North Coast Guest House — Hotel in São Vicente

Do not stay here. We booked the ‘room with a view’ for 4 nights at €500, which clearly included daily surf lessons and breakfast according to our confirmed booking receipt.

Upon arrival, we received no check-in instructions via email and no one answered the door. When I called, the owner was unhelpful and reluctant to assist, eventually sending a generic text with key location instead of providing proper check-in service.

The real problems began when we asked about our included surf lessons. Despite our booking confirmation clearly showing lessons were included in the €500 price, the owner claimed they weren’t included and demanded an additional €300. When I showed him our receipt as proof, he dismissed it as a ‘system mistake’ and refused to honor what we had paid for.

He also claimed breakfast wasn’t included, contradicting our booking details again. When we requested a refund due to these misrepresentations, he refused.

We felt completely unwelcome and were forced to stay only because all other accommodations in the area were fully booked. The owner showed no willingness to resolve the issues or provide the services we had paid for.

Save yourself the trouble and book elsewhere. This establishment does not honor their advertised offerings and provides terrible...

We stayed for the short surf break in january of 2023. Even though the weather was cold, the experience was amazing!

The bussiness is family owned and you can really feel it. The surf instructors we’re amazing, super welcoming, silly and friendly. I felt super safe the whole time even though the bigger waves were not the best ones for beginners. The instructors we’re really big on safety and us only taking what we can handle. We also got the chance to do surf skating and pilates. Both really helped us to understand surfing better, expecially as beginners.

The lodge was beautifull. There was a backbacker atmosphere because of travellers - solo and pairs- coming and going all the time, so we made a lot of friends! Breakfast was also filling. Sao Vicente city center is near so you can easily walk there to have dinner etc by yourself, or with your new friends! :D There is also a nice kitchen by the lodge which you can use.

I would really recomnend the short surf break. One thing I would have to say is that you really need a scooter or a car. It is possible to not have one but then you have to accept being only in Sao Vicente.

Thank you for the amazing experience. We...

I’ve stayed in my fair share of surf lodges and hostels, but nothing compares to Madeira Surf Lodge. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was walking into a little hidden paradise.

The staff are truly incredible—and I also decided to take surf lessons through the lodge! Whether you’re a total beginner or already confident in the water, the instructors meet you where you’re at and make you feel supported the whole way.

The rooms are clean, and cozy with super comfy beds (which matters after a full surf day!) and hot showers. And the breakfast buffet is unreal. Fresh fruit, eggs, bread, cakes, and always more than enough to fuel you for a day of surfing.

One of my favorite parts was the balance of social energy and peace—it’s easy to meet new people at the communal breakfast, but also so easy to just relax alone with a book on the patio. Whether you’re coming solo, with friends, or a partner, this place gives you space to just be.

I extended my stay… and if I could, I’d stay forever!...