Beach break · Ribeira Grande, Azores · 37°49′N 25°32′W
Monte Verde
Ribeira Grande's town beach on Sao Miguel's north coast, and the island's main beach break, with peaks spread across four sections. A good wave for most levels on a NW swell.
Monte Verde is the town beach of Ribeira Grande, on the north coast of Sao Miguel. The Azores tourism board divides its peaks into four areas, so you can pick a section depending on where you park. There is free parking, showers, and a freshwater pool by the beach.
The wave
A beach break with lefts and rights that picks up a wide range of swells, from knee-high to around 3 metres, best on a NW swell of 0.5 to 2 metres. N and NE swells also work. It is often described as the only north-facing beach break in the Azores.
Who it is for
Most levels, depending on the section and the size. Watch for currents and a scattering of rocks. It gets crowded at times, especially in summer.
When
NW swell with a S or SE wind, around mid tide on the push. Strong SW winds blow side-offshore and turn it into a windsurfing spot; NE and NW winds suit kitesurfing better. Santa Barbara nearby is a separate break worth checking on the same swell.
Schools & rentals near here
Nearby
Santa Barbara
A long black volcanic-sand beach on the north coast of Sao Miguel, just west of Ribeira Grande. The main surf spot in the Azores, with a surf school on the sand and a competition history, and peaks for every level depending on size.
All levelsAutumn to spring for size; surfable year-round
Rabo de Peixe
A powerful, tubing left that breaks off the fishing harbour of Rabo de Peixe on Sao Miguel's north coast. Top quality on a solid north swell, with a tight take-off and a local crew that knows it.
Advanced surfersAutumn to spring, on the big north swellsPraia das Milicias
The black volcanic sand beach on the Estrada do Populo just east of Ponta Delgada, also called Praia Grande, and the south coast's main beach break. Works on south swells when the north coast is blown out.
All levelsAutumn to spring, when south swells arriveCommon questions
- What kind of wave is Monte Verde?
- Monte Verde is a beach break. It wants NW best; N to NE also good swell and works best with offshore from the s / se wind.
- Is Monte Verde good for beginners?
- Yes — it's rated all levels and works for people who are learning.
- When's the best time for Monte Verde?
- Autumn to spring.
- What should I watch out for at Monte Verde?
- Currents, scattered rocks, and a crowd in summer.