Ultimate Madeira Surf Guide [Updated 2026]
Surfing in Madeira isn’t for the faint-hearted. This is not the Algarve. It’s not Ericeira. And it’s definitely not a soft, sandy learner zone where you rock up and rent a foamie for the week.
The geology determines the surf: Madeira is steep, volcanic, and very rugged. The coastline drops fast into deep Atlantic water, meaning swells hit with real power.
When it’s on, it’s properly overhead. Add in shallow rock shelves, barnacled take-offs, punchy currents, and limited entry/exit points, and you’ve got a destination that suits confident intermediates and experienced surfers far more than first-timers. And the locals like it that way.
Most of the headline waves here are rocky points – long, mechanical, often beautiful and primed for the cover of surf mags. But they are also not for your average Joe.
HOWEVER: It’s not all slabs and Hawaii-like barrels. There are one or two sheltered corners where beginners can get a taste of surfing during a holiday, particularly when the swell drops or you head out to the more protected parts of the island (usually the north and the east). You just have to pick your days carefully, and your location even more carefully.
Would we book a dedicated surf trip to Madeira over mainland Portugal? Probably not. But if you’re coming for the hiking, the food, the scenery, and you fancy paddling out a bit while you’re here, there are waves to be found. You just need to know what you’re getting into. Cue this guide…
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
This guide is just one part of our complete guide to surfing in Portugal
Madeira surf at a glance
The good:
- World-class right-hand point breaks
- Year-round surf
- Ridiculously stunning setting
The bad:
- NOT a beginner destination
- Hard-to-get-to breaks
Where is Madeira?
Location is key when you come to think about the surfing in Madeira. The island is bathed on all sides by the Atlantic. It’s about 500 miles from the mainland of Portugal at its nearest point (which just so happens to be the surf town of Sagres). The nearest other place are actually the Spanish Canaries, which are 300 miles to the south.
If all that says one thing, it should say “swell”. NW-SW compass directions are all picked up here with ease.
Getting to and around Madeira
The vast majority of travelers (AKA – anyone who’s not on a cruise ship) will enter Madeira via the air. The main and really the only airport here is the Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Funchal. We have literally no idea who it’s named after but it’s where all the main flights arrive.
There’s a solitary US link heading there on Azores Airlines from JFK. The rest come in from Europe, from where there’s actually a decent selection, including plenty of low-cost flights on budget carriers like Ryanair and easyJet.
These days, we tend to use Omio to compare flight options. We just like the interface. Simples.
We’d then plan to rent a car at the airport and head straight out from there. Most of the surf breaks here are on the opposite side of the island to the city of Funchal (where you arrive). The drive is about an hour to the main breaks of Jardim do Mar, where the hardcore surf really begins.
However, beginner surfers and normal people tend to stick to breaks a little closer to the airport, which are more protected, though I’d still choose car hire – simply driving around here is pretty awesome.
Madeira surf spots
Part of the fun of surfing in Madeira is in touring the coast roads and the cliffs on the hunt for new breaks that might (or might not) be rideable. There are still lots of those left. However, there are some key spots that have made it onto the mainstay itinerary for surfers here, spread mainly across big Madeira island, with one or two on Porto Santo to boot. Check them out below…
Lugar de Baixo
Lugar de Baixo hoovers up the crowds because it’s the nearest of all the Madeiran breaks to central Funchal. It’s not bad at all – a quick right hander that rifles into a barrel when its just about high tide and just after.
However, it’s the crowds that keep us away. Watching is fun, though.
Madalena do Mar
Our pick of all the upper intermediate waves on offer in Madeira. This one’s a reef break with hefty, relatively forgiving walls of water that move into and inside section and without hollowing too much unless it’s big big swell.
The crowd is quite friendly, despite the relative closeness to Funchal. Just bear in mind that this is still very much a regional classic: A pebble-bottom point break that has some real kick to it. Madeira is hard-mode surfing.
Jardim do Mar
Jardim do Mar is the most famous name of the Madeira surf scene. This right hander forms in front of the harbor of the uber-cute fishing town of the same name.
It USED to be seen as one of the finest waves on the globe but everything changed with the constructuion of a seawall in the early naughties.
