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Summary
Surfing the Azores can be extremely rewarding for surfers of all levels due to the islands’ consistent waves and absence of significant, heavy crowds.
Being right in the middle of the Atlantic gives the Azores an extremely big exposures to different swells that could form north or south of the archipelago. Therefore, in winter, the north side of the islands will offer great surf and in summer, the south side will become active allowing you to surf at any time of the year.
Due to their remote location, the Azores have remained off the surfers’ radar for quite a while. However, they are slowly becoming a little surfing paradise…
The Azores are composed of nine major islands and you can find great waves on either of those islands. However, most surf spots, surfing establishments and tourist areas are located on Sao Miguel and Terceira Island.
When to go
The best time to surf the Azores is in winter, from October to March while the islands receive consistent north swells. However, the archipelago is gifted with waves year-round with the summer months (June-July-August) offering warmer weather and smaller southerly swells.
| January-February | March-April | May-June | July-August | September-October | November-December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for: | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | Intermediate Advanced |
| Air temperature | 14°C 57°F | 14°C 57°F | 17°C 63°F | 21°C 70°F | 20°C 69°F | 15°C 60°F |
| Water temperature | 17°C 63°F | 17°C 63°F | 19°C 66°F | 23°C 74°F | 23°C 74°F | 19°C 67°F |
| Crowd | Empty | Few people | Few people | Few people | Few people | Empty |
| Swell Consistency | 95% | 95% | 95% | 80% | 90% | 95% |
| Swell height | 10 ft | 9 ft | 7 ft | 5 ft | 8 ft | 9 ft |
Surf Camps in Azores
8-Day Surf Camp on Sao Miguel for Beginners and Intermediate Surfers
$US 545, including:
- 5 days of surf lessons (duration: 2 hours/each)
- Equipment appropriate to each student’s level included
- Transfer to/from the designated surf spot
- 7 nights accommodation
- Photos package
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfer
- Weekly BBQ
Where to stay in Azores
There are two solid options to base yourself on a surf trip to the Azores. The first one is Sao Miguel, which is the Azores most populated island and also where you can find the highest amount of surf spots. The other option is Terceira, further up north, second most populated island and a great place to go for a surf trip with a few surf camps and surf schools.
Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Azores!
Getting there
The best way to get to the Azores is obviously via air transportation. Everyday, several flights leave from Lisbon and Porto for the Azores main international airport, João Paulo.
Safety/things to know
-Most surf spots in Azores are reef breaks.
-Year round, consistent swells
Surf spots in Azores
Mosteiros
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : W
Optimal wind direction : E
Quatro Ribeiras
Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : W
Optimal wind direction : E