Located in the north of the island, in the parish with the same name, 50 km away from Funchal, this is a surfing spot of long lefts breaking over a rocky bottom. In its original state, this point break could be surfed above 1 solid metre high. With large W-NW swells, this right reaches more than 4 metres high in surfable wave breaking conditions, and about 200 metres long. As a result of deep requalification works and the unjustified construction of a small seaport between 2003 and 2004, a wall was erected parallel to the shore, coinciding with the wave progression area. The wave got damaged in such a way that surf virtually disappeared from the best big-wave surfing spot Madeira had to offer up north. When the world discovered Madeira Island as a big-wave destination back in the ‘90s, this wave was one of the most surfed and acclaimed. Nowadays, it can only be surfed on longer days above 2,5 metres high at low tide, working best with S-SO winds. The final section of the wave near the boathouse also offers some surf conditions to the less experienced surfers.

Surfing spot located about 5 km away from the village of São Vicente. Surfed for the first time in the year 2001 by Portuguese surfers, this peak is essentially a reef break of big waves breaking over the highest part of a wide volcanic bank that spans from Juncos Bay to the end of the village of Fajã da Areia. This wave has some dangers, like the strong current or the great distance between the wave breaking area and the shore. It should be surfed with a supporting boat, in the presence of local surfers or a big-wave instructor. It works best at low tide and only with large W-NW swells, with a long wave period. Lefts are better than rights. This spot easily stands waves above 4 metres high, if all the ideal conditions are met. We recommend you only explore this spot during an expedition, accompanied by an assistant certified in first aid and rescue at sea.

Reef break located in the municipality of São Vicente, 37 km away from Funchal. It’s a medium-sized peak, about 100 metres long during the best days, with waves developing both to the right and to the left over a rocky bottom (volcanic slab). The bottom configuration doesn’t stand waves above 2 metres high in surfable wave breaking conditions. This is the most frequent high-quality spot on the whole island, thus being the wave per excellence of the region’s surf community, where many regional surfers have taken their first steps and continue to perfect their surfing skills. Fortunately, the works carried out between 2003 and 2004 only included a wall and a promenade far away from the first wave breaking area. The works didn’t seriously damage this wave, despite causing some backwash effect at high tide. Among the many modified spots on the island, this is the least damaged. On shorter days, Fajã da Areia is accessible to the average surfer. However, it can be dangerous at low tide, due to the hedgehogs and cavities existing on its reef. The right is the best wave, but the left has a good quality too. This tubular peak works well with NW and N swells, when accompanied by light N winds or strong S or SW winds. On weekends and holidays, the crowd must be taken into account. There’s no ‘localism’, but locals must be respected.

In rainy years, a high-quality beach break develops next to the mouth of the river, usually breaking with offshore wind coming from São Vicente’s valley. This secondary peak works well with several swell directions: W-NW-N-NE. The best tide for surfing this peak is usually low tide. The unstable bottom of this beach prevents this peak from standing waves above 2,5 metres high and makes it less frequent.

Surfing spot located in the municipality of São Vicente, about 34 km north of Funchal. This point break has a bottom consisting of both sand and rock. It offers medium-sized lefts, about 100 metres long, with an optimal bottom. It works best with short tides and W or NW swells, without strong N or NW winds (never with NE winds).

Beach break ideal for children’s initiation, this is the safest beach for beginners on the Northwest Coast of the island. It stands out for its stunning mountain landscape with Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for its fine black sand, two features that amaze both beachgoers and surf and bodyboard first-timers. This beach started having a surfable wave breaking area after the expansion of the small seaport, which contributed to a better silting of existing sand. The best wave direction here is N-NE. As this surfing spot is quite sheltered from the wind, this factor doesn’t usually interfere much with the quality of the waves, although it works best with light S, W or NW winds. The crowd must be taken into account.

Point break located in Seixal, in the municipality of Porto Moniz, about 41 km away from Funchal. A good alternative to escape from the crowd at Fajã da Areia on NE summer days, this right works well at between medium and high tide, with solid swells and a long wave period. You shouldn’t risk the left side, as there are plenty of rocks there. The wave rolls over a bottom consisting of both volcanic slab and rock, which is carried to the inside by an often strong current. It has some rocks in the wave progression area, after the drop. Advisable to surf in a group or under the supervision of a local surf guide/instructor.