Built to protect the village from winter storms, the structure altered the way swell energy hit the reefs and then bounced back again. The original take-off zone changed. Sections that once linked up began to fatten or shut down. Many surfers argued the wave lost its magic almost overnight. Jardim do Mar became a case study in how coastal engineering can reshape (and sometimes damage) a surf break.
That said, it’s still a heavy, serious wave when the north-west swell lines up. It breaks over shallow volcanic reef with very little margin for error. Now, you can only surf it a during a short window either side of low tide and it’s nothing like it was.
Bottom line here: Jardim is a brutal wave that was always dangerous and is now even more so. Leave it to the locals/pros. Go to watch tho – def worth it.
>>We’ve got a complete guide to Jardim do Mar right here
Ponta Pequena
Ponta Pequena hides between the cliffs on the western side of Madeira island, neatly midway from Jardim do Mar to Paul do Mar.
Getting here is the trick. Some hire a boat from the nearby harbor. Others walk it, but the cliff trail is a gnarly beast with spiky rocks.
If you make it the break is real nice. It’s a right hander off a point and there’s rarely a big crowd. The wave will peel inwards and the boils will sort of draw a line where you can go and then paddle back through in the channel.
Like all the spots on this exposed side of Madeira, it can be brutal business surfing Ponta. There always seems to be a rock sticking out somewhere, and those W swells are head on so it packs a real hit.
Paul do Mar
A rocky seabed right next to a squiggling coast road helps to create a sort of point break here, although it’s a little sloppy and breaks more like a beachy – aka messa.
Either way, the wave improves in quality after the drop in if you can make it up onto the high right shoulder, which varies between being pitching and hollow depending on the swell size and period.
Ponta do Pargo
With the full force of the NW and W swells hitting this far western end of the island, did you expect anything less than a gnarly gun wave. XXL, it can hold triple overheads and thwacks right with huge walls of water. It’s not easy to reach and it’s super dangerous if you get caught on the inside.
Avoid avoid avoid if you’re not a pro with a massive board with ya.
Achadas da Cruz
The remote village of Achadas da Cruz is a north coast gem that occupies a headland where the offshores are easterlies. That’s great news on medium swells, when the duo of rights here work at their best. The finest of the two is a short but fast right with a steep drop in and the potential to hollow out. Local usually have this one wired.
Ribeira da Janela
Kudos to this wave. A corker and a rare left on among the right-heavy Madeira surf, it’s long and challenging with very interesting sections that get hollow and fat alike. The peak likes to froth a little, so wait a little to the left of the center and you should find the drop easier.
Seixal
Seixal is one of the rare beginner spots in the whole of Madeira (I really only count three true beginner-friendly spots). It’s a small harbor town on the north shore, partially protected by its own natural bay and breakwater, which helps take the sting out of the island’s otherwise punchy Atlantic exposure.
Seixal can produce small, manageable peaks that are far more forgiving than the heavy reef points elsewhere on the island. On tiny north swells, you’ll sometimes find soft lefts wrapping into the harbor zone, occasionally with a bit of sand mixed among the rocks, making it one of the more approachable setups around.
The catch? Ironically it’s usually very small. Like flat-small. Don’t expect long, reeling walls. Think short rides and playful take-offs instead. It’s a place to get with the local surf school and grab a foamy for a bit to surf under the amazing mountains. Tick another surf box.
>>Read a full guide to surfing in Seixal, Madeira (coming soon)
Contreiras
A really shallow rock reef that’s got some very cool barrels on huge winter swells, Contreiras isn’t for the faint hearted and has broken boards and bones in its time.
If you dare (and I don’t reccomend you do) then the reward will be pretty nice tubes that aren’t too busy.
Fajã da Areia
Faja da Areia is widely considered one of the top intermediate waves on Madeira – which, on this island of largely huge XL waves, is a real gift. But don’t go thinking it’s uber-easy. It’s not. There are still the usual hazards that come with Madeira.
