Beach break · São Vicente, Madeira · 32°49′N 17°02′W
Fajã da Areia
The north-coast spot that made São Vicente known for surfing, among the volcanic landscapes of Madeira's quieter side. Lefts and rights for intermediate and advanced surfers, and still uncrowded.
Fajã da Areia is on the north coast of Madeira, in the municipality of São Vicente, among the volcanic landscapes of the island's cooler, greener side. Visit Madeira credits it with making São Vicente famous for surfing.
The wave
Lefts and rights breaking over a mix of sand, rocks and boulders, depending on how the bottom has settled. The official tourism site describes it as one of the most consistent spots in the archipelago; one forecasting site calls it less consistent, so check a forecast before driving over the mountains.
Who it is for
Intermediate and advanced surfers, with easier waves on some days. Watch for submerged rocks. The area is still quiet, so there is space in the water.
When
North-coast swells from N to NW, with a S or SW wind blowing offshore, around mid tide. Autumn and winter bring the swell.
Nearby
Porto da Cruz
A north-coast village where Madeira's first surf school opened in 2010. The reef in front of the seafront is consistent on a north swell, but a newer seawall has made it an expert-only wave.
Experts onlyAutumn and winter
Jardim do Mar
A long right-hand point on Madeira's southwest coast, world-class before a 2003 seawall shortened it and made it more dangerous. Still a heavy, high-quality wave on a big clean swell, for experienced surfers only.
Advanced surfersOctober to March
Paul do Mar
A powerful right-hand reef in front of a fishing village on Madeira's sunny south-west coast, known for hollow, cylindrical waves on a solid swell. Strictly for advanced and expert surfers.
Experts onlyAutumn and winterCommon questions
- What kind of wave is Fajã da Areia?
- Fajã da Areia is a beach break. It wants N to NW north-coast swells swell and works best with offshore from the s / sw wind.
- Is Fajã da Areia good for beginners?
- Not for a first session. It's rated intermediate — better once you can paddle out and read a line-up on your own.
- When's the best time for Fajã da Areia?
- Autumn and winter.
- What should I watch out for at Fajã da Areia?
- Submerged rocks and boulders, and powerful north-coast swells.