Macao Beach

Macao is the public beach about 15 km northwest of Bávaro, between Bávaro and Uvero Alto, and it is the wild one: a broad sweep of sand under rugged cliffs with open Atlantic surf rolling in, no wall of resorts behind it, and fishermen's eateries serving fresh fish. It is the area's main surf beach — the biggest waves run November through March, and the flat sandy bottom keeps it forgiving enough for beginners as well as experienced surfers. That freedom costs something: there are few free amenities and no lifeguards, so it rewards care, especially with children. Many buggy and ATV tours from the resorts finish their morning near here. For photographs Macao gives you what the sheltered resort beaches cannot — breaking surf, wind, cliff lines and the colour of the fishing boats. Our photographers work it in the morning, before the wind builds and the light flattens out.