5 Best Sights in Madeira, Portugal

Though not a beach per se, the otherworldly natural sea pools in Porto Moniz are one of the most popular sites in Madeira, with children and adults splashing in the waters around the volcanic rocks or soaking up some sun on the concrete "beach." There are pools of varying sizes, some shallow and calm (perfect for kids), and some deeper and rougher for more adventurous types (one even has a diving board). Several pools have wheelchair access. You can rent deck chairs and umbrellas and dine at the snack bar during the summer months. The water here is significantly colder than elsewhere on the island. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: swimming.

When you think of the perfect tropical beach, you're probably envisioning something like this quiet, pretty swath of white sand nestled around a series of coves carved out of black volcanic rock. This beach—not to be confused with the beach of the same name on Maderia's main island—is made for staring out at the impossibly blue sea and the interesting rock formations on the uninhabited islet of Ilhéu de Baixo. Though swimming is dangerous on the western end at Ponta da Calheta, a little farther east you'll find calmer waters perfect to wade in. There's no shade, so bring an umbrella. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: solitude; sunset; walking.

The closest beach to the town of Vila Baleira is family-friendly Praia da Fontinha, which offers soft, clean white sand and calm, warm waters ideal for swimming. About half a mile in length, the beach seems quiet even when it's packed. You can eat lunch at Pizza N'Areia, right next to the beach, or grab a drink and a plate of barbecued meat at the beach bar, O Corsario. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for a small fee. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

With golden sand shipped in from Morocco, this calm, sheltered beach makes for enjoyable ocean swimming and strolling in the gentle surf. There isn't any shade, but you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Summer weekends can be extremely busy with sunbathers, who crowd onto every inch of sand. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.

One of the most popular beaches in Madeira, Praia de Machico has calm, warm waters that are perfect for swimming. Swaying palms and rugged hills make for a picturesque backdrop. The busy promenade extending around the beach lends itself to great people-watching. Machico provides more amenities than most Madeira beaches, with two kiddie pools, chair and umbrella rentals, and a variety of water sports. There are several snack bars and restaurants, plus an excellent ice cream kiosk on the water's edge. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; swimming; walking.