Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, the Portuguese island of Madeira emerges as an idyllic paradise for stand-up paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This enchanting destination, renowned for its rugged coastline, lush forests, and temperate climate, beckons adventurers to explore its pristine waters and breathtaking landscapes. Madeira is not only a haven for water sports enthusiasts but also the home of Portuguese waterman and 2023 European Sprint Champion Tomas Lacerda, whose recent feat of completing the 80km crossing between Porto Santo and Funchal on the main island has captured international attention. Alongside Lacerda, numerous top Portuguese SUP athletes call Madeira home, adding to its reputation as a mecca for paddleboarding excellence. Moreover, the island hosts the prestigious Madeira Island SUP Challenge, a world-famous event that attracts competitors and spectators from around the globe. Scheduled from October 10 to October 13 2024, this annual competition showcases Madeira’s unrivaled beauty and serves as a testament to its status as a premier destination for SUP enthusiasts and outdoor lovers seeking adventure and thrills amidst stunning natural surroundings. With the help of the Madeira Promotion Bureau and their outdoor activities brand and website: Madeira Ocean & Trails, here is our Stand Up Paddle and outdoor guide to Madeira!
Stretching approximately 57 kilometers long and 22 kilometers wide, this vibrant island is home to a population of around 260,000 inhabitants. Madeira boasts a subtropical climate, with mild temperatures year-round, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its rugged coastline, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters, Madeira offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Stand-up paddlers will revel in the island’s tranquil bays and challenging open waters, while outdoor lovers can embark on epic hikes through misty forests and along ancient levadas. From thrilling water sports to serene nature trails, Madeira promises an unforgettable experience for adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in its breathtaking beauty.
Porto Santo, the “Golden Island,” is a tranquil haven located just a short ferry ride away from Madeira. Renowned for its stunning golden sand beaches stretching for miles along the coastline, Porto Santo offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Visitors can bask in the island’s year-round sunshine, enjoying leisurely strolls along the pristine shores or relaxing dips in the crystal-clear waters. Beyond its idyllic beaches, Porto Santo boasts rugged cliffs, charming villages, and a rich maritime history waiting to be explored. With its laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty, Porto Santo promises a rejuvenating retreat for all who visit.
Madeira and Porto Santo offer an unparalleled backdrop for stand up paddling, allowing enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural landscapes that define these islands. With picturesque coastlines and iconic vistas, paddleboarding becomes an ideal way to explore the beauty of Madeira’s and Porto Santo’s shores. Whether navigating tranquil bays or venturing into hidden coves, stand up paddling provides moments of relaxation and communion with the serene waters surrounding the archipelago. As home to numerous stand up paddle schools, both islands offer accessible opportunities for beginners to learn and enthusiasts to hone their skills. Moreover, the annual Madeira Island SUP Challenge, showcases the islands’ commitment to paddleboarding excellence, attracting participants and spectators from around the world. Explore the wonders of Madeira and Porto Santo from a unique perspective, as stand up paddling continues to captivate an increasing number of fans seeking adventure in the calm and warm maritime waters of the archipelago.
For more information: VisitMadeira.com
Ocean activities in Madeira offer a diverse and exhilarating array of experiences that cater to adventurers of all tastes and skill levels. From the thrill of encountering dolphins and whales to the serene exploration of underwater landscapes, Madeira’s crystal-clear waters beckon visitors to immerse themselves in the wonders of the Atlantic.
The archipelago’s pristine waters are teeming with life, making Dolphin and Whale Watching one of the most popular activities in Madeira. Embark on a boat excursion and cruise through the azure expanse, where you may encounter playful dolphins or majestic whales breaching the surface. Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic Sperm Whale or the graceful Bottlenose Dolphin as you navigate the open sea. Additionally, the chance to spot Loggerhead turtles or visit the Mediterranean monk seal colony on the Desertas Islands adds an extra layer of excitement to this unforgettable adventure.
For more information: VisitMadeira.com
Beneath the surface lies a vibrant world waiting to be explored, and diving in Madeira offers a glimpse into this underwater paradise. Dive enthusiasts will be captivated by the diverse marine fauna, vibrant colors, and excellent visibility conditions that characterize Madeira’s underwater realm. Whether exploring the seven spots in the Garajau Nature Reserve or discovering artificial reefs formed by sunken ships, divers of all levels will find themselves immersed in breathtaking beauty and surrounded by fascinating marine life, including barracudas, giant anemones, and seahorses.
For more information: VisitMadeira.com
In Madeira, the sea is a sacred temple, and the island’s rugged coastline provides the perfect canvas for surfers seeking the ultimate wave. From powerful reef breaks to long, peeling point breaks, Madeira’s surf spots offer endless opportunities for adrenaline-fueled rides. World-famous surfers, such as Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker and Garrett McNamara, are drawn to Madeira’s consistent swells and warm waters, creating a vibrant surf culture that thrives in this Atlantic paradise.
For more information: VisitMadeira.com
The constant winds and calm seas of Madeira’s south coast and Porto Santo make it a premier destination for windsurfing enthusiasts. Whether gliding across the water on a calm day or catching air off a wave, windsurfers will delight in the island’s ideal conditions for this thrilling water sport. Renowned windsurfers, including world champion João Rodrigues, have left their mark on Madeira’s windsurfing scene, testament to the archipelago’s status as a windsurfer’s paradise.
