Praia da Ribeira de Natal

Praia da Ribeira de Natal is a small pebble beach in Caniçal that tends to stay quieter than some of the better-known swimming spots along Madeira’s east coast. What immediately stands out is the clear water – you can often spot plenty of fish from above before you even get in. Bring a mask and snorkel and you can explore them up close, making this a particularly nice spot if you enjoy combining a swim with a little underwater discovery. There’s parking close to the beach, so it’s also an easy option for a spontaneous swim without much planning.