Surfing spot located in the parish of Seixal, in the municipality of Porto Moniz, about 45 km northwest of Funchal. In this small agricultural fajã breaks one of the longest left waves of the North Coast. This rocky-bottomed point break offers waves that can reach more than 150 metres long on longer days and up to 4-5 metres high in surfable wave breaking conditions. Its inside runs over some large rocks, but it offers some great tubes to the most fearless. This is one of the most dangerous waves on the island, due to its sandbanks, strength and ‘surprise set’, as well as the strong current in the end zone of the wave. Also, entrances and exits are not easy on longer days. Only more experienced surfers should venture out on a surfing session in Contreiras. The best swells for surfing this wave are W-NW. N-NE windy days must be avoided.

This gorgeous surfing spot is located in the municipality of Porto Moniz, about 55 km away from the city of Funchal. A huge, holed islet, to which the parish owes its name, forms the background of this translucent powerful, often tubular, left breaking over a rolled pebble bottom. The main attribute of this spot, also known as ‘Madona’ (Madona) among the first Portuguese surfers exploring it, is its fast vertiginous drop. Entrances and exits present a moderate level of difficulty if made through the cove area, away from the impact zone. It only works well at low tide with big W-NW swells, but never with N-NE winds. The close proximity of the wave breaking area to several rocks usually puts intermediate-level surfers off. It’s not always easy to access this surfing spot. If you think you can’t find it or you want to surf safely, look for a local surf instructor. There’s no ‘localism’, but locals must be respected.

Located about 55 km away from Funchal, in the municipality of Porto Moniz, this surfing spot is the farthest of the island and should only be surfed on a boat expedition departing from the nearest marina, Porto Moniz. This point break works well at low tide, with large W-NW swells without wind. It offers long and powerful world-class lefts, with no crowd at all. It stands waves above 3 metres high which can be surfed to the right too, but with lower quality. If you plan on surfing this ideal peak for big wave riding, take someone with you on your expedition and choose a local guide/instructor and a maritime tour operator to escort you.

The fajãs of Achadas da Cruz are about 57 km away from the city of Funchal and are located in the municipality of Porto Moniz. The first point break that can be seen while going down by cable car is a surfable peak, if you’re lucky enough to catch it breaking with the appropriate swell: NE swells above 1,5 metres high with light wind. If you feel like taking your chance on this inhospitable wave with little crowd, you should do so at low tide. Be careful, as entrances and exits are extremely difficult! The bottom consists of large, rolled pebbles. Advisable to surf with the support of a boat and a surf guide who’s already surfed it.

The point break at the second fajã is the most surfed wave of these wild remote coastal territories. The walk to this beach takes about 25 minutes. You should choose W or NW swells and short tides, so you can enjoy the whole day. On days with wide tides, it’s better to surf at low or high tide. This rocky-bottomed spot is accessible to intermediate-level surfers. Although the wave is smooth and not very strong, entrances and exits require attention due to the strength with which the waves break over the pebbles at the exit. You should visit this surfing spot accompanied and save a whole day for it, so you have the time to surf, quietly go down and up and still catch the cable car service working. You can also go down and up on foot, taking the path next to the cable car. If you’re alone on the island and you want to explore this usually uncrowded surfing spot, it’s safer to look for a local surf guide/instructor.

Remote point break with an impressive geological setting in a protected natural area since 2018, 50 km away from Funchal. If you’re an advanced-level surfer and you want to go on a boat surf trip (departing from Calheta or Porto Moniz) so you can surf in a wild spot without crowd, this is the right pick! In order to locate the peak, look for a house in ruins and a palm tree amidst the landscape. On days without wind or with light NE winds and solid N-NW swells, this peak offers water bodies with good strength, some ‘hats’ after take-off and a manoeuvrable vertical wall. It stands waves up to about 4 metres high. If you’re an intermediate-level surfer, we advise you to surf under the supervision of a local surf guide/instructor.

This point break located in the parish of Fajã da Ovelha, about 46 km away from Funchal, breaks near a rocky point. The drop is vertical, beginning next to a low. The wave is a fast tubular right which works at low tide on days of large N-NW swells without wind or with NE winds. Don’t risk surfing this wave if you’re at an intermediate level. You may risk it if you’re an experienced surfer, but you should go on a boat expedition or in a group, since access by land is practically non-existent.

