Surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing in Madeira
Madeira’s surf spots and seasons, why the island suits experienced surfers best, where to windsurf and kite (mostly Porto Santo), and how to read wind, waves and tides before you go.
Madeira faces the open Atlantic with nothing to block the big swells that roll in from the north and west. That makes for powerful surf, but mostly over rocks and reefs rather than sand. It is a destination for experienced surfers more than beginners.
Surfing
When
The main season is October to March, when North Atlantic storms send large, long-period swells. Summer is usually small, with some days for beginners and bodyboarders.
Where
- South-west coast: Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar are famous point and reef breaks that work on big swells. Ponta Pequena and Lugar de Baixo, near Ponta do Sol, are other options.
- North coast: São Vicente, Seixal, Porto da Cruz and Ribeira da Janela pick up most swell, with breaks over boulders and black sand.
- East: Machico can work on the right swell, with a more sheltered bay.
Beginners
The rocky breaks and strong currents are not ideal for learning. Some surf schools teach on gentler days at spots like Porto da Cruz or Machico. Book lessons with a school that chooses the spot each day according to conditions.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing
Madeira’s steep mountains make the wind gusty and unpredictable along most of the coast. Porto Santo is the better choice, with steady north-east trade winds, especially in summer, and a long, open beach. On Madeira, experienced riders sometimes find conditions around the east of the island and near Caniçal.
Reading the conditions
- Wind: the live reading from Madeira airport on our homepage is a good guide to the wind on the east coast.
- Waves: IPMA’s sea forecast on our weather page gives wave height, period and direction.
- Tides: we show approximate high and low tide times for Funchal. Many reef breaks work best at a particular stage of the tide.
- Webcams: see the waves for yourself on the webcams, including Porto Moniz, Seixal and Ponta do Sol.
Safety
Reef and boulder breaks, strong currents and cold winter water (about 18 to 19 °C) demand experience. Wear a good wetsuit and booties, never surf alone, and respect local surfers and their rules in the line-up.