On the water
Surfing
Point and reef breaks along a steep coast, best from October to March
What it is like here
Madeira’s coast drops steeply into deep water, so most of its surf breaks over rock: point breaks and reefs rather than long sandy beaches. Swells average about two metres and arrive all year, and in some seasons they reach ten metres.
The main breaks are spread over five municipalities: Porto Moniz, São Vicente, Machico, Ponta do Sol and Calheta. Jardim do Mar and Paúl do Mar, on the south-west coast, are for experienced surfers; the beach breaks at Porto da Cruz, São Roque in Machico and Seixal suit beginners. Bodyboarders use the same spots, on Madeira and on Porto Santo.
Where
- Direita de São Vicente — Right-hand beach break over rock and sand; intermediate and advanced surfers; best at low tide
- Fajã do Cabo Girão / Rancho — Right-hand point break over rock, reached by cable car; intermediate and advanced surfers; best at low tide
- Ribeira da Janela — Left-hand point break over rock and pebbles; advanced surfers only; best at low tide
- Alagoa — Beach break with lefts and rights over sand and pebbles; beginners and intermediates; best at low tide
- Baía de São Vicente — Left-hand point break over rock and sand; intermediate and advanced surfers; best at low tide
- Fajã da Areia ou Baía dos Juncos — Reef break with lefts and rights over rock and sand; all levels; best at low tide
- Fajã dos Padres — Right-hand point break over rock, reached by cable car; advanced surfers only; best at low tide
- Madalena do Mar — Beach break with lefts and rights over rock and sand; intermediate and advanced surfers; best at high tide
- Maiata — Beach break with lefts and rights over sand, rock and pebbles; all levels; best at low to mid tide
- Ponta Pequena — Right-hand point break over rock and pebbles; intermediate and advanced surfers; best at high tide
- Ponta do Pargo — Right-hand point break over rock and pebbles, reached by boat; advanced surfers only; best at low tide
- Ponta do Tristão — Left-hand point break over rock and pebbles; advanced surfers only; best at low tide
- Ribeira das Galinhas — Right-hand point break over rock and pebbles; advanced surfers only; best at low tide
- Achadas da Cruz — Right-hand point break over rock and pebbles, reached by cable car; intermediate and advanced surfers; best at low to mid tide
- Contreiras — Left-hand point break over rock and pebbles; advanced surfers only; best at low tide
- S. Roque — Beach break with lefts and rights over sand and rock; all levels; best at low tide
- Jardim do Mar — Right-hand point break over rock and pebbles; advanced surfers only; best at low to mid tide
- Lugar de Baixo — Right-hand point break over rock; intermediate and advanced surfers; best at high tide
- Paúl do Mar — Right-hand point break over rock and pebbles; intermediate and advanced surfers; best at high tide
- Seixal (Porto de Abrigo) — Beach break with lefts and rights over sand; beginners and intermediates; best at low tide
Who runs it
Members of the tourism board’s association, as Visit Madeira lists them. A list, not a recommendation.
Sources: Visit Madeira · Madeira Ocean & Trails · Checked November 3, 2026