Formosa beach
The biggest beach complex of Madeira Island is different from other places not only in size, but also in impeccable water quality, impeccable service and guaranteed safety. Formosa is awarded the international eco-award Blue Flag. However, not only lovers of cleanliness, but also fans of the impressive power of the Atlantic will be able to truly appreciate its merits.
Photos
Beach description
Located on the western part of Funchal, Formosa Beach include 4 public recreational zones. Each of them covered with sand and pebble.
Eastern part of the beach is better for swimming. It's covered with exotic sand, fine, soft and black. It is a legacy of Madeira's volcanic past. The entrance to the sea here is smooth, the bottom is soft, without surprises.
Western part of the beach covered with big pebbles and bordered by huge boulders. The view is stunning, but it's impossible to walk without shoes. Boardwalks are laid along the shoreline for the promenade. Entering the sea is complicated by rocks and huge waves. The local rescue service is responsible for safety.
Formosa is almost 1000m long. Such a spacious area allows tourists to enjoy the tranquility and privacy. Even on weekends during the swimming season, there is no crowding on the beach.
When is it better to go
The beach season in Portugal lasts from the beginning of June until September, when the air temperature reaches +30°C and the water temperature - +19°C. It should be remembered that the Atlantic Ocean does not warm up well and cools quickly, lovers of a more comfortable temperature can swim in natural stone pools, which are quite numerous on the coast.
Video: Beach Formosa
Infrastructure
Beach area is equipped with standard set of facilities:
- parking.
- springboard for skateboarders;
- several sports centers;
- rescue service;
- changing rooms;
- toilet;
- access to drinking water;
- the rental of sunbeds and umbrellas;
- various restaurants, pubs, wine bars;
- hotel on the shore;
- children playground.
The promenade, stretching along the coast, connects Formosa with the nearby Lido pool complex, equipped with two pools (one for children) with sea water. In walking distance there are three bus stops. There are several possibilities for access by motorcycles and cars.
Where to eat
The beach restaurants menu consists mostly from Mediterranean with a touch of European and local cuisine. Culinary masterpieces of meat and seafood, served with wine or beer, are particularly popular with visitors. No less attention is paid to desserts and freshes from passion fruit, bananas and other tropical fruits.
Pleasant bonus in every restaurant is a perfect service:
- outdoor awning tables with ocean views;
- comfortable chairs for adults and baby chairs;
- polite waiters.
Lovers of culinary exoticism will have the opportunity to look into Indian and South American restaurants. Surprisingly, luxury lunches and dinners in any restaurant come cheap.
What to do
Except from the beach pleasures, guests can enjoy the following activities:
- walks on mountain slopes along levads laid on them (man-made channels);
- gardens and parks excursions;
- boat trips;
- local market shopping;
- parties;
- skateboarding;
- horse riding.
Funchal excursions can be done on your own; this is the beautiful city, no wonders called "Lisbon in miniature". It's recommended to rent a taxi for a day. This will cost about 150€, which is not really expensive, considering that an organized bus tour costs about €100.
Weather in Formosa
Best hotels of Formosa
All hotels of FormosaUseful information
- The distance from the center of Funchal to Formosa is 2.8 kilometers. It is possible to come it on foot, having passed on the bridge-a water conduit through a picturesque gorge and on the way having a snack in a cozy restaurant. Or people can go by bus, which will take only 15 min. Stairs from the bus stop will lead directly to the beach.
- If you are not a fan of huge waves and piercing breezes, don't stay long on Formoza. But for fans of the rumbling music of the ocean, this area will be a source of absolute happiness.
- The nearest attraction from the beach complex is a tunnel with a grotto leading to the ocean. The memorial shield fixed here recalls the dramatic event of 1560, when Funchal was barbarously attacked by the French conquerors.
- Lovers of amazing sunsets will be very sorry came here without camera.