Twenty seconds of The Eastern Edge, written for this very spot. On the tour it plays by itself as you arrive.
A sheltered sandy bay in Madeira's second-largest town. The golden sand is imported, brought over from North Africa. Naturally sheltered by surrounding hills, making it one of the calmest swimming spots on the island. Water reaches 22–23°C in summer. Just 5 minutes from the airport, a great first or last stop. The 15th-century Santiago Fortress is right next to the beach, free to enter. The old town has plenty of local restaurants and cafés.
