Sao Miguel/Monte Verde / Azores / Portugal

Monte Verde is located on the northern shores of the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores and is a popular spot for surfers of intermediate and expert levels. There is no real season here although the best wind and waves are to be had during spring and winter. The winds and waves are more powerful here than on the southern shore of the Island.

The beach consists of dark volacanic sand and is littered with rocks although there is plenty of room to launch a kite. The beach is never that crowded although time restrictions and zones may well apply during the summer months. You can get here by driving towards Ribeira Grande and the beach is located west of the town.

Being fairly exposed in the Atlantic Ocean there is a fair mixture of wind directions and patterns. The wind is not so strong during the summer months and can sometimes be quite still. The best directions for surfing at this spot are south and south West when you can get some really great waves of up to 3 meters. You do need to be careful of the currents which can be a bit freaky. The water is quite cold and you will probably benefit from a full wetsuit most of the year.

There is plenty of parking here and places to get a bite to eat. For more supplies you are best to head into the town of Ribeira Grande which has all that you need and more besides.

Watch out for the rocks and the currents that occur frequently in the water. Also keep an eye out for bathers in the summer months.