Reef break · Praia da Vitoria, Azores · 38°44′N 27°04′W
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.
Praia da Vitoria is a town on the east coast of Terceira, set around a wide bay that shelters Praia Grande, a half-moon of sand that is the longest beach in the Azores. The bay was the scene of the Battle of Praia Bay in 1829.
The waves
Two reef waves break off the pier, known locally as Riviera and Vietnam. They are mostly lefts, but with the right swell direction and tide they can also be surfed as rights. The Azores tourism board rates them five stars for quality, best at 1 to 2 metres.
Who it is for
Beginners, intermediates and experienced surfers, depending on the day and the size. Watch for submerged rocks around the reef.
When
NW to N swell with a W or NW wind, around mid tide, rising or falling. The wide bay is also a windsurfing and kitesurfing spot in winds from the north round through east to south.
Nearby
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.
IntermediatesAutumn to spring, on big NW swells
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 springCommon questions
- What kind of wave is Praia da Vitoria?
- Praia da Vitoria is a reef break. It wants NW to N, about 1 to 2 m swell and works best with offshore from the w / nw wind.
- Is Praia da Vitoria good for beginners?
- Yes — it's rated all levels and works for people who are learning.
- When's the best time for Praia da Vitoria?
- Autumn to spring.
- What should I watch out for at Praia da Vitoria?
- Submerged rocks around the reef and the pier.