Santa Iria

A long, left-hand pointbreak wrapping around a protected headland on São Miguel's north coast, Santa Iria rewards patience and a solid 15–20 minute walk across fields and along the coastline. SW to NE swell wraps into the bay, and the cliffs and headland provide natural shelter from SW-W winds, making southerly the offshore direction. On good days it lines up with bowly, powerful sections over rock for 150–300m of rideable wall. Intermediates and above will get the most out of it on its better days, though the wave can soften into manageable performance walls that also suit improvers. Access is blocked at high tide. Bottom: reef. Season: autumn through spring when north Atlantic swells are active. Consistency: medium. Check the Miradouro at Santa Iria before committing to the walk, and be alert to crumbling rocks and landslide risk at the corner of the last bay on approach.