You’ll find Praia da Calheta is one of Madeira’s rare sandy beaches, with imported golden sand and breakwaters that keep the water calm and child friendly. Practical things to know: there is paid parking and regular local bus service, a seafront promenade with cafes and small shops, seasonal lifeguards and sunbed and umbrella rentals so you don’t need to lug a lot of gear. If you want water sports, look for paddleboard and kayak rentals by the marina, but snorkeling is not spectacular because the bottom is mostly sand. It gets busy in summer, so come early for easier parking and quieter swimming, and don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.