Reef break · Porto da Cruz, Madeira · 32°46′N 16°50′W
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.
Porto da Cruz is a village on Madeira's north-east coast, facing the full force of the north Atlantic swell. Calhau Surf School, on Rua da Praia, opened here in summer 2010 as the first surf school on the island.
The wave
A fairly exposed reef break with quite consistent surf on a north swell, roughly 1 to 4 metres. Groundswell and windswell are about equally common. The seawall built along the front changed the wave: local guides now describe it as more dangerous than it used to be.
Who it is for
Experts. The bottom is rock and boulders, and since the seawall the margin for error is small. Learners should go with the local school, which picks a safer spot for the day.
When
N swell, with the wind somewhere between south-west and west. Guides disagree on the tide since the seawall; several say it is only rideable around low tide now, so watch it before you paddle out. Autumn and winter bring the swell, and it is rarely crowded.
Schools & rentals near here
Nearby
Machico
A sheltered bay in eastern Madeira with one of the island's only real sand beaches, imported from Morocco. Gentle and forgiving, and the island's main place to learn to surf.
BeginnersWinter for the northeast swell; workable in summer on rare south swellFaja da Areia
The north-coast spot that made Sao Vicente known for surfing, among the volcanic landscapes of Madeira's quieter side. Lefts and rights for intermediate and advanced surfers, and still uncrowded.
IntermediatesAutumn and winterCommon questions
- What kind of wave is Porto da Cruz?
- Porto da Cruz is a reef break. It wants N best; NW to NE swell and works best with offshore from the sw / w wind.
- Is Porto da Cruz good for beginners?
- No — it's rated experts only and is for experienced surfers only.
- When's the best time for Porto da Cruz?
- Autumn and winter.
- What should I watch out for at Porto da Cruz?
- Rocks and boulders, a seawall that has made the wave more dangerous, and an exposed north-coast swell.