Seixal, Madeira
The small town of Seixal on the northwest coast of Madeira on the road to Porto Moniz is famous for its volcanic rock pools and black sandy beaches. Like its larger neighbor Porto Moniz to the west, Seixal is a relaxing place to stay and its popular beaches are ideal for safe sea bathing. The area is also known for its wine. Small vineyards cling to almost vertical terraces.
The main places to swim are the lava pools of Piscinas Naturais do Seixal and the Praia do Porto do Seixal.
The town is included on several bus and 4x4 tours of Madeira.
The total population of Seixal is around 600-700 inhabitants.
History
Seixo means "pebble" in English and the settlement's name may come from the pebble beaches in the area.
Seixal was originally settled by the early colonizers of Madeira in the 15th century. Like many other parts of the island, it was primarily an agricultural area, with residents engaged in farming and fishing as their main livelihoods.
Lava Pools & Beaches
The main swimming pools in Seixal are the Piscinas Naturais do Seixal and the nearby Praia do Porto do Seixal.
Praia do Porto do Seixal is popular with both locals and visitors alike. The contrast of the dark sand against the blue waters creates a striking scene. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and the Cais Seixal breakwater, adding to its charm.
Poças das Lesmas is another fine beach with clear and crystalline waters set in a beautiful landscape.
Viewpoints (Miradouro)
The coast and Seixal itself are both overlooked by a couple viewpoints (Miradouro) which afford superb views of the town and surrounding ocean.
These are the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva (Bridal Veil Viewpoint) with great views of the Véu da Noiva Waterfall and the Atlantic and the Miradouro da Ribeira da Laje with views of the small islets that dot the coast of this part of Madeira.
The nearby Água d'Alto Waterfall in São Vicente is an impressive waterfall on the coast road to Seixal and Porto Moniz. Not to be confused with the Água d'Alto in Faial in the east of Madeira in the municipality of Santana, the waterfall is one of the highest on the island at around 150 meters. It is located just before the entrance to the São Vicente Tunnel.
Eat & Drink
There are several good places to eat and drink in Seixal to sample the local wine and cuisine. The seafood here, as in Porto Moniz, is some of the best on the island.
Some recommended cafes and restaurants include Lounge Bar Clube Naval do Seixal with an outdoor terrace and sea views.
Talho Seixal and SolMar both serve excellent, local seafood.
Accommodation
If you visit to stay in Seixal, there are several possibilities, mostly guesthouses and rental apartments.
These include the recommended Baia Seixal Oceanfront with a garden, terrace, a restaurant and bar and the nearby Lazy Lizard, a recently renovated apartment.
Alternatively try Gouveia Cottage by AnaLodges, with a private pool, a patio and garden views.
See here for a complete listing of accommodation in and around Seixal.
Access
Seixal is 41 km northwest of Funchal.
The Rodoeste #139 bus goes to the town from Funchal via Câmara de Lobos.
There are departures every day at 7.35 am, also from Monday to Saturday at 1.30 pm, from Monday to Friday at 2.10 pm, 6. 20 pm and 7.05 pm, and Saturdays at 5.35 pm.
The journey time is under 3 hours with a change of bus and wait of about 30 minutes in São Vincente.
By car the quickest route is along the VE4 (ER101) and VE2 (ER104) highways north through the interior and then west along the coast from São Vincente. Driving time is about 45 minutes depending on traffic.