Coastal fun in Madeira
Ponta da Cruz might be just a few kilometres outside of Funchal, but this idyllic seaside stretch feels a million miles away from the city. Ponta da Cruz holidays are perfect for families who want to take advantage of Madeira’s scenic coastline.
Thanks to the seafront Promenade do Lido, if you’re feeling energetic it’s possible to take a coastal walk from Ponta da Cruz all the way to the bay of Camara de Lobos in the west. Prefer swimming? The area has several pools and lidos that look out onto the Atlantic.
With brilliant restaurants, bars, cafés and shops to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating on holidays to Ponta da Cruz. Be sure to try the freshly caught fish or the grilled limpets – a Ponta da Cruz speciality. Offering a real home-away-from-home feel, and plenty of seaside fun, this picturesque outpost of the capital promises a memorable getaway for all the family.
Your Ponta da Cruz questions, answered
Madeira’s capital is about 4 kilometres away and, while you can get there on foot, if you don’t fancy the walk it’s also well served by public transport.
Temperatures here rarely fall far below 20°C, meaning Ponta da Cruz is a great place to visit year-round. That said, spring and autumn are always popular.
Ponta da Cruz suits anyone looking to enjoy Madeira’s rugged coastline and pretty, sunkissed streets. Away from the hustle and bustle of Funchal, it’s a good choice for families.
Best things to do in Ponta da Cruz
Head to the beach
The 2-kilometre stretch of dramatic black volcanic sands at Praia Formosa is a great place to while away long, sunny days. It’s Blue Flag-certified and has a cute café, too.
Enjoy the sunsets
Grab yourself a pre-dinner drink at a bar overlooking the Atlantic and take in the ravishing skies as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon.
Try local specialities
Ponta da Cruz offers all manner of restaurants serving up traditional Madeiran food, but look out for local specialities such as sizzling grilled limpets and black scabbardfish.