Seixal

The north coast's postcard: a black-sand beach that formed naturally a few years ago next to the harbour of refuge and the Clube Naval do Seixal, enclosed in an amphitheatre of cliffs and green mountains. Good access, showers, a bar and kayak hire; a spot used all year for bodyboarding, canoeing and stand-up paddling. A good starting point for the Laurissilva trails. Bathing season 2026: 1 June – 30 September, a supervised beach with lifeguards assured. In a swell follow the flags: red = no bathing.

The wide volcanic pools of the Clube Naval do Seixal, free to enter, between the green of the mountains and the blue of the sea: toilets, showers, a bar with terrace, a sun deck with loungers, and kayak and diving-gear hire for exploring the coast up close. Easy access to the sea. Porto Moniz municipality lists opening hours of 10:00–19:00. Bathing season 2026: 1 June – 30 September, but lifeguard cover not yet confirmed. In a swell follow the flags: red = no bathing.

The Véu da Noiva waterfall is on the old road to São Vicente. Traditional wine country: Seixal's vines are part of the north coast's terraced landscape.

On the old road between São Vicente and Seixal, one of the north coast's most shared spots: the Véu da Noiva waterfall, the "bride's veil", tumbling down the slope to the sea, named for its height and the abundance of its water. It is in fact the hanging mouth of the Ribeira de João Delgado, the result of the coast's rapid retreat through vertical erosion. The lookout also gives the vastness of the Atlantic and the vegetation-covered cliffs typical of the north. A roadside stop; no fee shown.

Seixal's natural pools, near Praia da Laje: black volcanic rock formations enclosing uniquely shaped basins, where turquoise water contrasts with the dark stone. Since 2024 the site has had a lifeguard, which justifies the entry fee (€2.50); toilets, showers and a bar. Extreme caution: large waves can rise without warning — watch the sea and avoid the most exposed areas. Porto Moniz municipality also stresses caution because of sea conditions. Not an official bathing water in 2026: no lifeguard service is guaranteed; follow the notices on site and the flags.