Santa Iria

Santa Iria is a surf spot located in Eastern Azores, Azores, on the north coast of São Miguel Island. The spot features a left-hand point break over a rocky reef bottom. The waves here are lined-up and can be powerful, with a length ranging from 300 to 500 meters. Santa Iria is suitable for all levels of surfers, and it is considered good for beginners, especially on the more mellow peaks. Intermediate and advanced surfers can find more challenging sections on other peaks. The spot works best at mid-tide, but it is surfable at all tide levels. The bottom is rocky, so be careful when entering and exiting the water. Boards commonly used here include beginner and softboards, shortboards, mid and retro boards, and longboards. The spot is less crowded compared to other surf spots in the area, but when it does get busy, always respect the locals and check the surf etiquette. The frequency of surfable waves is regular. The best swell direction is from the northwest, north, or northeast, with a minimum swell height of 2 feet needed for good waves. The best wind direction is from the south, southwest, or west. Before heading out, it is a good idea to check the surf conditions from the Miradour at Santa Iria. Access to the spot requires a 15-30 minute walk from the parking area near Ribeirinha. Nearby surf spots include Praia Santa Barbara, Areias, Praia Santana, Baixa da Viola, and Rabo de Peixe. Always check your skills before paddling out, be sure that the spot and conditions match your level. Be aware of sharp rocks and changing conditions. Respect the locals, especially when the spot is crowded, and always follow surf etiquette.