The break sits right in front of the coast road on the north shore, peeling over a cobble-and-reef bottom that’s far more forgiving than the shallow lava ledges you’ll find elsewhere. It handles north and northwest swells best, which makes winter its prime season. When there’s a bit of north in the swell angle, the bay lights up with workable rights and lefts that roll in with a relatively mellow, fat take-off before standing up into punchier shoulders down the line.
>>Read a full guide to Faja da Areia right here (coming soon)
Porto da Cruz
Porto da Cruz is up there with Machico as perhaps the main hub for surfers on this island. The reason? It’s one of the rare beginner-to-intermediate spots here, and has a nice feel about it to, with some great surf camps.
The main wave breaks over a rocky reef near the promenade, producing punchy rights (and the occasional left) that work best on north and northeast swells.
It’s more exposed than Machico, so it picks up more size and power, particularly in winter. On smaller days, confident intermediates can enjoy rippable walls; when the swell jumps, it becomes faster and more demanding, though rarely matches what the western breaks will throw down.
Where to stay? Jaca Hostel Porto da Cruz – Walkable to the breaks, cool style, and surf programs can be organized in house.
>>Read a full guide to Porto da Cruz right now (coming soon)
Machico
Machico is about as beginner-friendly as Madeira gets.
Tucked into a sheltered bay on the island’s east side, it’s one of the few spots with a sandy bottom, which immediately makes it less intimidating than the reef and cobble setups elsewhere.
On small north or northeast swells, soft, rolling peaks form that are ideal for first pop-ups and early turns. It’s no surprise a handful of local surf schools operate here, using the gentler conditions to introduce newcomers to the sport.
Waves are often small – sometimes very small – but for learning in Madeira, Machico is the safest bet.
>>Read a full guide to Machico (coming soon)
Porto Santo – a whole other island!
Porto Santo is the second most populous island in the Madeira chain. We think it looks way more like the Canaries, what with its dusty mountaintops and beige-sand beaches. There’s some great surf here, too, although the main scene is sun-soaked holidaying. Beginners are right at home on Cabeço Beach. It gets well-protected waves over a sandy bottom.
When to surf in Madeira?
Winter is the best time to surf in Madeira. December and January in particular get the full brunt of the strongest NW swells that really fire up the best right-hand point breaks on the island, especially Jardim do Mar.
However, the surf season actually runs from September to March, and we’ve scored great waves even outside of that time. Summer has smaller groundswells and can see spots like Madalena do Mar and Porto Santo lend themselves more to learners, although we’d still probably stick to mainland portugal for learning.
- Winter (Dec-Feb) – Peak season. Consistent north and northwest swells, often overhead. Best for experienced surfers chasing quality reef and point waves. Highly sheltered spots like Machico are the only option for beginners for long periods of the winter.
- Spring (Mar-May) – Still punchy but slightly less relentless. Good mix of size and cleaner windows.
- Summer (Jun-Aug) – Small and inconsistent. Better for beginners at sheltered spots like Machico or Seixal.
- Autumn (Sep-Nov) – Swell starts to build again. A sweet spot for intermediates before full winter power kicks in.
No need for thick wetsuits in hotter months (March-October). Bring a 3/2 max the winter. Booties can be a gift for getting in and out of Madeira’s predominantly rocky bays.
Where to stay in Madeira (for surfing)?
Madeira is packed to bursting with fine hotels. In fact, the island has a rep for being one of Europe’s top R&R destinations, so you won’t be hungry for great places to stay.
One caveat here: Booking a hotel instead of a surf camp means you’re probably going to need a car. It’s common to have to drive 20, 30, 40 minutes to find a spot that’s working on the island as the swell changes.
If in doubt, choose to stay in Porto da Cruz. You’ll notice that it leads the way when it comes to surf-related hotels and stays. The local breaks that suit the improver end of the spectrum combine with nice authentic town feels there to make it the best spot on the isle…
- Madeira Surf Lodge – This stunning property offers a relaxed and charming base in one of the most alluring towns on the north shore. You’ll be a short drive from the more accessible waves of Seixal and Praia da Fajã da Areia, have epic hiking on the doorstep, and stay in beautifully peaceful rooms that look out of over the Madeiran jungles.
