Take a Surf Trip to Madeira with Calhau Surf School

 

ASI - "Hi Rodolfo, could you tell us a little more about Madeira and why is it such a heavenly surfing destination?"

Rodolfo - "Madeira was discovered by surfers in the '80s and early '90s when reports about the destination started to come out. Although surfing was already taking place in Madeira, a new surfing destination became known worldwide.

"It turns out that it was a destination for big waves, with dangerous entries and exits (which is still true), and a wealth of world-class waves all across a small area.

"We have the West zone, with 3 world-class waves, Paul do Mar, Ponta Pequena and Jardim do Mar. Then on the Northwest coast, we have Contreiras, Ribeira da Janela and other peaks that were discovered later on, such as Achadas da Cruz and, more recently, Ponta do Pargo.

"However, there was one area on the Northwest Coast that was not known by most surfers. It is in this area that you can practice surfing for beginners and intermediate levels. There we have black sand beaches with good conditions practically all year. It is rarely flat in summer, the water temperature is at the moment 26º degrees, and there is only a small crowd. Plus, there are already a number of schools and hotels that provide good services to those who wish to stay here.

"In short, Madeira is a very attractive place, as the temperatures during the year, both in and out of the water, are always mild, and as we are in Europe it is easy to reach this heavenly destination.

"This year we saw a boom in surfing! A great demand, as the farthest destinations were practically inaccessible because of Covid. Madeira has always managed to keep its Covid levels low thanks to tests at the airport, and the population is practically all vaccinated. Therefore, it becomes a safe destination in addition to not being very expensive. Everyday life, food, and accommodation is easily accessible.

"Another positive point is that we don't get jet lag either, compared to other surf destinations further away."

ASI - "It sounds idyllic. What is the best time of the year to visit Madeira and surf there?"

Rodolfo - "The best time of year is when you want to come!

"There are always good surfing conditions every month. Madeira has many cultural and gastronomic events throughout the year. There are the classic 'levadas' and 'veredas' (levadas are water channels that cut through the landscape. Veredas are off the beaten track trails to entice walkers), as well as nature that provides other outdoor activities, such as paragliding, canyoning, snorkeling, whale watching.

"But surfing is the number one. As Madeira is located in the Northern hemisphere, the waves are bigger in winter, but at any time of the year we can find a spot suitable for your level of surfing, whether beginner, intermediate or advanced. As we're on an island, we just need to walk around to hide from the swell, or to find bigger waves.

"So, at any time, please come!"

ASI - "Where can we find Calhau Surf School and do you have good beaches and waves there?"

Rodolfo - "We have two schools, Calhau Surf School, which has been working for more than 12 years, and Ohana Surf School, a recent project about two years old, which aims to create a more targeted product for families and the more inexperienced. Both are located in Porto da Cruz, Madeira's surf city, where the best waves for initiation are concentrated."

ASI - "How can we book a surf trip with you?"

Rodolfo - "To book a trip and stay with us is very easy. We have the Vila Bela Hotel, and the Nature Madeira Guest House. To make a reservation, just go to the website www.madeiracalhausurfschool.com and choose the easiest method: either by booking online, or contacting us via Whatsapp, message or email.

"We have surf packages to suit the needs of those interested, such as seven nights in a private room and five surf lessons, or three nights and two lessons.

"Our Hotel Vila Bela is located right by the sea, in fact, just five metres from the sea front and we can really enjoy the space, the port area, and also the pleasant terrace by the sea.

"For those staying at the Guest House, you can also take advantage of the Hotel's offers, such as the Vila Bela Restaurant. So, it's really like having a complete package – sleep, eat, surf, repeat."

ASI - "What sights can we visit in Madeira between surfing?"

Rodolfo - "There is so much to visit in Madeira. A week is definitely not enough! But it will give you an idea.

"In addition to surfing, there are more extreme sports or other sports, like canyoning, paragliding, coasteering, watching whales and dolphins, going down the 'levadas', which, with these spectacular landscapes, is breathtaking.

"Madeira is really an island full of bright green landscapes. And be sure not to be miss the experience of a Maderian sunrise and sunset!"

ASI - "How about Madeira's traditional cuisine? What sort of treats can we expect?"

Rodolfo - "As for traditional cuisine, I have to start by talking about the drink, 'PONCHA'!

"Poncha is a special drink. A typical drink of the region, made from sugarcane brandy, honey and lemon, everyone who comes to visit Madeira and tastes this drink loves it. It's quite relaxing to have a glass of Poncha after a day of surfing.

"Not so famous, but equally different, we also have the Niquita drink made of ice cream, sugar, pineapple slices and an alcoholic drink, such as white wine or beer, all of which are well mixed until creamy.

"In terms of food, it is worth mentioning Bolo do Caco, Lapas, Espada com Banana, Atum fresco, Sandes de Gaiado, Espetada em Pau de Louro. There is a rich local cuisine that is diverse from the mainland. You can taste all these treats in our Vila Bela Restaurant which has a kitchen with fresh and natural products from local suppliers who work in organic and chemical-free agriculture.

"You always know, at the end of a surf day this is where you can recharge your energies for the next surf session!"