Macau is a compact city on the Pearl River Delta, about 60 km west of Hong Kong, made up of the Macau Peninsula, the islands of Taipa and Coloane and the reclaimed Cotai Strip. It combines a UNESCO-listed Portuguese colonial old town, Cantonese temples, egg-tart bakeries and large casino resorts.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Macau.
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- family-friendly, relaxed and open, with cafes along the promenade
- Public showers and toilets
- Cafes and restaurants (Portuguese and Macanese) along Estrada de Hac Sa
- Hac Sa Sports Complex public pool nearby
- Bus stops at the beach
- Free access, no entry fee
Hac Sa Beach (Black Sand Beach)
Macau's largest natural beach, a long crescent of grey-black sand on Coloane's southeast coast, backed by a promenade, cafes and green hills.
Editor’s tip. Visit on weekdays or early morning to avoid the heaviest summer weekend crowds.
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- family-friendly, calm and sheltered
- Changing rooms and toilets
- Outdoor showers
- Seasonal lifeguards
- Adjacent public pool (May-October, around MOP 15 for adults, approx USD 1.88)
- Cafes and restaurants nearby
Cheoc Van Beach
A small, calmer bay on Coloane's southwest side next to a public swimming pool, with a forested hillside and cafes behind.
Editor’s tip. Go on a weekday morning in summer to avoid the weekend family crowds.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Macau’s coast.
Why is Hac Sa Beach called Black Sand Beach?
Hac Sa means "black sand" in Cantonese. The fine sand has a grey to dark tone, which gives the beach its name.
From the Hac Sa Beach (Black Sand Beach) editorial.
Is there an entry fee for Hac Sa Beach?
No. Access to the beach is free, and public showers and toilets are available.
From the Hac Sa Beach (Black Sand Beach) editorial.
Is Cheoc Van Beach suitable for children?
Yes. The bay is sheltered and calm, with lifeguards in season, changing rooms and showers, so it is popular with local families.
From the Cheoc Van Beach editorial.
Is there a swimming pool at Cheoc Van?
A public pool sits next to the beach and operates from May to October. Adult entry is around MOP 15 (approx USD 1.88).
From the Cheoc Van Beach editorial.