- Jaca Hostel Porto da Cruz – Budget stays don’t have to feel budget. This lovely hostel channels local Madeiran styles to create something really beautiful. It’s actually the base for one of the island’s top surf camps (see below) but you can also just book accommodation and go at your own pace.
>>Ready for more inspo? We have a full guide to the coolest surf hotels in Portugal right now.
Surf camps in Madeira
Madeira is not widely seen as the best place to do surf camping. The reason is obvious: The island hardly has that many beginner or even intermediate waves to make it worth coming here to learn and progress. It’s really for the seasoned surfer.
However, there are a few spots now offering packages, taking groups to the more accessible beaches around the island. And they look pretty darn nice, too.
They typcially involve surf lessons with local teachers, transport to and from the breaks, and accomodation (and maybe even food). They are perfect if you’re coming to Madeira with a focus on surfing.
- Madeira New Wave x Jaca Hostel – This surf camp out of Porto da Cruz includes transfers to the beach every day, experienced instructors, and a good mix of surf spots to meet the specific demands of the surfer. The lodge is cool – you stay in Jaca Hostel, a super-vibey pad with nice common spaces in the middle of the little town.
- Madeira Surf Camp – A more boutique surf camp option, also in Porto da Cruz. Really lovely rooftop and options for 3-, 5- or 7-night packages.
- The Modern and Recycled House – Located in Machico, the most beginner-friendly of all the spots on the island, this is a small-group surf camp based in a boutique hotel. The package is great value: 2-hour surf lessons each day for five days.
>>Read our guide to the best surf camps in Portugal as a whole
Surf lessons in Madeira
In our experience, over half of the people who ask us about surfing in Madeira are just a bit curious. They’re not planning a full-on surf trip or anything. They just want to see if it’s possible to do a little bit of surfing while they vacation over here.
The answer: It most certainly is.
The way to do that? Plan your holiday as you normally would and simply pre-book a surf lesson for one of the days you’ll be around. Most offer pickups or meeting points in key locations.
Plus, they’ll be run by local experts that can match the beach/spot to your level, so you won’t be paddling out into bombs at Jardim de Mar when you really should have a nice, easy beach break on the north coast.
There are lots of surf lessons on offer in Madeira now. Most have a similar offering of 2-hour lessons for about $80. The ones we can reccomend are:
- Surf Clube da Madeira – The very highly rated Surf Club of Madeira has these high-quality lessons that start with out-of-water practice and complete with nearly two full hours in the water. Pickups are in Jardim Santa Luzia in Funchal. Book ahead! There’s only 12 spots and these are in high demand.
- MadSea – Bodyboard & More Group Surf Lesson – These guys make it super easy. They’ll collect you at any hotel in the Funchal area and take you to a break that’s working well, suited to your level. All instruction and equipment is included. Prices start at just $90 per person.
>>You can search for even more surf lessons in Madeira on GetYourGuide and Manawa. Both of those offer pretty generous cancellation policies for most bookings.
Should I rent a car for surfing in Madeira?
Yep, probably.
The only time we’d say a car isn’t necessary is if you’re planning on a surf camp. They organize all your transport to and from breaks, so there’s no need to be mobile.
If it’s DIY trip, then a car is a MUST. Breaks in Madeira often start working without warning and the best of them are kinda’ remote. Plus, driving the winding lanes of this amazingly rugged island is a joy in itself.
We usually use DiscoverCars these days to search for our Portuguese car hires. It’s been very cheap for us in the past and offers good cancellation options.
Surf rentals in Madeira
It’s not as easy getting surf rentals in Madeira as it is getting them on mainland Portugal. But it’s still possible.
Madeira Surf Center is the go-to option on the north coast. Their affiliated with the Madeira Surf Lodge and serve the main beaches below the cliffs around São Vicente. Orlando Pereira has a surf schools near the peelers of Jardim do Mar, but we’re not certain that they offer simple rentals – you might have to book a proper lesson.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
Hi there,
I am going to spend around 2 months this year (October & November) on either Tenerife or Madeira. Which island is better spot for beginner surfer at that time? Thanks a lot and best rgds!