Located at the west end of Paúl do Mar, this massive, fast and long point break has a good spilling and may offer some wide thick tubes. It only works on days of large N-NW swells. In the year 2007, the premiere of this wave by a group of Aussies was immortalised on the cover of Vert, a Portuguese bodyboard magazine. If you feel like taking your chance on one of the most extreme waves of this small Atlantic land, you should try surfing at low tide. Entrances and exits are hardcore, so you should either go on a boat expedition or paddle to the small dock in front of the hotel of Paúl do Mar, but only if the swell allows it. Check all the conditions carefully before you prepare your extreme surfing session. We recommend you only explore this spot during an expedition, accompanied by an assistant certified in first aid and rescue at sea. Crowd 0 guaranteed.

Surfing spot located about 42 km west of Funchal, in the municipality of Calheta, in the parish with the same name. This is a challenging point break of fast, tubular and translucent right waves over a rocky bottom. The waves can reach more than 3-4 metres high in surfable wave breaking conditions, although in its original state they were longer and allowed for a longer daily surfing period, during the whole high tide. In the year 2003, the works carried out for protecting the waterfront and the traffic lanes (a protective wall and antifers were placed near the access to the beach) have caused a backwash at the peak of high tide and, since then, the wave got damaged. You shouldn’t surf this wave unaccompanied or if you’re still learning. Large N are the ideal swells for this peak, offering ‘world-class’ waves, but clean NW swells also allow for great surfing sessions. The first section, further west, most often avoided by close outs, with W swells, acts as a separate peak, offering extremely fast and perfectly tubular rights. There’s no ‘localism’, but locals must be respected.

Considered Jardim do Mar's 'younger sister' and sharing the same ‘world-class wave’ title, as well as other characteristics like the rocky bottom, this point break is located at an agricultural fajã in the parish of Paúl do Mar and its peak can be accessed via Paúl’s dock or, alternatively, via Jardim do Mar, taking a walk through the pebble, on the west side. People usually prefer to access this point break via Jardim do Mar, as it allows them to better monitor the conditions of the sea, since they have a front view of the waves. Just like Jardim, this is a mythical place of regional surf. Fortunately, this long wave with an above-average size remains untouched, just like it was first discovered by French surfers in the ‘70s and later by North American surfers in the ‘90s. On days with large N or NW swells (above 2 metres high), it’s possible to surf waves 200 metres long at between medium and low tide. With W swells, the waves become higher and shorter. This wave is very sensitive to midday thermal winds, just as the waves on the South Coast, and it works best with light N or NE winds. In rare occasions, when there are heavy S and SE swells, this wave can be surfed to the left too. Its greatest danger is hidden on its inside full of large, jagged rocks. The ‘surprise set’ factor should always be taken into account, especially on the inside, because, unlike other waves, here the water bodies grow bigger on the inside. You should have no problem entering the ocean if you do so far away from the wave breaking area, just inside the cove. This wave shouldn’t be surfed unaccompanied, so make sure you take a couple of friends or a local surf guide/instructor with you. Suitable for experienced surfers.

World-class surfing spot located in the municipality of Calheta, in the parish with the same name, 39 km west of Funchal. It’s a long right wave which works well with N-NW swells and N-NE winds. Point break composed of a wide rocky bottom, its waves reach more than 6 metres high in surfable wave breaking conditions. In its original state, some waves of a big set could reach about 300 metres long, and the daily surfing period was longer, maintaining a good formation at low tide and part of high tide. Being one of the biggest stages of regional big surf, the ‘crown jewel of the island, the muscular rights of Jardim’ (as described by Evan Slater, big rider and writer) fully fulfil two of the three key parameters for assessment of a good surfing spot: length and size, averagely fulfilling the tubular formation parameter. For many surfers, this is the best point break of rights of the North Atlantic, and it continues to attract some big names of surf worldwide to Madeira Island. It requires experience and good physical and material preparation on longer days, and it shouldn’t be surfed unaccompanied, so make sure you take a couple of friends or a local surf guide/instructor with you. There’s no ‘localism’, but locals must be respected.

