Surfing Ponta Pequena

The wave

A smaller, more approachable left point along Madeira's dramatic north coast, offering a gentler taste of the island's wave style without the full commitment of its bigger-name neighbours. Ponta Pequena still breaks over rock, but with more forgiving sections and a slower build than Jardim do Mar or Paul do Mar.

It only really works on a decent swell, staying quiet and rarely-surfed most of the time, so a working day here often means a nearly empty line-up. The setting is classic Madeira, steep cliffs, plunging straight into deep water, with fertile terraces cut into the hillside above.

Best suited to strong intermediate to advanced surfers wanting a taste of Madeira's power without the full big-wave stakes. Go on a moderate NW swell, check it from the road above first, and treat the rocky entry and exit with care.

32.77, -17.16 · Moderate NW swell · Open in Google Maps

When to surf Ponta Pequena

Ponta Pequena is at its best from October to April. Conditions it likes: Moderate NW swell. This is how the year looks across Madeira:

In season: January · February · March · November · December

Waves near Ponta Pequena

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 →