Crowd & Localism
Solitary sessions are common here. The wave's low consistency and proximity to higher-quality alternatives around Paul do Mar and further west naturally thin the lineup. Respect the few locals who do show up on prime swells.
Madeira, Madeira, Portugal
Madalena do Mar
32.700, -17.137
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Multi-checkedCross-checked against Stormrider and WannaSurf
At a glance
- Madalena do Mar is a a-frame over reef, mushy bommie peak with wide shoulders.
- Suits intermediate surfers, working 6-12 ft.
- Peak October to March, water 18-23°C.
A-frame · ReefIntermediate6–12 ftJan – Dec
A submerged bommie-style peak off Madeira's south coast, Madalena do Mar only wakes up on genuine W to NW swells pushing 6ft and above. SW through NW swell window, with N winds keeping it clean offshore. Works across all tides, though the wave stays mushy and shouldery rather than driving hard sections. Intermediates get the most from it: enough face to work, enough depth beneath you to keep the danger level low, and enough variety in the swell angles to occasionally produce something worth chasing. Crowds are essentially a non-issue since better waves are usually firing elsewhere on the island when this one is on. Bottom: submerged reef. Season: autumn and winter, Oct through Mar. Consistency: low. Bring a step-up or a floaty shortboard for the bigger days, and accept that you may drive past and keep going.
Wave fit
Skill suited
Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
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F
M
A
M
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N
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Character
Mushy bommie peak with wide shoulders.
Conditions
When it worksSwell window
SW
SW - NW
Offshore wind
N
Northerly
Optimum tide
All tides
Size range
6-12ft
Low
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning
Quick facts
Water temp
18° to 23°C
Wetsuit
2mm
What to bring
- Floaty shortboard 6ft 4in to 6ft 8in for everyday size
- Step-up 7ft+ for 10ft+ days
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits
Location
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About this break
What it's actually like
Access & Facilities
The spot sits right off the main south-shore coastal road, making it easy to check from the car. Free parking along the road. No facilities on site, so bring water and food. The nearest services are in the village itself.
Nearby Alternatives
When Madalena is too small or too mushy, Paul do Mar to the west produces a boulder-bottom wave that handles similar swell but with more punch. Further west, the Jardim do Mar area offers Madeira's most celebrated setups when the swell is large enough.
10-day swell, wind and tide
Madalena do Mar surf forecast
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Forecast by Windy.app
Stay nearby
Camps within boat range
Browse all Portugal surf camps
No vetted camps within boat range of Madalena do Mar yet.
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Frequently asked
What you need to know before paddling out at Madalena do Mar
What skill level is Madalena do Mar suited for?
Madalena do Mar is a reef bottom, mushy bommie peak with wide shoulders, break suited for intermediate surfers.
What size does Madalena do Mar work best at?
Working size is 6 to 12 ft. Below 6 ft the swell goes flat. Above 12 ft it gets heavy and the lineup thins out.
When is the best season to surf Madalena do Mar?
Madalena do Mar fires from October through March. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Madalena do Mar need?
Madalena do Mar switches on with a sw - nw groundswell. Offshore winds blow from the northerly.
What are the main hazards at Madalena do Mar?
Main hazards at Madalena do Mar: no concerns. Reef booties are common kit.
What type of wave is Madalena do Mar?
Madalena do Mar is a a-frame-breaking wave over reef. Mushy bommie peak with wide shoulders.
Sources
- Stormrider
- WannaSurf
Madalena do Mar
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