Point break · Praia da Vitoria, Azores · 38°41′N 27°04′W
Porto Martins
A left-hand point over rock at the village of Porto Martins, south of Praia da Vitoria: one of the longest and most powerful lefts on Terceira. Rated five stars for quality, at its best on big NW swells.
Porto Martins is a village of around 1,200 people south of Praia da Vitoria, known for its natural pool set in dark volcanic rock and a seafront path. The bathing area is right by the break.
The wave
A left-hand point break over a rocky bottom, described by the Azores tourism board as one of the longest and most powerful lefts on the island, with five stars for quality and three for consistency. It reaches its full potential on big NW to N swells, with long gaps between sets. N and NE swells also work, though the wave softens and fills out. On south swells there is a small right next to the fishing port.
Who it is for
Intermediate and experienced surfers. Best at 2 to 4 metres, which is serious water over rock.
When
NW to N swell, around mid tide on the push. The tourism board lists NW or NE winds as the ones that work. It is reached by car.
Nearby
Contendas
A reef bay by the Contendas lighthouse near Sao Sebastiao, on Terceira's south-east corner, that wakes up on south swells. A left that becomes a right in the western corner once the swell passes 2 metres.
IntermediatesWhen south swells arrive, mostly autumn to spring
Praia da Vitoria
The bay of Praia da Vitoria on Terceira's east coast, with two reef waves off the pier, known locally as Riviera and Vietnam. The Azores tourism board rates it five stars for quality, for every level on the right day.
All levelsAutumn to springCommon questions
- What kind of wave is Porto Martins?
- Porto Martins is a point break. It wants NW to N for full size; N to NE softer swell and works best with best with a nw or ne wind (tourism board) wind.
- Is Porto Martins good for beginners?
- Not for a first session. It's rated intermediate — better once you can paddle out and read a line-up on your own.
- When's the best time for Porto Martins?
- Autumn to spring, on big NW swells.
- What should I watch out for at Porto Martins?
- Rocky bottom, a powerful wave at size, and long waits between sets on big swells.