Praia do Porto da Cruz
Machico, Madeira · Madeira
About the Beach
Praia do Porto da Cruz is one of the most distinctive beaches on Madeira's north coast, with its dark basaltic pebbles and a genuine fishing-village atmosphere surrounded by vineyards. The old sugar-cane rum distillery of Porto da Cruz is a unique piece of heritage in the coastal landscape. Powerful waves on this north-facing coast make this beach a destination for adventurous surfers.
Length: 250 m
Amenities and Services
Amenities from the official APA beach registry (SNIAmb), for the bathing season. Water quality (SNIRH/APA)
Water Quality
This beach is not listed in the 2026 bathing waters order, which sets each bathing season and requires lifeguard cover and water sampling. The most recent official classification we have is from 2008. Check locally before swimming.
Beach conditions
Measured at the IPMA station in Madeira, Santo da Serra, 5.6 km from here, at 23:00.
Water temperature is not measured at this beach. Value modelled by Open-Meteo for 01:30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Praia do Porto da Cruz have a lifeguard?
Praia do Porto da Cruz does not have a permanent lifeguard. Take extra care.
Does Praia do Porto da Cruz hold a Blue Flag?
Praia do Porto da Cruz does not currently hold the Blue Flag certification.
Is there parking at Praia do Porto da Cruz?
Yes, there is parking near Praia do Porto da Cruz.
When is the bathing season at Praia do Porto da Cruz?
Praia do Porto da Cruz is not listed in Portugal's annual bathing season decree, so it has no official bathing season and no compulsory lifeguard service. Access is free but unsupervised.
Are there restaurants near Praia do Porto da Cruz?
Yes — Praia do Porto da Cruz has food and drink on the beach or nearby — beach bars, restaurants and snack bars open during the bathing season.
Can I bring my dog to Praia do Porto da Cruz?
We have no confirmed information for Praia do Porto da Cruz specifically. As a general rule, dogs are not allowed on Portuguese beaches during the bathing season, which is set each year by ministerial order and is not the same at every beach, except where a dedicated dog area exists; outside that period the rules are considerably more relaxed. Each municipality decides by local bylaw, so check with the Machico town council or the signs on site.
Sources
Last updated: 2026-06-01
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