5 Workshops & Classes in Madeira Worth Booking

1.Madeira Island Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 282 reviews · 4 hours · from $100Our pick

Spend four hours learning to surf with Johnny, Kaia, or another MadSea instructor. You’ll warm up on the beach, practice technique, then ride beginner-friendly waves at Machico, Seixal, or Porto da Cruz. Transport, board, wetsuit, insurance, and coaching are included.

“The guys were great, they gave us the basics of surfing and by the end of the lesson we were all able to stand on the board. It was my first time surfing, so I was a bit scared, but I never felt in danger. After this experience, I want to continue taking surfing lessons. Highly recommended!”

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2.Surf Lessons for All Levels

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 191 reviews · 3 hours · from $82

Meet the Madeira Calhau Surf School team outside Vila Bela in Porto da Cruz for a two-hour lesson within a three-hour experience. Instructors such as Jonathan, Rodolfo, Augusto, and Milton teach beginners through advanced surfers in groups of no more than five, with boards, wetsuits, safety guidance, insurance, and free photos included.

“Jonathan was a great instructor. He provided a great insight before going and explained it very well. In the water him and Milton were really patient and pointed out how do to better. All in all a great experience!”

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3.Surfing Lessons in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Top rated

Meet at Madeira Surf Center in São Vicente at 9:30 am for a two-hour English-language lesson. You’ll learn wetsuit basics, surf safety, paddling, wave catching, the take-off, standing up, and post-surf stretching, with equipment included and groups limited to six.

“Very thankful for our instructor for providing first time surfers support and guidance. Waves were big but overall experience was amazing! Highly recommend!”

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4.Madeira Surfing Lessons – Aroundfreedom Surf School

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 104 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $72Best value

Aroundfreedom Surf School teaches beginners and improving surfers at Madeira beaches chosen for current conditions. Roberto, Francisco, and their team combine a short beach lesson with 90 minutes in the water, using supplied boards, 3/2mm wetsuits, leashes, and insurance. Pickups from Funchal, Caniço, and Machico cost extra.

“Awesome experience, definitely recommend. They were very friendly and much more teaching and possibilities than the other schools around. They have great tips and assistance that will get you wanting to keep surfing!”

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5.Hands-On Bolo do Caco Baking Class with a Madeiran Family

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Spend about three hours in Tonia’s family home learning Bolo do Caco from her mother, a bread maker with over 40 years of experience. Knead and shape the dough, cook it on hot stone, then share warm bread with garlic butter, Portuguese cheese, and chouriço.

“Please do yourself a favor and book this while you're in Madeira! Tonia & her aunt are so kind and accommodating. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them and learning about Madeiran culture and the art of making Bolo do Caco. Thanks for a great experience!”

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