For more information: VisitMadeira.com
Kayaking in Madeira offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s coastal landscapes at a relaxed pace. Paddle through calm seas and rocky shorelines, taking in panoramic views of the rugged cliffs and pristine beaches that define Madeira’s shoreline. Whether embarking on a guided tour or venturing out on your own, kayaking allows visitors to connect with the natural beauty of Madeira’s maritime environment while enjoying a peaceful day on the water.
For more information: VisitMadeira.com
For those seeking a more leisurely aquatic experience, boat tours provide the perfect opportunity to explore Madeira’s coastal landscapes in comfort and style. Cruise along the coastline aboard a traditional sailing boat or modern catamaran, taking in panoramic views of the islands and the surrounding sea. From dolphin and whale watching excursions to sunset cruises and island-hopping adventures, boat tours offer a variety of ways to experience the beauty of Madeira’s marine environment.
For more information: VisitMadeira.com
Hiking in Madeira offers adventurers the chance to explore its rugged terrain, verdant forests, and breathtaking vistas. With a network of ancient levadas, winding trails, and challenging peaks, the island beckons hikers to discover its hidden gems at every turn. From the misty valleys of the Laurisilva Forest to the towering cliffs of Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s diverse landscape promises unforgettable experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether embarking on a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, hikers will be rewarded with panoramic views, pristine nature, and a sense of exhilaration that can only be found in this enchanting island paradise.
For more information: VisitMadeira.com
Mountain biking in Madeira offers both challenge and reward, with rugged trails winding through the archipelago’s untamed terrain, inviting bikers to embark on daring adventures amidst breathtaking natural scenery. Exploring Madeira’s trails by bike unveils the island’s exuberant landscapes, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience. With marked trails within the protected forest area of the Natura 2000 Network, defined and georeferenced by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Natural Resources, mountain bikers can navigate through ‘levadas’ and dirt roads, encountering thrilling obstacles while discovering hidden forest nooks and savoring memorable landscapes. With bike rentals and specialized operators available, the ideal conditions for a safe and exhilarating mountain biking adventure in Madeira await.
For more information: VisitMadeira.com
Discover Madeira’s natural heritage up close with specialized Nature tours offered by local companies. Jeep tours led by professionals provide access to emblematic places and unique landscapes on both Madeira and Porto Santo islands. These tours allow visitors to safely explore the island’s iconic paths, mountain roads, and famous ‘levadas’—the channels built to transport water across the island. By taking advantage of these services, travelers can immerse themselves in the best of Madeira and Porto Santo’s natural wonders, uncovering hidden treasures and experiencing unforgettable adventures.
For more information: VisitMadeira.com
2 Apr 2024
In a poignant 10-minute film documenting his 81 km crossing completed as a tribute to his late father, 2023 European Sprint champion Tomas Lacerda takes us with him on a deeply personal odyssey, both physically and emotionally. In “Paddling for Life”, Tomas grapples with the profound loss of his father, and channels his grief and […]
16 Feb 2024
In today’s convenience-driven experience culture, the plug-and-play approach seems to be a winning formula for organised travel. When it comes to extreme watersports and often limited time, adventurers are looking to simply fly in and start the activities from the get go without worrying about the gear and logistics. TotalSUP caught up with Leonard Nika, […]
23 Oct 2023
The adventures of Team Spain through EUROSUP 2023, the European SUP Championships organized in Peniche, Portugal last week, could not have ended on a better note for the national team. After securing the world runner-up title just a few weeks ago at the ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship in Les Sables d’Olonne, France, they […]
16 Sep 2023
Get ready to witness the exhilarating clash of European nations as the ESF EUROSUP Championship returns to the stunning coastal town of Peniche, Portugal, from October 14th to 22nd, 2023. Following the resounding success of Peniche’s hosting in 2017 and last year’s event in Hvide Sande, Denmark, this year’s championship is gearing up to be […]
8 Aug 2023
Portuguese professional Stand Up Paddle athlete and NSP team rider, Tomás Lacerda, despite his youth, has already clinched 20 national titles and showcased outstanding performances in international competitions. He is now poised to undertake a remarkable feat by embarking on a crossing between the islands of Porto Santo and Madeira on a SUP board, making […]
12 Jul 2023
Portugal is a SUP Destination that offers a great variety for the travelling paddler with everything from the established EuroTour stop at Madeira, the spectacle of big wave surfing at Nazaré and the frequently visited area around Esposende. NSP paddler Marco Teodosio thinks there is another destination for the TotalSUP crew to add to their […]
1 Jun 2023
“Stacked field of pro SUP athletes”, “gnarly ocean conditions”, “incredible experience” and “an excellent event organisation” are some of the recurring themes summing up the Madeira Island Sup Challenge (MISC) 2023, the EuroTour Grand Slam event, held on the Madeira Island this past weekend, a stunning archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean and located about […]
24 May 2023
Madeira Island Sup Challenge (MISC), the next stop of the EuroTour is fast approaching and the line-up of elite athletes is heating up. Taking place on 27-28 May, in Madeira, considered as one of the world’s most stunning islands situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, the event is set to bring a compelling mix of SUP racing […]
1 Feb 2023
We are saddened to announce that Pedro Lacerda, the President of the Madeira Surf Association (ASRAM / Associação de Surf da Região Autónoma da Madeira) died yesterday at the age of 61. Pedro Lacerda was the father of surfer and SUP racer Tomás Lacerda, holder of numerous titles in Madeira and Portugal, especially in SUP […]
