Skip to content
Log in Join free
  1. Home
  2. Portugal
  3. Madeira
  4. Cruising areas
  5. Praia da Canavieira
Needs a check · updated 2011 Open in Maps ↗ Approximate: exact spot not on file yet

Cruising area · Canico de Baixo

Praia da Canavieira

This is Madeira's only real gay beach, but it's reasonably accessible with your own transport (15 minutes from Funchal by car) and scenically attractive in its own right. It's rocky and pebbly, but with enough flat areas or large rocks on which to lay out a towel (bring a foam pad!); it's also suitable for swimming when sea's calm. There are plenty of nooks and crannies among the rocks and cliffs for action, with some grassy areas, too. The length of the beach is accessible at high tide

Best time
Summer months (May-September), afternoons and weekends busiest
Crowd
Locals and tourists; mainly older men, but can be a good age range
Watch out
Can be quiet, but there's nearly always someone there Cliff path can be subject…
Last verified
Not yet · updated 2011

Wheelchair: Not accessible

Suggest an editIs this your business?

I’m goingBeta Directions
Been here recently? Is this page still accurate?Still accurate? One tap, anonymous, no account needed.One tap · anonymous · no account

The guide

Where exactly

If driving from via rapida, exit at jn 16 and take road downwards towards coast; after zig-zag bends, take first right along oneway street, turn left and park in second street to the right. Beach access is down little alleyway marked 'Vereda da Praia da Canavieira' and then five mins down stepped cliff path. Cross street: Rua da Falesia

Cruisiest spot: Towards the western end, beyond the 'divide' created by a low barrier of fallen rocks, though some people stay on the more mixed eastern side. It can also be cruisy on the cliff path and at the viewpoint at the top, where activity concentrates after dark and out of season

When to go

Summer months (May-September), afternoons and weekends busiest

Etiquette

Go to the furthest end of the beach and see if you're followed! Perserverence maybe required as some Madeiran men seem very insecure in their sexuality

Nudity: Yes

Safety

Can be quiet, but there's nearly always someone there Cliff path can be subject to rock falls, though it's maintained and parts are protected by railings and netting.

Report an incident →

Comments

Nobody has written about this spot yet.

Been here? Leave a comment for the next guy. Members only · posted under your nickname Log in
Directions I’m goingBeta