Surfing West Madeira

Right Point · Best Nov-Mar · 4-15 ft · Crowd 3/5

Big NW-N swell

Paul do Mar is a right-hand reef break in front of the fishing harbour of the same name, a few kilometres west of Jardim do Mar on Madeira's south-west coast. Surfers call it Jardim's younger sister.

On a north-west to north winter swell it throws fast, powerful and sometimes barrelling rights over a rock bottom, and it can go from fun to very heavy as the swell builds. Harbour and sea-wall works have changed the wave over the years, so it doesn't break as often or as well as it used to. The currents are strong. It's for experienced surfers, and the harbour wall is the place to check it first.

Right Point · Best Nov-Mar · 4-15 ft · Crowd 3/5

Big NW-N swell

Jardim do Mar is a long right-hand point below a small village on Madeira's south-west coast, and the wave that put the island on the big-wave map. On a big winter swell it can link long sections over boulders.

A sea wall built in the village in the early 2000s changed the wave. There is heavy backwash from mid to high tide, so it usually works best for a short window around low tide. It breaks in deep water over rock and gets serious fast as the size goes up. Unless you have real big-wave experience, watch it from the village.

Right Point · Best Oct-Apr · 3-8 ft · Crowd 1/5

Moderate NW swell

Ponta Pequena is a right-hand point that peels over boulders about halfway between Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar, on Madeira's south-west coast.

It's one of the more consistent spots on the island and handles a wide range of sizes, from around head high to very big days. Getting there means a walk along a rocky coastal road, and the entry and exit over the boulders need care. It's a spot for experienced surfers only.

It's at its best in winter on a moderate north-west swell. Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar, on either side, have the places to stay.

Beach/Reef · Best Nov-Mar · 2-8 ft · Crowd 1/5

Moderate NW swell

Fajã da Areia is one of the few surf spots on Madeira's north coast, where most of the shore is cliffs dropping into deep water. It breaks over sand and rock, a different set-up from the big west-coast points.

The way down is steep, like most of the island. It works on a medium north-west swell, and you'll rarely see anyone else.

It's best in winter on a moderate north-west swell, when the west coast points are too big or blown out. The north coast is beautiful but steep, and the roads are slow, so allow time to get there.