Seixal: Coast, Natural Pools and Laurissilva

Seixal combines a striking Atlantic coastline with hiking trails through Laurissilva and places with their own cultural history. Each place and route has its own distinctive character.

Coast, Natural Pools and Swimming Spots

The Piscinas Naturais do Seixal, also known as Poças das Lesmas, are natural pools in volcanic rock near Praia da Laje. Dark rocks contrast with the turquoise waters of the Atlantic. Large waves can suddenly form at the Poças. If you swim, watch the sea conditions and avoid exposed areas. Praia da Laje, also called Praia da Jamaica, is an unguarded beach in the Freguesia of Seixal.

Praia do Porto de Abrigo do Seixal offers a different coastal scene: the beach has black sand, green mountains rise behind it, and clear Atlantic waters lap the shore. There are showers and a beach bar, and kayaks can also be rented. If you plan to use these facilities, check their current availability before your visit.

The swimming pools at Clube Naval do Seixal are another coastal option, distinct from the natural pools. These are expansive volcanic pools that complement the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Facilities include restrooms, showers, a bar with a terrace, and a sunbathing area with loungers. Kayaks and diving equipment can also be rented at the pools. For these services, it is worth checking availability in advance of your visit.

Hiking Trails Through Varied Landscapes

The access path to PR 14 Levada dos Cedros begins in the Freguesia of Seixal. The first 400 metres of the route are there; the rest passes through the Freguesia of Ribeira da Janela. Along the way, it traverses the Laurissilva forest, classified by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1999. The route includes heathland tunnels, wooden bridges and viewpoints. It therefore offers both distinctive trail features and a clearly described route through two Freguesias.

Vegetation takes centre stage on Vereda da Terra Chã: after the ascent begins, the route passes through Laurissilva vegetation, including laurel, vinhático, folhado and tree heath. Vereda da Ribeira Funda, by contrast, lies entirely within the Freguesia of Seixal. It is suitable only for experienced hikers in good physical condition. Keep this explicit requirement in mind when choosing your route.

Chão da Ribeira: Scenery, Trails and Panelo

Chão da Ribeira lies in a large valley above the Freguesia of Seixal. Traditional agricultural storage huts shape the landscape there. The area is also a starting point for Vereda da Cavaca, Caminho das Voltas a Terra Chã and activities such as canyoning. This is a place where a distinctive cultural landscape meets named opportunities for outdoor activity.

Panelo is also part of the local character: this traditional stew is prepared in Chão da Ribeira in January. The Panelo festival has its origins in a tradition among young people from Seixal. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the relevant edition.

Seixal’s connection with the water is also reflected in the Regata de Canoas Tradicionais do Norte. Its approximately eight-kilometre course runs from Cais do Seixal to Cais do Porto Moniz. The regatta celebrates Madeira’s maritime culture and helps preserve the heritage of traditional canoes. If you are planning a trip around the event, check the dates for the relevant edition.

Waterfall, Viewpoint and Church

The Véu da Noiva waterfall is the hanging mouth of Ribeira de João Delgado. It was formed as the coastline rapidly retreated due to vertical erosion. From Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, you can see the powerful waterfall plunging from a vegetated slope towards the sea. The viewpoint is on the old road between São Vicente and Seixal.

The Igreja de Santo Antão in Seixal is a historic religious building with remarkable views of the ocean. Together with the viewpoint and waterfall, it offers a different focus from the beach and hiking themes: here, the emphasis is on architectural history and the view of the sea.

When looking for a hotel in Seixal, you can first decide whether coastal locations, a specific named hiking trail or cultural sites will be the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Funchal, Campo De Cima, Sao Jorge, Paul Do Mar, Arco De São Jorge, Lombada Velha, Tabua, Vila Baleira.

For the broader travel overview: Madeira.