Surf spot

Faial

Forecast conditions and map view for Faial in Madeira. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: Madeira
Coordinates: 32.7884, -16.8441

Metric
Metric	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00
Wave height (m)	0.7	0.8	1	1	1.1	1	1.1	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.3	1.2	1.1	1	1.1	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.1	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.5	0.6	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.8	1	1	1	0.9	1	1	1.1	1.1	1.2	1.1
Wave direction	N	N	NE	NE	NE	NE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	ENE	ENE	NNW	NNW	NNW	NNW	NNW	N	NNW	ENE	ENE	ENE	ENE	ENE	ENE	N	N	N	N	NE	NE	NE	NE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE
Wave period (s)	6.6	6.7	4.8	5	5	4.9	5.1	5.3	5.3	5.3	5.3	5.3	5.3	5.3	5.2	5.2	5	5.2	5.2	5	5	5	4.9	4.8	4.8	4.8	4.8	4.7	4.6	6.3	6.2	6.1	6.1	5.8	6.3	6	4.5	4.5	4.4	4.4	4.3	4.3	4.5	4.6	4.7	4.8	4.7	4.7	4.8	4.9	5.1	5.2	5.4	5.4	5.5	5.5
Wave energy (kJ)	45	57	42	52	57	52	58	76	74	84	90	85	67	62	65	71	69	71	71	71	59	40	36	35	37	39	37	29	22	38	33	32	29	22	21	22	11	11	11	12	13	15	19	22	27	32	46	46	49	36	52	58	66	73	83	80
Wind speed (km/h)	22	20.8	22.3	22.4	24.5	26.3	24.3	22.9	21.8	21	20.5	21.8	23.5	24.2	23.4	21.3	21.1	21.7	19.6	19.8	21.6	21.5	20.2	18.7	17.7	10.7	10	10.3	11.5	12	7.4	7.1	7.4	5.4	3.1	8.8	13.4	11.7	7.8	6.1	7.3	9.8	11.2	15.3	18.2	19.2	19.8	18.5	18	19.1	21.3	25.2	23.1	22.7	25.7	22.9
Wind direction	NOnshore	NOnshore	NNWOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NNWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NNWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NNWOnshore	NNWCross-on	NNWOnshore	NNWOnshore	NNEOnshore	ENECross-on	ENECross-on	NECross-on	NNWCross-on	NNWCross-on	NNWOnshore	NNEGlassy	NNEOnshore	NEOnshore	NECross-on	NEOnshore	NOnshore	NNWCross-on	NNWOnshore	NOnshore	NNEOnshore	NNEOnshore	NEOnshore	NNEOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore	NOnshore

Faial, Madeira is a scenic surf spot on the north coast of the island, known for its dramatic volcanic backdrop and more powerful Atlantic conditions. It’s located near the village of Faial, where steep green cliffs, black sand, and rugged coastline create a wild, exposed setting.

What it’s like

Wave type: Mainly a reef / point-style wave, depending on swell direction and exact takeoff zone.
Wave quality: Can offer fast, powerful, and fun waves when conditions line up.
Best swell: Works best with north or northwest swell and moderate to low tide, though conditions can vary a lot.
Wind: Offshore winds from the south are typically best.

Skill level

Faial is generally better suited to intermediate to advanced surfers, because wave strength, currents, and reef/rock hazards can make it challenging for beginners.

Hazards

Volcanic reef and rocks
Strong currents
Powerful surf on bigger swells
Limited forgiveness at low tide or heavy swell

Vibe

The area has a remote, untamed feel, with beautiful mountain and ocean views. It’s less about crowded beach-break surfing and more about a raw Madeira coastal experience.

Nearby appeal

Even when surf is small, Faial is worth visiting for the scenery, hiking, and the classic north-coast Madeiran atmosphere.