A Madeira walking holiday through a traditional and timeless coastal village.
Today we are going to take you to Madeira, on the north west coast of the island, half-way between Sao Vicente and Porto Moniz. The images that spring to mind of the landscape in this region of Madeira are of jagged cliffs, black sand and the natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz. We are going to zoom in on the small village of Seixal, located between the sea and the mountain.
Situated on an extended promontory of cliffs, near the mouth of the Ribeira de Janela river, this village has a unique geographical location. Lesser known than the popular Porto Moniz, Seixal is well worth a detour. Home to around 100 people, the few tourists that come and explore the village are instantly charmed by the traditional white-washed houses, the small paved streets and the sheer beauty of the landscapes consisting of vineyards and black sand beaches:
- The Laje beach, also known as “Jamaica Beach”, with its black sand and fine pebbles, is an ideal location for fishing or diving.
- The Seixal Naval Beach Club is the place to go if you’re seeking a perfect relaxing day on the beach.
A self-guided walking holiday in Madeira, stunning scenery off the tourist radar
Photography enthusiasts flock to the village for this striking landscape where the jagged cliffs of basaltic rock are thrown into the spotlight. It is the cooled magma that subsequently formed a black rock and it is within this rock that, little by little, the natural swimming pools were formed and are today enjoyed by everyone who happens to be passing by.
A great place for walking in Madeira, there are many hiking trails surrounding Seixal, taking walkers through terraced vineyards and highlighting the breathtaking views that the village is famous for.
Seixal is a village where time has stood still. Agriculture and fishing remain an integral part of everyday life for the locals. Tourism, as yet, is fairly underdeveloped, and this is the main charm of the place and the reason why we love it so. We highly recommend taking the time to visit Seixal on your walking holiday in Madeira, just don’t tell too many people about it!
Click here to see our self-guided Madeira walking tour.
