ocean at various points, the complexes offer a reliable option for a dip amidst breathtaking scenery.

Among the notable spots is the incredibly picturesque black sand beach of Praia de Seixal, a must-see for its beauty. Surfers, especially beginners, often head to Praia da Maiata or the nearby Praia da Lagoa in Porto da Cruz. For those seeking a more traditional golden sand experience, Praia de Machico on the south-east coast offers imported sand and calmer waters, representing the type of beach found elsewhere on Madeira.

Ultimately, the Santana coast appeals to those who appreciate wild, natural beauty and unique swimming spots over conventional sandy beaches. It's perfect for combining mountain exploration with refreshing coastal moments. For a comprehensive look at all the swimming locations and beaches accessible from Santana, explore our full guide.

FAQ

People Also Ask

What are the beaches like near Santana?

The coastline near Santana features mostly pebble beaches, rocky shores, and man-made swimming complexes rather than long stretches of golden sand. Key spots include the pebble beach at São Jorge, the river mouth swimming complex at Foz da Ribeira do Faial, and the dark pebble/sand beach popular for surfing in the nearby village of Porto da Cruz (Praia da Lagoa).

Praia do Faial

Can you swim in the sea near Santana?

Yes, you can swim, but often in designated areas. The north coast sea can be rougher than the south. Safer swimming is typically found within the coastal swimming complexes like Complexo Balnear da Foz da Ribeira do Faial and Complexo Balnear de São Jorge, which offer protected pools (often saltwater) and sea access in calmer conditions. Porto da Cruz bay can also be suitable for swimming depending on the conditions.

Are there any sandy beaches near Santana?

There are no natural golden sand beaches directly in Santana. The closest options with sand are man-made or imported sand beaches on other parts of the island, such as Calheta or Machico on the south coast, which require a drive. Praia da Lagoa in Porto da Cruz has some darker, volcanic sand mixed with pebbles.

Praia da Calheta

Praia de Machico

What is the Complexo Balnear da Foz da Ribeira do Faial?

This is a popular swimming complex located where the Ribeira do Faial river meets the sea, near Santana. It features a large saltwater swimming pool, a separate children's pool, sunbathing areas, changing rooms, showers, a snack bar, and direct (though sometimes challenging) access to the pebble beach and ocean. It's a favoured spot for families in the summer.

Praia do Faial

Is Santana a good place to stay for a beach holiday in Madeira?

Santana is located on Madeira's rugged north coast and is more famous for its traditional houses, mountains, and nature trails than typical sandy beaches. While there are coastal swimming spots nearby, it's not considered a primary beach holiday destination like areas on the south coast (e.g., Calheta, Funchal Lido, Machico). It's better suited for nature lovers and hikers who also appreciate occasional coastal access.

Is Porto da Cruz beach good for swimming or surfing?

Praia da Lagoa in Porto da Cruz, a village near Santana, is one of Madeira's main surfing spots, especially for beginners, with surf schools often operating there. Swimming is possible in the bay, particularly when the sea is calm, but it's primarily known for surfing. There's also a separate seawater swimming pool complex nearby (Piscinas do Porto da Cruz).

What is the swimming complex at São Jorge like?

The Complexo Balnear de São Jorge, sometimes referred to as Calhau de São Jorge, offers several saltwater swimming pools built among the rocks right by the ocean. It provides stunning views of the coastline, sunbathing areas, and facilities like changing rooms and a restaurant/bar. It offers a scenic alternative to a traditional beach.

Are the swimming spots near Santana good for families with kids?

The swimming complexes at Foz da Ribeira do Faial and São Jorge are generally family-friendly, offering protected pools, including children's pools (check Faial specifically), and facilities. Direct ocean swimming on the north coast requires caution due to potential waves and currents. Porto da Cruz beach can be suitable for older children learning to surf.

Praia do Faial

How do Santana's coastal options compare to south coast beaches like Calheta or Machico?

Santana's coast offers a more rugged, natural experience with pebble shores and swimming complexes integrated into the rocky landscape. The south coast beaches like Calheta and Machico feature imported golden sand, calmer waters protected by breakwaters, and a more traditional 'beach resort' feel. The choice depends on whether you prefer dramatic scenery and complexes or sandy lounging and calmer sea.

Praia da Calheta

Praia de Machico

How do you get to the beaches or swimming complexes from Santana?

Having a rental car is the most convenient way to reach the coastal spots like Foz da Ribeira do Faial, São Jorge, and Porto da Cruz from Santana town, as public transport options might be infrequent or require changes. Driving distances are relatively short (typically 10-20 minutes).

Are there natural swimming pools near Santana?

While the man-made complexes at São Jorge are built amongst rocks, the most famous natural volcanic swimming pools in Madeira are located further west along the north coast in Porto Moniz and Seixal. These require a longer drive from Santana but are a popular day trip.

Praia de Seixal

What facilities are available at the swimming spots near Santana?

The main swimming complexes (Foz da Ribeira do Faial, São Jorge, Porto da Cruz pools) typically offer good facilities including toilets, changing rooms, showers, lifeguard supervision (in season), sun loungers (often for rent), and snack bars or restaurants nearby. Facilities at natural pebble beaches like Praia de São Jorge might be more limited.