Hey – I think we messaged you on insta in the end with info. Just in case – we’d totally recommended Tenerife over Madeira as a beginner. Madeira tends to be rockier point breaks and can get big as winter approaches. Tenerife has more sheltered spots and better surf camp options.
heading to Madeira in February. I am a 68 year old long boarder. any suggestions on where to go and where to rent a long board
Hey – we have to say Madeira isn’t a great option for longboarding, especially not on the bigger winter swells. We’d probably say that Cabeço Beach (stunning Cabeço Beach!) is your best bet, but that means heading over to Porto Santo. For rentals, head to the Madeira Surf Center in Sao Vincente.
Hi ,
Great info info here on the waves specifically. What’s the likely chances of decent waves and some size in May ? Is it risky to get quality and size on the later of the shoulder season ? And are winds harder to get right ?
Thanks
Madeira can be big in May, no doubt. We’ve seen it overhead that time. You will probably have fewer days of proper strong Atlantic W and NW though. Wind is a strange one on the island. North and south get different conditions. Around Ponta do Pargo and the surf spots out west, it’s actually NE dominant in summer, which is offshore. You’ll just want to watch out for those very hot and occasional Leste winds off the Sahara. All in all, we probably wouldn’t hesitate going in May for a surf, so long as you don’t mind risking some flat days and doing some stuff out of the water.
Hey, great read! Saw you answering questions so thought I’d throw one out there. My wife and I are rallying out for a week and will be staying in Funchal for 3 days and need another spot for an additional 3. She’s beginner I’m mid level intermediate, we’ll be there in April and will both need to rent gear. Any recommendations?
Yo Jimbo – glad you liked it! Madeira is a tricky one for mixed groups. It’s often either or. Swell can be good in April with spring action in the Atlantic, so we’d probably err on the side of the lower denominator and go for something that’s beginner friendly. For that, you might want to try Alagoa Beach up in Porto da Cruz on the north side of the island (that’s a pretty little town too), or perhaps the harbor breaks in Seixal, which is rocky but kinda forgiving. Alternatively, book onto a surf camp and they might take you to a different spot each day suited to your levels. Have a good one!
Hi Joseph,
I plan to be on Madeira toward the end of June and wondering where the best area will be for surfing? I am an experienced long time surfer and have never been to Madeira. Thank you for any suggestions,
David Sirgany
Hey! Our suggestion would be the villages along the southwest coast. Jardim do Mar is the most famous but they’ve messed with the seawall and turned it into a nigh-on ridiculous wave. The lovely right of Ponta Pequena is around there, along with a string of other good right points that work on W swells. June might be a bit of a waiting game for swell. On the flip side it can be on every day. Just gotta’ be lucky. Have a great trip!
Hey Joseph! Just the article I was looking for!
I have a couple of weeks off in August and I was wondering whether to go to Madeira or to the Canary. I already went to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura in winter and had fun with the waves. I am intermediate and looking to improve my turning – what do you think are the chances to find quality green waves in August? Which spots would you recommend? Thanks man!
Hey – our hunch would be pick the Canaries. Yes, it can be windy and a bit flat in August. That’s the risk. The payoff will be more beaches to thin out the line ups (you’ll be contending with Euro school holiday crowds in Aug, so that’s a concern). Perhaps try Fuerteventura? El Cotillo on the northwest coast is fast becoming a good base for surfers who don’t want the resorty feel of Corallejo. On the downside, we’ve heard the reef spots on the north coast are gnarly business.
Thanks Joseph! We are also evaluating the Azores – I read that the swells are more consistent in summer time and less wind prone. Ever been there? Any recommendations on it? Thanks again!
The issue with summer in the Azores is that winds can swing NE a lot of the time, especially in August. That’s offshore for the SW coast, but not so good for the north coast, which is actually more consistent in the summer months. Just a thought.
hey, i am planning to go on a vacation to Madeira. What are the best spots for a intermediate surfer, not to shallow, and not to dangerous? and is it easy to combine with Porto Santo? and what are the best places to stay at both islands
There’s a ferry – takes about 3 hours – to get to Porto Santo. Good option if you want to chill but depends how much time you have we’d say.
If surf is the focus, then the north coast can be really good. We’d probably focus around Faja de Areia for more manageable breaks but it does depend on the season. The best bet is definitely a surf camp, though. They’ll take you to whatever break is best with prevailing conditions and match to your level.
