Region 08 · 9 spots
Surfing in
Azores & Madeira
Azores & Madeira has 9 spots in The European Surf Atlas, from Santo Cristo to Porto da Cruz. The best months are Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec, and the water runs from about 17 °C in winter to 23 °C in summer.
- Best months
- Jan · Feb · Mar · Oct · Nov · Dec
- Water
- 17° / 23°
- Spots
- 9
- Levels
- 1 beginner1 intermediate5 advanced2 expert
Average of all 9 spots. Single spots can work outside the peak.
The spots
- 072Santo CristoFajã da Caldeira, São Jorge · Point
Remote cobblestone point below sheer cliffs, reached only on foot or by quad, a true Azores pilgrimage.
Intermediate, advanced - 073Rabo de PeixeRabo de Peixe, São Miguel · Reef
Fishing village reef by the harbour wall, a punchy left that wakes up when the beaches max out.
Solid intermediates + - 074Santa BárbaraRibeira Grande, São Miguel · Beach
The most consistent beach on São Miguel and the island's surf hub, with shifting peaks for every level.
All levels, small days - 075Ribeira GrandeMonte Verde, Ribeira Grande · Beach
Town beach right in Ribeira Grande, a friendly black sand break that can still find real power.
Beginner, intermediate - 076Paul do MarCalheta, Madeira · Reef point
Fast, hollow right by the village sea road, the most forgiving of the three southwest points.
Advanced - 077Ponta PequenaPaul do Mar, Calheta, Madeira · Boulder point
Powerful right point between Jardim and Paul do Mar that took over as the locals' big west swell spot.
Advanced to expert - 078Jardim do MarCalheta, Madeira · Boulder point
Once Europe's most famous big-wave right point, still heavy on big NW swells despite the seawall.
Experts only - 079Ponta DelgadaSão Vicente, Madeira · Boulder point
Big-swell north coast left over boulders, largely buried by a seawall built for the sea pool.
Experts only - 080Porto da CruzMachico, Madeira · Reef
North coast reef by the village promenade that catches N and NE swells when the south is flat.
Intermediate to expert
Swell window, offshore wind, tide, size, hazards, access and a Plan B for every spot are on the spot cards in the atlas.
Getting there
Fly to Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), São Jorge or Funchal (Madeira) from Lisbon, Porto and some European cities. No car ferry from the mainland to either group.
Rent a car on each island; roads are steep and winding. Azores inter-island ferries mainly serve the central group and are seasonal. Buses are slow.
Ribeira Grande or Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), Velas or Calheta (São Jorge), Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar or Porto da Cruz (Madeira).
The European Surf Atlas
All 9 spot cards for Azores & Madeira, plus 7 more regions.
The wind table tells you which spot is offshore today, the van and camping rules keep you out of trouble, and every card names a Plan B. 115 pages, €24.90 incl. VAT.