If you dream of waking up, grabbing your board and walking to the beach in a couple of minutes, Machico is an ideal base on Madeira’s east coast. From The Surf Nest, you can check the waves from the promenade, surf at sunrise and be back home for coffee in no time.

Machico isn’t the island’s most “famous” surf break, and that’s partly why locals like it. It’s usually quieter than the big-name spots, with a more relaxed atmosphere and plenty of space in the water on most days for fun sessions rather than heavy reef breaks.

Surfers often find the best waves in Machico around low tide, depending on swell and wind – always check local forecasts before heading out.

​In Machico, softer sand‑bottom sections and small pebbles mean it’s more forgiving than many of Madeira’s rocky reef set‑ups, but booties can still be a good idea if you’re sensitive to stones.