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Surf in Madeira: Best beaches and prices
Take the plunge and surf in Madeira! Discover the best spots for beginners and advanced surfers. Keep reading!
This Portuguese archipelago, set in the middle of the Atlantic, is not only a place to admire dramatic volcanic landscapes and explore hundreds of hiking trails, but also a perfect destination to grab a board and ride powerful waves. Surf in Madeira has become increasingly popular thanks to the quality of its waves, its mild climate, and its wild beaches framed by mountains. So whether you’re planning a trip to the country or already living here and looking for new experiences, don’t miss the guide we’ve put together for you.
Madeira offers a wide variety of surf spots with different levels of difficulty, catering to everyone from complete beginners to more advanced surfers. We’ll walk you through the best places to surf, the schools you can find, the best times of year to go, and the approximate costs. Ready for your first pop-up?
The 5 best places to surf in Madeira
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the island offers countless places to surf while taking in its dramatic scenery, from volcanic coastlines to lush mountain landscapes. Whether you are living here as a digital nomad and eager to try something new, or simply visiting for a few days, you will find beaches suited to every level, with sandy bottoms ideal for beginners and rocky spots for more experienced surfers. Here are the five top locations we have selected for you:
1. Jardim do Mar
The first area to surf in Madeira is located on the island’s southwest coast, in a small, picturesque village often regarded as a true surfing mecca. It stands out for its dramatic cliffs and some of the most powerful waves in the Atlantic, fast and hollow, breaking over a rocky bottom. For this reason, it is recommended only for experienced surfers, as the waves can reach heights of over three meters.
You can stay in the area and take surf lessons at Madeira Surf Camp, which also offers equipment rental for intermediate and advanced surfers. The spot is also known for hosting international surf events, such as the Madeira Big Wave Challenge, which attracts well known surfers from around the world.
2. Paul do Mar
Just 15 minutes from Jardim do Mar, you’ll find another well-known surf spot in Madeira. Paul do Mar features a pebble beach with a rocky bottom that produces long waves, ideal for taking on new challenges and enjoying extended rides. It’s a great spot for intermediate and advanced surfers alike.
The atmosphere here is very relaxed, much quieter than the first spot we mentioned, and it’s home to local fishermen. You’ll also find a few small bars and restaurants where you can recharge after a session on the surfboard.
One of the most well-known schools in the area is Salty Madeira Surf School, where you can rent your gear. If you’re feeling competitive, the Paul do Mar Classic Surf Contest takes place in winter, with open, junior, and longboard categories.
3. Praia do Seixal
The third top surf spot in Madeira is ideal for beginners taking their first lessons. Praia do Seixal, located on the north coast, features black volcanic sand and is surrounded by lush green mountains, making it a spectacular place to get on a board for the first time. The waves here are gentle and consistent, offering perfect conditions to master your first pop-up.
You can book a lesson at Calhau Surf School, which offers courses for all skill levels and board rentals. It’s a great spot to combine surfing with a relaxing getaway and a swim in its crystal-clear natural pools.
4. Ponta Pequena – Calheta
Continuing along the coast of the archipelago, we come to Ponta Pequena, located between Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar. With a wilder, untouched environment and fast, powerful waves, it’s another spot that demands strong skills for surfing in Madeira.
The beach also has a volcanic rock bottom, which makes it more challenging but ensures world-class, hollow waves. There are no surf schools in this area, but in Calheta or Paul do Mar you can rent boards or book private lessons with experienced instructors. In winter, the Calheta Pro Invitational usually takes place, an invitational competition for professional surfers from Portugal and the Azores.
5. Machico
Another great spot for taking your first surf lessons in Madeira is Machico, on the island’s east coast, just a 25-minute drive from Funchal. Its main beach has a sandy bottom with small, gentle waves, perfect for beginners or intermediate surfers. One of the main schools here is Madeira Surf Center, offering both group and private lessons, as well as equipment rentals.
This beach offers showers, lifeguards, bars, restaurants, and nearby accommodation, making it a very convenient spot for taking surf lessons and sampling the island’s cuisine. If you’re in the area in April or May, you can attend the Machico Surf Open, a competition designed for young surfers and beginners, along with environmental workshops and demonstrations.
