Madeira Surf Camp: 3, 5 or 7 Nights in Porto da Cruz

The guesthouse sits in the historic centre of Porto da Cruz, surrounded by banana plantations and vineyards. The renovation in 2020 kept the original century-old structure but added modern comforts. On the lower floor there's a fully equipped kitchen and a living room in one open space, plus a full bathroom. You can cook your own meals there or just relax on the sofa. The terrace has a sunbathing solarium, a shower and a barbecue, and it's the spot guests gravitate to in the late afternoon.

There are four suite rooms, all with private bathrooms. Two have queen-size double beds; the other two have two single beds that can be pushed together to make a double. Room 5 is a shared bunk-bed room. The camp is small — you'll get to know the other guests, but you can also keep to yourself if you prefer.

Surfing is the main activity, but the camp doesn't lock you into a schedule. The beach and all the services you need are a few metres away. The village has restaurants serving fresh fish, seafood and traditional Madeiran dishes, plus local wines and spirits. Nightlife is quiet compared to other Portuguese surf towns — this is a place for early nights and early surfs.

If you want a break from the water, the rural setting opens up other options: canyoning, trail running, mountain biking, paragliding, fishing and karting are all available in the area. The camp can help you book activities. Getting here is straightforward: leave the airport on the motorway towards Santana and follow the signs to Porto da Cruz. At the roundabout take the second exit, then drive about three minutes into the village centre and take the second exit where you'll see a blue house. Buses (SAM, numbers 53, 78 and 208) run from Avenida do Mar in Funchal and from the airport, but the camp recommends booking a transfer with their local partners — it's cheaper than an airport taxi.

What's included

- Accommodation for 3, 5 or 7 nights in your chosen room - Private bathroom in suite rooms - Shared fully equipped kitchen - Shared living room with sofa - Terrace with sunbathing solarium, outdoor shower and barbecue - 360º views over the sea and mountains - Free Wi-Fi (assumed, but not explicitly stated) - Linen and towels (assumed, but not explicitly stated)

What's not included

- Flights to Madeira - Airport transfers (available at extra cost: €40 day / €50 night per service) - Meals and drinks - Surfboard hire and surf lessons - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Optional activities (canyoning, trail running, mountain biking, paragliding, fishing, karting)