The Azores Islands are a perfect destination for surfers looking for tranquility. This destination is not very well known to small surfers, however, experienced surfers can tell you that the Azores are a great place for surfing. Indeed, you will find many famous surf spots on the islands of the Azores. However, the place is known for its beautiful waves but also for its waves and its wind which can be capricious.
Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, several islands allow you to enjoy the beautiful waves that can be found in surfing.
When is the best time to surf in the Azores?
He's possible to surf in the Azores all year round without suffering from the world. Indeed, even in the middle of summer when the temperature and the climate is the most pleasant, there are no crowds on the water. Obviously, it depends on the spots because the best known and easiest spots will bring more surfers. However, this has nothing to do with Portuguese beaches or those of the moors in France.
Throughout the year the water temperatures situate between 17 ° C and 22 ° C.
La best time to surf in the Azores is between September and April. You will have the most beautiful waves between November and February.
During the summer months (from May to September), waves will be smaller but you will always have the possibility of having fun in the waves at the same time as your visits to the archipelago.
Where to surf in the Azores?
Public chat each of the islands of the Azores it is possible to surf, however, the infrastructure is not developed for tourists from everywhere. On some islands, only experienced surfers are invited to take the plunge. In addition, on some islands you will not find a surfshop to rent boards. So inform yourself well before venturing into a surf trip.
Sometimes the spots are isolated and therefore not always easy to access.
Among islands where surfing is most popularé, we find:
- Sao Miguel
- Terceira (Azores)
- Santa Maria
- Faial
- Sao jorge
Where to surf in Sao Miguel in the Azores?
There are several surf spots on the island of Sao Miguel, however, I am content here to give you the best spots of surfing for all levels.
However, for the pros, there are other spots towards Nordeste in particular, which are however not recommended for amateurs.
Spots | Wave type | Accessibility | Level | Wave size |
Milicias (Sao Roque) | Beach break | Car access, easy from the sandy beach | Beginner, intermediate, confirmed | 1.5m - 2m |
Santa Barbara | Beach break | Car access, easy from the sandy beach | Beginner, intermediate, confirmed | 0.5m - 2.5m |
Tail of Peixe | Break Point | Access by car to the pebble beach | Intermediate, confirmed | 2m-3m |
Santa Iria | Break Point | Access on foot of the rocks | Beginner, intermediate, confirmed | 1m-2m |
Maia | Reef break | Car access, rocks | Confirmed, pro | 1.5m -3m |
Sao Miguel is probably leasiest island to go surfing because we find there several surf club to learn or simply to rent a board.
There are mainly two cities where you can rent equipment or take lessons.
A Ponta Delgada :
- Black SandBox, Surf & Skate School
- Blue Space
A Ribeira Grande :
- Azores Surf Center
- Nomadik Surf Academy
- Santa Barbara Surf School
Where to surf in Santa Maria in the Azores?
Santa Maria is an island very popular for its location and its climate. You will find good surf spots on the island:
Spots | Wave type | Accessibility | Level | Wave size |
Praia Formosa | Break Point | Car access, easy from the sand / pebble beach | Beginner, intermediate, confirmed | 1m - 2m |
Angels | Beach break | Car access, rock access | Intermediate, confirmed | 2m - 3m |
St. Lawrence | Beach break | Car access, easy from the sand / pebble beach | Beginner, intermediate | Rare but possible waves |
However, be aware that there is no surfshop in Santa Maria yet allowing you to rent equipment. Therefore, I advise you bring your own equipment or of rent boards on Sao Miguel before going to Santa Maria.
For my part, that's what I did, we rented boards on Sao Miguel before coming to spend a few days on Santa Maria to enjoy the waves.
Where to surf in Faial in the Azores?
Among the best surf spots on Faial, we find:
Spots | Wave type | Accessibility | Level | Wave size |
Norte Beach | Beach break | Car access, easy from the sandy beach with rocks | Beginner, intermediate, confirmed | 1m - 2m |
Ribeirinha Bridge | Break Point | Car access, easy from the sand / pebble beach | Intermediate, confirmed | 3m |
Where to surf in Terceira in the Azores?
Among the best surf spots on the island of Terceira in the Azores are:
Spots | Wave type | Accessibility | Level | Wave size |
Santa Catarina | Reef break | Car access, rock access | Intermediate, confirmed | 1m - 2m |
Port Martins | Break Point | Car access, rock access | Intermediate, confirmed | 2m - 4m |
S.Mateus | Break Point | Car access, rock access | Intermediate, confirmed | 1m - 2m |
Four streams | Reef break | Access on foot, pebbles | Intermediate, confirmed | 1m-2m |
On the island of Terceira you will have the opportunity to take surf lessons or rent your surfboard at Vila Nova Surf Center.
Where to surf in Sao Jorge in the Azores?
Here are some of the best spots on the island of Sao Jorge in the Azores:
Spots | Wave type | Accessibility | Level | Wave size |
Linhos Lake | Break Point | Access on foot, pebbles | Intermediate, confirmed | 3m |
Cubers | Break Point | Car access, easy from the pebble beach | Intermediate, confirmed | 2m-3m |
vimes | Break Point | Access by car to the pebble beach | Intermediate, confirmed | 1m-2m |
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If you want to read other articles on the same topic:
- Comment se déplacer aux Açores?
- Azores: which island to choose?
- What to do in the Azores?
- Where to dive in the Azores?
- What to do in Sao Miguel?
- Where to stay in Sao Miguel?
- What to do in Santa Maria?
- Where to stay in Santa Maria?
- What to do in Sao Miguel when it rains?
- Visit the Azores in 15 days
- Where to stay in Pico?
- Where to stay in Terceira?
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