Beach break · Sao Pedro de Moel, Centro · 39°45′N 9°02′W
Sao Pedro de Moel
The best-known wave on the near-empty 80 km of coast between Figueira da Foz and Nazare, below a small seaside village. Very consistent, working on almost any swell and tide.
Sao Pedro de Moel is a small seaside village in the municipality of Marinha Grande, on the long, mostly undeveloped stretch of coast that runs about 80 km from Figueira da Foz down to Nazare. Its beach is the best-known wave along that whole stretch.
The wave
An exposed beach break with lefts and rights that picks up swell from SW to N, best from the W, and works from around waist-high to well overhead. It is one of the most consistent spots in the centre of the country: in an average June, surfable swell reaches it most of the time.
Who it is for
Intermediates, and beginners on small days, when it is an easy place to find a wave. There are rocks at the ends of the beach, and it has more power than its size suggests once the swell picks up.
When
W swell with an E wind, on any tide, often best on the push. Lifeguards, showers and camping in the village. On the days it maxes out, Nazare to the south is a different story entirely.
Schools & rentals near here
Nearby
Common questions
- What kind of wave is Sao Pedro de Moel?
- Sao Pedro de Moel is a beach break. It wants W best; picks up SW to N swell and works best with offshore from the e wind.
- Is Sao Pedro de Moel 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 Sao Pedro de Moel?
- Year-round; very consistent.
- What should I watch out for at Sao Pedro de Moel?
- Rocks at the ends of the beach and more power than the size suggests on bigger swells.