Doca do Cavacas is one of our favorite places to swim around Funchal because it gives you a few different ways to get into the water rather than one simple pool.

The swimming areas sit at several levels among the volcanic rock, with shallower sections for taking it easy and deeper water for a proper swim.

Steps and built access points make getting in and out of the water relatively straightforward, while the surrounding terraces give you places to sit between swims and spend some time in the sun.

What we like most is the combination of a natural ocean setting with enough structure to make an afternoon here feel easy. It still feels like swimming on Madeira’s rocky coast, just without having to scramble over the rocks to do it.

If you’re thinking about living close to this stretch of coast, our Praia Formosa area guide looks at what day-to-day life nearby is actually like.