Surfing spot located about 29 km away from Funchal, in the parish with the same name. This point break of short rights emerges over a rolled pebble bottom and should be surfed up to a metre high, at between medium and low tide. Larger swells make the wave mutant and fast and may lead to accidents, even at high tide. Large N are the ideal swells for this bottom. The NW swells between 2 and 3,5-4 metres high also guarantee some waves and even some tubular sections. The N-NE winds offer a priceless off-shore. The waves are hard to manoeuvre, but they’re suitable for bodyboarders and experienced surfers who love a faster line-up surf.

About 200 metres east, there’s a less frequent beach break offering right and left waves, although lefts are better, safer and longer. The quality of these waves depends a lot on the quantity of sand silted up along the riverside each winter, and on very rare swells, like S or SE swells, with a wave period of more than 12 seconds. It works best at low tide, without wind or with N-NE winds. The waves have little consistency, but they’re manoeuvrable by intermediate-level surfers. Pay attention to some large rocks, especially on the right side.

Sammyland. This is how the North American Sam George named this point break back in 1994. Located in Ponta do Sol, 25 km away from Funchal, this is a peak of long rights with a rocky bottom. In its original state, waves could reach 3 metres high or more in surfable wave breaking conditions, and about 200 metres long, presenting an excellent tubular formation. The daily surfing period was longer, at between high and medium tide. Back then considered one of the best waves in Europe, it was sadly about to disappear in 2001 when a marina was projected for the natural reef area (a perfect area which creates a kind of sequential spilling wave breaking). The non-extinction of this spot was only possible thanks to the pressure exerted by Save the Waves Coalition, an NGO then created by the surfer William Henry aimed at preserving these waves. The initial phase of construction, which was later interrupted, ended up damaging the wave, creating a backwash at the highest tide point. Despite the changes, many experienced surfers have kept on surfing this tubular point break at medium and high tide. At low tide and on longer days, it’s also possible to surf on the outside bank. It works well with W and NW swells without wind or, if it’s windy (as long as it’s light wind), N-NW or W swells. On weekends and holidays, the crowd must be taken into account. There’s no ‘localism’, but locals must be respected.

Surfing spot located about 22 km away from Funchal. Reef break of rights and lefts breaking over a small, rolled pebble bottom. These waves resulted from human action. The building of two spurs for protecting the village ended up creating this bottom. The continuous silting of rock and sand at the mouth of this watercourse, highly mighty during storms, is consolidating the reef break, which only works at high tide. The perfect direction for surfing here is S-SE. This ‘Madeiran edge’ has a short peak with some tubes and ramps, more suitable for bodyboarders. The wind is usually off-shore due to the peak being directly exposed to the largest valley on the island. It’s not a frequent wave, but it usually has no crowd due to its close proximity to the wave breaking area. It doesn’t stand waves above 2 metres high.

Surfing spot located about 15 km away from Funchal. Fun point break of rights breaking over a volcanic slab and rolled pebble bottom. The waves are not that long, but still manoeuvrable. This spot is ideal for intermediate-level surfers and SUP riders. It works best at between low and medium tide and with large W or NW swells without wind. You should avoid surfing in the middle of the day, as that’s when the thermal wind is felt the most. It’s worth exploring the beauty and magnificence of this idyllic place, where you can see tropical fruit plantations and revel in the bar and restaurant service. If you’re on a boat trip, you can surf twice in the same area on the same day, simply by going to the nearby point break of Girão Cape.

Located in the parish of Quinta Grande, under the seventh highest promontory in Europe (580 metres high), about 13 km away from Funchal, in a protected natural area since 2017, this point break of medium quality rights stands waves up to 3 metres high and breaks in front of an agricultural fajã. It works well at high tide and with heavy SW, W or NW swells, and it’s great for intermediate-level surfers and SUP riders. You should avoid the thermal wind, which can be felt with great intensity here. Together with your surf guide, you can leave the nearest village, paddle all the way to this fun point break of warm translucent waters and surf with little crowd closely to Funchal. You can also decide to go down by cable car after a visit to Girão Cape’s terrifying viewpoint, a glass-bottomed platform that will make you feel like you’re walking over the abyss.

Located in Funchal, this point break of rights is the most urban surfing spot on the island. It’s a short point break emerging near a rock connected to the coastline by a breakwater, with a sandbank and pebble bottom. This spot is ideal for stormy days, when you can’t surf anywhere else down south, but also for SUP riders who want to catch some breakers in the summer. It works best at low tide and with solid W swells. Only strong E-SE and SW winds interfere with the quality of the waves. The exits and entrances must be done near the sand arm rather than the shore break area, roughly in the middle of the beach.