Hey Joseph, amazing article! I’m an intermediate surfer going to Madeira early July for a week aiming to explore the island. Are there any breaks I should avoid during that time? I’ve seen the forecast recently in around 3 – 5 ft waves that I can usually manage in my local beach breaks (sandy bottom). Overall, surfing once a day should I aim for high or low tide? Thank you so much!
Hey! Glad you like it!
Hmm, so many spots it’s hard to talk specifics.
Tide depends on the break for sure. Often with Madeira the push is best – lots get too shallow at low and then pound against the rocks at full high.
As intermediate, would avoid the Jardim do Mar. It’s heavy and hard. North coast is probably your best bet. If in doubt we really can’t recommend a surf camp enough. There are some great ones there – check here. Plus, they know the local conditions inside and out so pick spots to match the level.
Have fun!
Hi Joseph! I enjoyed reading the whole article, thank you for taking the time to writing it. I’m a former professional surfer (WQS level) I will be in Madeira during July. Which spots do you recommend? Plus did you see any spots to buy boards? Thank you.
Fermin.
Hey – it’s hard to say because it depends on conditions a lot. If it works, then probably skip busy Jardim do Mar for Paul do Mar through the tunnel. They are close but I’d say the latter is the higher performance wave, with nice fast rights. Some of the most epic waves have to be at Ponta Pequena, but it’s hard to access. That keeps crowds down. Just take good shoes for the walk! Buying a second-hand board might be tricky. It’s strange for an island with so many spots that there’s not the same infrasctructure as on the PT mainland. Perhaps try local surf groups on FB?
Hi Joseph. Superb article – thanks very much for this. I’m coming in the first week of September and was wondering if I would need to bring a step up? Or if a regular shortboard would probably suffice this time of year. I’m probably an advanced intermediate surfer looking to progress on a few manoeuvres. Many thanks 🙏
We’re tempted to say you’ll be fine with the usual shortie, espeically if you’re really looking to nail some practice. Madeira is usually pretty strong in September as the autumn kicks in, but – as ever with swells, especially this strange, strange year – it’s unpredictable. If it was us: We’d stick with the smaller stick.
Hey Joseph, this is a fantastic article and had everything covered. Thanks so much for taking the time to cover it. Long-time surfer from Santa Cruz, CA here looking to spend the next 2 weeks on Madeira, and will be renting a car. However, do you have a reccomendation on where to stay on the island given how the surf has looked/is looking the next few weeks? Right-hand points are my bread and butter, and will be bringing a mid-length for overhead surf, so flexible but thought I would ask for your recco. Additionally, would you reccomend a 4/3, 5/4, or springsuit? Many thanks!
Hey – glad the piece was helpful!
Our hunch would be to stay near the northwestern side of the island between Achadas da Cruz and Paul do Mar. There’s a whole string of right-hand points within 20-30 minutes’ drive of there, and you can reach the more shelters rights in Cabo Girão within an hour if need be. It’s unpredictable, but late August usually has nice offshores from the NE, making that whole coastline starting at Paul do Mar pretty workable.
In all honesty, it would be a springsuit for us, but fullsuit 3/2 is probably more versatile incase temps dip early this year. Take booties for sure!
Have a good one.
Hey Joseph!
Great job on this fantastic summary. I’ll be in Madeira with my family at the end of November. As a beginner with about 5-10 lessons under my belt, could you suggest:
Spots that would be suitable for my skill level?
An area to stay with my family that’s not too far by car from the ideal surf spots?
Hey – great questions! (Sorry for the late reply – was on hols last weeek :)). For the easier spots on the island, aim further east. The beaches of Porto da Cruz and Machico would probably be perfect, and the areas there have loads to do for the fam (nice towns, great eating, some fantastic hiking like the Levada dos Balcoes and Ruivo).
Still, though, the best play is probably to link up with a local surf camp because it all depends on where the swell is and what the wind is doing. Can be an unpredictable time in Nov, so having someone who really knows the island inside out to help get you back and forth from surf spots will be a gift.
Have a great time!