Crowd & Localism
This is a relaxed lineup. Weekdays feel empty, weekends see a handful of surfers and bodyboarders. The local bodyboard scene is active and the crew knows the break well. Give respect, take turns, and the vibe stays friendly.
Madeira, Madeira, Portugal
Machico
32.714, -16.759
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-reviewedCross-checked against WannaSurf
At a glance
- Machico is a a-frame over beach, soft punchy beach peaks.
- Beginner to intermediate ability, working 6-10 ft.
- Peak October to March, water 18-23°C.
A-frame · BeachBeginner → Intermediate6–10 ftJan – Dec
Machico sits in a sheltered bay on Madeira's northeastern coast, roughly 17km from Funchal, and delivers punchy beach-break peaks when the right swell finds its way in. It needs at least 6ft of swell to wake up, and once it does it favors low to mid tide when the banks have some shape. Wind protection from the surrounding hills can keep it cleaner than more exposed spots on the island, but the wave quality trends sloppy rather than groomed, so don't expect hollow perfection. Weekdays you'll likely have it to yourself, weekends bring a small local crew, particularly bodyboarders who know these banks well. Bottom: sand. Season: autumn and winter swells. Consistency: moderate to low. Bring a board you don't mind thrashing on a forgiving, mushy peak rather than your high-performance shortboard.
Wave fit
Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Soft punchy beach peaks.
Conditions
When it worksOptimum tide
Low and mid tide
Trip planning
Quick facts
Water temp
18° to 23°C
Wetsuit
2mm
What to bring
- Fish or funboard for the sloppy peaks
- Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in on better days
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits
Location
Loading map...
About this break
What it's actually like
Access & Facilities
Machico town is easily reached by road from Funchal in around 20-25 minutes. The beach itself is central to the town, with parking, cafes, and basic amenities close by. No major hazards beyond the occasional shorefront current when swell is running. Water quality is generally acceptable but check after heavy rain.
Nearby Alternatives
When Machico is too small or too sloppy, the north coast picks up more raw swell energy and can offer better-shaped options. Checking spots on the southwest side of the island is worthwhile when northerly swells are blocked.
10-day swell, wind and tide
Machico surf forecast
Loading forecast...
Forecast by Windy.app
Stay nearby
Camps within boat range
Browse all Portugal surf camps
No vetted camps within boat range of Machico yet.
More breaks in Madeira
If this isn't your wave
Ponta Paul
fast hollow left-hand boulder point, big-wave consequence · Left · Point
Advanced
Lugar de Baixo
fast hollow right-hand point with long walls · Right · Point
Advanced
Jardim do Mar
powerful long-walled big-wave right-hand point · Right · Point
Advanced
Paul do Mar
fast hollow right-hand boulder reef · Right · Reef
Advanced
Ponta Pequena
long walling right-hand rock point with boils · Right · Point
Advanced
Faja da Areia
powerful right-hand rock point, long walls, tide and swell dependent · Right · Reef
Intermediate → Advanced
Achadas da Cruz
long walling reef break, empty northwest Atlantic peaks · Varies · Reef
Intermediate → Advanced
Ribeira da Janela
fast hollow left-hand reef point · Left · Reef
Advanced
Ponta Delgada
powerful boulder-reef point, outside section only · Right · Point
Advanced
Madalena do Mar
mushy bommie peak with wide shoulders · A-frame · Reef
Intermediate
Porto da Cruz
punchy reef peaks, fun to occasional power · Varies · Reef
Beginner → Advanced
Plan a trip
Build a trip around Machico
Tell us your dates, skill, and crew. We match camps within boat range and forward inquiries.
Frequently asked
What you need to know before paddling out at Machico
What skill level is Machico suited for?
Machico is a beach bottom, soft punchy beach peaks, break suited for beginner through intermediate surfers. Beginners can give it a go on the smaller end of the size range.
What size does Machico work best at?
Working size is 6 to 10 ft. Below 6 ft the swell goes flat. Above 10 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf Machico?
Machico fires from October through March. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Machico need?
Machico switches on with swells out of the NW to N (315 to 360 degrees).
What type of wave is Machico?
Machico is a a-frame-breaking wave over beach. Soft punchy beach peaks.
How crowded is Machico?
Lineup is mellow. Visiting surfers fit in fine if they wait their turn.
Sources
- WannaSurf
Machico
Pick the camps you want quotes from.