West Madeira · Portugal
Surfing Faja da Areia
A beach/reef in West Madeira, Portugal, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeBeach/Reef
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsNov-Mar
- Crowd1/5
The wave
Fajã da Areia is one of the few surf spots on Madeira's north coast, where most of the shore is cliffs dropping into deep water. It breaks over sand and rock, a different set-up from the big west-coast points.
The way down is steep, like most of the island. It works on a medium north-west swell, and you'll rarely see anyone else.
32.77, -17.1 · Moderate NW swell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Faja da Areia
Faja da Areia is at its best from November to March. Conditions it likes: Moderate NW swell. This is how the year looks across Madeira:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| November to March | Prime | Biggest, most powerful NW-N swell, serious big-wave season |
| April to May | Good | Smaller, more manageable swell, milder weather |
| June to September | Quiet | Flatter, warmer, better for sightseeing than surfing |
Waves near Faja da Areia
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ponta Pequena | West Madeira | Left Point | Advanced / Pro | 6 km |
| Jardim do Mar | West Madeira | Left Point | Pro | 12 km |
| Paul do Mar | West Madeira | Left Point | Pro | 15 km |
| Tonel | Sagres & Lagos | Beach Break | Beginner | 880 km |
| Mareta | Sagres & Lagos | Beach Break | Beginner | 880 km |
| Zavial | Sagres & Lagos | Right Point | Beginner / Intermediate | 881 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around West Madeira
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the West Madeira surf guide →
A week here costs from about $490 with flights from Europe, or around $1,095 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Faja da Areia: common questions
When is the best time to surf Faja da Areia?
Faja da Areia works best from November to March. Ideal conditions: Moderate NW swell.
Is Faja da Areia good for beginners?
No. Faja da Areia is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Tonel in Sagres & Lagos, about 880 km away.
How crowded is Faja da Areia?
Faja da Areia is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Faja da Areia?
Faja da Areia is in West Madeira, in the Madeira region of Portugal (32.77, -17.1). The nearest wave we cover is Ponta Pequena, about 6 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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