Santa Maria Azores
Santa Maria, Azores
Beach breakIntermediate
The southernmost and sunniest island of the Azores, Santa Maria has the archipelago's only sandy beaches and a limestone geology unique in the Azores, its south and east coasts catching Atlantic swells in a warm, sunny microclimate.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Size–S 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s
Wind
N
Light to NW under 15 knots
Tide
Mid to high
LowMidHigh
Season
Oct–Apr
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Beach and reef break
Bottom
Sand and limestone rock
Shape
Beach peaks and reef rights
Length
60–120m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
- •Why: Limestone reef sections add power, experience beneficial
Hazards
- •Limestone rock, different from volcanic Azorean coast
- •Remote beaches require careful planning
- •Weather is more predictable than other Azores islands but still variable
Local Tips
- •Praia Formosa is Santa Maria's most beautiful beach, white sand is extraordinary in the Azores
- •Santa Maria Festival (August) is one of Europe's most famous outdoor music events
- •The island is the oldest geologically in the Azores, fascinating fossil beds
Location
36.9726, -25.1026