Seixal Surf Guide – Madiera’s North Coast Gem

Where is Seixal?

Seixal is on Madeira’s lush and rugged north coast, tucked between the small towns of Sao Vicente and Porto Moniz, around 40 minutes by car from Funchal and roughly 45 minutes from Madeira Airport.

The easiest way to get here is by hire car, which also makes it simpler to explore nearby breaks along the north shore.

You can also come by bus from Funchal or Porto Moniz, but services are slower and less flexible if you’re travelling with surfboards – it’s tricky to move from beach to beach with buses if you have the boards with ya’ basically.

If you do decide to hire, check DiscoverCars first. They’ve been the cheapest for us in Portugal over our last few visits.  

Surfing in Seixal

Seixal is really known for just one break: The Seixal Harbor. It’s kinda become the go-to option for complete beginners in Madeira because it has some of the best shelter of anywhere on the island.

It’s located on the eastern side of town, on the protected south side of the main harbor wall. Any swells that come through in basically any W to N direction (the most common) will have to refract acround the breakwater and enter the bay.

That kills their power, and kills their size. A lot.

The result? Lots of days when there’s a nice chest-high bump rolling into the cobblestone beach of the town, still offering enough energy to practice on, and even sometimes throwing out the odd fun shape to do a turn or two.

When it does play ball – and remember that Madeira is famously fickle, so that’s not all that often – it can be a perfect starter or surf school spot. When there’s huge swell in around the midwinter, it can be big, but the spot doesn’t hold that well.

Here’s my two cents: Seixal is a gorgeous town, and the surf is fun for learners when it shapes up, so base yourself here, do some hikes, and then catch the surf when you can. It won’t be a surf holiday but it will be a fun holiday.

Other surf spots near to Seixal

• Ribeira da Janela – Up the coast to the northwest is Ribeira da Janela, a fickle point break that gets plaudits mainly because it’s a challenging left hander in a land dominated by rights. There’s zero protection here, so it’s heavy and big, and often maxed out. Get it right or you’ll hit a huge current or get a mouthful of cobblestone.
• Contreiras – A barrel can break here on big winter swells but it’s barely useable for the casual surfer.
• Fajã da Areia – This one can be a really great option if the swell is suitably small, which means it fronts up well for intermediates especially, offering nice walls that are a bit more user-friendly than other Madeira locations. Can also properly go off with huge A-frame rights and lefts over cobble.

When to surf in Seixal?

Seixal can be flat for long periods in the summer because the harbor wall will kill all the small energy that the lighter swells bring in. It typically comes to life around November time, when the NW swells get kicking properly, and has a good season that lasts until April, roughly in line with the greater Madeiran swell season.

Remember: The pull here is that Seixal is hugely protected compared to other breaks around the island. When it’s maxed out around the south and west coasts, it can still be small in the harbor here. That’s great for learners, but on the flip side it means lots of time when it’s flat flat flat.

Where to stay in Seixal?

Seixal’s hotels and setting are one of the real draws here. You can be close to surf but taste a truly authentic, nature-rich side of the island.

• Madeira Surf Lodge – A pink-painted haven in the hills just outside of Sao Vincente, a touch southeast of Seixal. Beautiful rooms open to views of the Madeiran forest, and you’re 10-15 minutes’ drive from cracking beginner-friendly surf.
• Casa do Amigo – Pretty, local, self-catering cottage literally 2 seconds from the surf break here.