Surf spot guide · Madeira, Portugal
Bommie-style reef peak on Madeira south shore, firing on big W swells with long, crumbly shoulders and almost no crowd.
High Waves
Large waves up to 2.2m expected at Madalena do Mar. Peak conditions around 9:00 AM.
Exercise extreme caution when entering the water. Strong currents and large waves present. Warning valid until 9:00 PM.
Madalena do Mar is an outside bommie-style reef peak on Madeira south shore that only activates on solid W to NW swells. Deep water, big open shoulders and a fat, crumbly shape define the wave - never hollow, with flatspots through sections that invite long turns rather than power surfing. Faces run 100-200m when the swell has size, and the forgiving entry suits intermediates with no shallow-reef exposure. Best size is 1.8-3.7m where the peak organises into genuine rides; smaller swells barely get it going. The surrounding coast between Lugar de Baixo and Jardim do Mar concentrates serious surfers at the higher-quality boulder points, leaving this spot almost always empty. Access is direct - the break sits right on the south shore coastal road with roadside parking and a short walk to the water. It suits intermediates looking for a no-stress session on a coast better known for powerful point breaks, and on the right W swell delivers long, playful rides in near-solitude.
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Almost never crowded, since better options exist nearby. Expect solo or very sparse sessions even on good swell days.
Quiet bommie, low pressure
Madeira
Seawall-altered right-hand point over boulders west of Funchal, still delivering fast hollow barrels on the right swell and tide window.
Madeira
Legendary Madeira right-hand point break over boulders, once rated the world's best big-wave point, now tide-window dependent.
Madeira
Madeira's most consistent south-shore right: a long, fast boulder-bottom point that turns deadly on the inside section.
+9 MORE →Wait for a genuine W swell of at least 1.8m before making the trip - smaller swells produce little of value
Check neighbouring Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar before deciding where to surf - they hold better shape on the same swell windows
Roadside parking directly on the coastal road keeps access easy
No channel entry required - the deep reef means a straightforward paddle-out
Right beside the island's south-shore main road, so you can't miss it. Roadside parking available directly adjacent to the break. No technical entry required.
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