Jardim do Mar

Jardim do Mar's surf spot, known to surfers worldwide: basalt pebbles at the eastern end of the village, a pontoon and a ramp for getting into the water. Between point breaks and reef breaks, the North Atlantic swell delights experienced surfers — the site has hosted the Red Bull Big Wave Challenge and a world championship event. The village, set on a fajã below the cliffs, is worth the stroll. Bathing season 2026: 15 June – 15 September, but lifeguard cover not yet confirmed. In a swell follow the flags: red = no bathing.

The west-coast village set on a fajã at the foot of tall cliffs, whose name recalls the wild flowers that once covered it; narrow lanes and traditional low houses, a recently restored water mill, and a worldwide reputation among surfers: the Portinho beach — point breaks and reef breaks, Red Bull Big Wave Challenge, a world championship event — and Enseada, for advanced riders, get some of the best waves in Europe. You reach it by road or, when open, by the Vereda do Jardim do Mar (PR 20) from Prazeres.

At the entrance to the parish, this lookout details Jardim do Mar, a village set on a fajã at the foot of tall cliffs, whose name recalls the wild flowers that once covered it; today the village's green contrasts with the bare cliff face. The place is also the end of the Vereda do Jardim do Mar (PR 20), 1.9 km from Prazeres with about 500 m of descent — a trail closed in 2026 — and the recently restored water mill is close by.

Jardim do Mar's other beach, one of the island's most famous among surf lovers: pebbles, free access, and a swell powerful enough to be reserved for advanced surfers — hence the national and international contests held here regularly. Around it, the village's low houses and narrow streets, and the majestic fajã closed off by the cliffs. Not an official bathing water in 2026: no lifeguard service is guaranteed; follow the notices on site and the flags.