Connectivity while surfing in Madeira
Having a reliable internet connection while surfing on the island is essential, whether you need to check a map, read surf school reviews, monitor the sea conditions, or make video calls to let your friends join in on the adventure. To ensure 5G coverage wherever you go, we recommend an eSIM for Madeira for short stays, or Holafly’s monthly plans for longer trips.
You can choose between a plan with 25 GB or unlimited data, depending on your needs, and share the connection with multiple devices at the same time. Activation is very simple through the app, and as a bonus, you can use the same eSIM and plan in over 160 destinations!
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Recommended seasons for surfing in Madeira
Thanks to its subtropical climate, you can enjoy surfing in Madeira all year round, although each season offers different conditions suited to various skill levels. Here’s our guide to the best beaches depending on when you visit the island:
- November to March: This is the best time for intermediate and advanced surfers, as the north and northwest swells bring big, fast, and consistent waves. The top spots are Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar, and Ponta Pequena, where waves can reach up to four meters and the water temperature hovers around 18°C.
- April to June: At this time of year, the sea is calmer, making it ideal for intermediate surfers, as the waves are more manageable and less consistent. Machico and Praia do Seixal are the best spots during these months to work on your technique, with water temperatures around 20°C.
- July to September: In summer, the waves are smaller and gentler, making it the perfect time to learn to surf over a sandy bottom, like at Praia do Seixal. The water is also warmer, averaging around 23°C, and there are plenty of outdoor music festivals to enjoy.
- October to November: In autumn, the main surf season in Madeira kicks off, offering good conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers. The best beaches are on the southwest coast, including Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar.
Costs for surfing in Madeira
Another key factor when planning your surf trip in Madeira is understanding the approximate costs involved. This includes lessons, equipment rental, security deposits required by the schools, insurance, and accommodation. You’ll find a wide range of surf schools, camps, and rental spots offering competitive prices compared to other European destinations. Here’s a table with some examples:
| Service | Rates |
| Equipment rental | From $35 for half a day |
| Beginners group class | From $53 for 2 hours |
| Pack of 5 lessons | From $255 in total |
| Private lesson | From $150 for 2 hours |
| Water sports insurance | From $50 per month |
| Surf camp with accommodation, breakfast, equipment, and lessons | Starting at $925 for 7 days |
| Security deposit for rental | Starting at $150 |
How to start surfing in Madeira
Are you ready for your first surf lesson in Madeira? You now know which spots to head to, the schools available, the best seasons to go, and the typical costs. To help you plan even better, here are some tips to become a responsible and confident surfer, so you can make the most of this experience:
- Decide when you want to travel: If you’re a beginner, it’s best to come in summer or spring, but if you’re chasing big waves, autumn and winter are the ideal seasons.
- Find the best spot for your skill level: Gentle waves can be found at Praia do Seixal or Machico, while powerful surf breaks occur at Jardim do Mar, Ponta Pequena, and Paul do Mar.
- Choose a school: Check Google reviews and choose a certified center that includes insurance and equipment rental for added safety.
- Book your classes: Book in advance to avoid missing out at the last minute. Start with a couple of group lessons, and if you enjoy it, you can go for a full package, which is usually more cost-effective.
- Learn basic safety: Never surf at spots with strong waves without supervision. Learn about rip currents and how to get out of them, check whether each beach has a rocky or sandy bottom, and always use a leash.
- Progress gradually: To improve your technique, you need consistency and patience. You can record some of your sessions to analyze your stance and make corrections.
- Take care of your body and the environment: Protect yourself from the sun, follow local rules, join in beach cleanups, and make sure to stretch after every surf session.
Frequently asked questions about surfing in Madeira
Yes, although the climate is mild, the water is between 18°C and 23°C most of the year, so a 3 mm wetsuit is necessary.
Praia do Seixal and Machico are the best places to start surfing in Madeira, as they have sandy bottoms and gentle waves.
Yes, it’s recommended for your own safety, and most schools include it in their lessons. This insurance covers injuries, hospitalization, and evacuation in case of an accident.
Of course, in Madeira you can go hiking, explore its famous viewpoints, sample its delicious cuisine, and even go on whale-watching trips.
Yes, but each airline has extra fees you should be aware of if you want to bring your board. Sometimes, it’s easier and more cost-effective to just rent one for a few days at a surf school in Madeira.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
