This location is well worth a visit (Image: Getty)
A man believes he found one of the “most beautiful beaches in Europe” – but only if you avoid a simple mistake.
Most people tend to visit tourist locations which are heaving with crowds, making the whole experience rather busy. But one traveller has stumbled on a gorgeous beach which you must visit right before sunrise.
The content creator warned holidaymakers to stop visiting Seixal beach in Madeira at the “wrong time”. In a post with his 144,400 followers on TikTok, he said: “I get it.
“You came to Madeira for vacation and maybe want to relax, sleep well, have a nice breakfast, and slowly arrive at Seixal around 11am… Exactly like hundreds of other tourists…
“And then reality hits: Traffic jams at the entrance, no parking, overcrowded beach and lighting that looks nothing like Instagram.”
He said instead of deep volcanic sand – you get flat grey colours. Instead of magical scenery – it’s harsh yellow sunlight. And forget the peace because you’ll get crowds everywhere.
Along with his advice, the man added: “Seixal really is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe… but only if you visit it at the right time.
“And the best time is not during sunset. It’s during the morning golden hour, right after sunrise.
“That’s the magical moment when: the black sand turns golden, the green cliffs become soft pastel colours, and the sun no longer blinds your eyes but decorates the landscape with cinematic light.”
The traveller also claimed Madeira will reward you, if you “wake up for sunrises and wait for sunsets”. So to experience the real magic of Madeira without the crowds, be sure to explore these different times.
What to do in Madeira:
The subtropic Portuguese archipelago is famous for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, fortified wine, and year-round mild climate. It is the ultimate destination for hikers and nature lovers.
You can hike the famous network of thousands of kilometres of historic irrigation channels that snake through lush, mountainous terrain.
Also take boat tours departing from the marina to the deep Atlantic waters. You can also ride to the hilltop area of Monte in Funchal to explore tropical botanical gardens.
In terms of food and drink, you’ll be spoilt for choice with traditional wine and the Espetada Madeirense, which is chunks of beef marinated in garlic and bay leaves.
The best time to visit is between April and October, with temperatures ranging from 20C to 26C.
A direct flight from the UK to Madeira (FNC) typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours. This quick travel time applies to departures from major London airports as well as regional hubs like Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.