The parish of Caniço, the cradle of regional windsurf, features a surfable wave at between medium and high tide. This surfing spot is located 11 km away from Funchal and works best on E or NE longer days. The wind is usually on-shore due to this area of the island being exposed to the prevailing E and NE winds. This reef break offers short left waves close to the slab. Due to its close proximity to the wave breaking area, you shouldn’t surf this peak if you don’t feel comfortable in rocky bottoms. The minimum crowd is one of the strengths of this surfing spot, despite being located in an urban area.

Located on the same bay and presenting a bottom consisting of black sand and some pebbles, Machico’s beach break offers left and right waves great for learning how to surf and bodyboard. The best swell for this beach is NE, but SE and S swells also allow for great surfing sessions. The wind is usually offshore coming from Machico’s valley. On weekends and holidays, the crowd must be taken into account.

Reef break located about 21 km east of Funchal, in the centre of Machico. It stands at the exit of the river and was once a peak of short, yet greatly tubular, right and left waves over a rocky bottom. It got slightly damaged in 2002 due to the dock expansion. In 2008, the construction of two spurs and an artificial Morocco golden sand beach, as part of a plan for requalification of the bathing area, significantly modified the wave breaking area. Its waves rarely exceed 1,5 metres high and can be surfed by intermediate-level surfers. After the construction works, the right waves became extinct. Now you’ll only find left waves, which are longer and more tubular. E-NE is the best swell for this beach, but the rather rare SE and S swells also allow for great surfing sessions. On weekends and holidays, the crowd must be taken into account. There’s no ‘localism’, but locals must be respected.

This surfing spot is located about 28 km away from the city of Funchal, in a natural cove near a volcanic cone with a sixteenth-century chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy on top. Both these places are part of the Nature Reserve of Ponta de São Lourenço. This spot works, very rarely, when there are great winter swells or S-SE summer swells. This is a beach break of quite short, yet strong, lefts and rights, perfect for bodyboard. Its crystalline water calls for a dive or surfing session, if you’re lucky enough to catch this peak rolling.

Located in the parish of Porto da Cruz, 28 km away from Funchal, this beach break has a bottom consisting of black sand with multiple peaks. It shouldn’t be surfed above 1,5 metres high, as all waves of the set become close outs. It should be surfed at medium and low tide, offering better waves at low tide. Less experienced surfers may take their chance on this surfing spot, as long as they’re accompanied. Even on shorter days, great for beginners, currents may be strong depending on the tidal range and the strength of the wind. It works well with W, NW and N swells, when accompanied by light or S winds.

Also located in the parish of Porto da Cruz, this surfing spot is a short, sheltered beach break inside a small natural bay, with a black sand bottom. The right waves, which should be caught near the volcanic rock on the east side, are usually better at low tide. At between medium and high tide, the same wave line starts breaking to the left. These waves shouldn’t be surfed above 1 metre high, as all waves of a big set become close outs, but they may be surfed by less experienced surfers. Due to this spot being highly used by surf schools, on shorter days it tends to have a heavy crowd. It works well with W, NW, N or NE swells, when accompanied by light winds coming from any direction.

Remote surfing spot, located in the municipality of Santana, 33 km away from Funchal. Reef break of lefts and rights over a rocky bottom. Your surf trip will be enriched by the natural, cultural and geological values of this magnificent fajã, considered a Nature Reserve since 1997 and declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2011. According to the Olympic windsurf athlete João Rodrigues, who surfed here back in 2018, entrances and exits are hard. Explore it in a group and choose days without wind and with medium-sized W-NW swells.

Beach break with a bottom consisting of both sand and rock. It offers mostly fast and strong lefts on days with W-NW swells. It works best at low tide without wind or with S winds. The accesses are not quick neither direct. Wave without crowd and without locals.

Surfing spot located about 50 km away from Funchal. This beach break is bordered to the west by Ilhéu Preto and to the east by a rocky point, offering more lefts than rights. It has a bottom consisting of both sand and rock and should be surfed at low tide, preferably with W swells, but it also works with NW swells without wind or with S winds. This is a soft wave, but quite isolated and uncrowded, so don’t go alone. The access to this surfing spot is made via Ribeira do Porco beach, in Boaventura, or by boat.