Overview
Cabo Girão sits beneath the second highest sea cliffs in Europe, where two fickle right-hand point breaks peel over boulders. The waves tend to be a bit mushy and there are large rocks in the lineup, but when everything lines up the point can throw up a nice right wall.
When It Works
This is a spot for big days: it usually only breaks on large west swells. The point draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with west (W) swell the best match. It works from 1.8 m / 6 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft, and it's somewhat inconsistent, so be ready to wait for the right window.
Local Tips
Cabo Girão suits intermediate surfers and up, and beyond the rocks there are no real hazards at that level. Expect a quiet lineup when it's breaking.
Wind and Tide
Look for north (N) offshore wind. Mid and high tide both work, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Access
The break sits at the base of the cliffs and can only be reached by cable car, a trip worth making for the scenery alone. Follow signs to Cabo Girão as you head west from Funchal, where you'll find free parking.
