Beach breaks in São Miguel
The Azores are a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean. As such, there is surf and other water sports. The waves are bigger in the winter and you can also get great conditions in the summer. The surf is generally best at mid- to low-tide and the waves are always a bit bigger than what the forecast says.
In July and August, it is warm enough in the Azores to surf only in a bikini or rash guard. At other times of the year, you’d want a wetsuit. The island of São Miguel isn’t as touristy as other islands in Macaronesia, i.e. Madeira and the Canary Islands, and there is a limited number of surf camps in the Azores or surf hire places. If you want to go surfing and are not staying in a surf camp or in Ribeira Grande, you might want to rent a car for the duration of your stay as there are lots of things to see in São Miguel.
Santa Barbara Beach in Ribeira Grande
The town of Ribeira Grande on the north coast of São Miguel prides itself as the capital of surfing and the most popular beach is Santa Barbara. It is a beach break and unfortunately, it can get a little crowded at times. There is a surf school and surf hire on the beach as well as showers and toilets and a café and bar.
Monte Verde Beach in Ribeira Grande
Not too far from Santa Barbara and the centre of Ribeira Grande is the beach of Monte Verde. It is a beach break too and the waves are a bit longer than at Santa Barbara. It isn’t as crowded as the surfers can spread out a bit more over the multiple breaks along the beach. There are showers and toilets too, however, there is no surf hire at Monte Verde beach.
Surfing in the south of São Miguel: Milicias and Populo
There are two other popular beach breaks on the south coast of São Miguel: Populo and Milicias. Both bays are next to each other near the village of São Roque. The waves though get quite hollow and are easily barrelling. The south coast of São Miguel isn’t suitable for beginners. There is a surf shop next to some restaurants and bars near Milicias beach.
Charlie heard from other surfers that you could surf a nice long left-hander near the harbour in Vila Franca do Campo on the south coast. However, Charlie hasn’t seen this spot and it seems that you have to jump from the rocks in the sea. That doesn’t sound like a beginner break either.
