Azores · 38°44′N 27°04′W
Praia da Vitória
A town on Terceira's east coast around a wide bay with Praia Grande, the longest sandy beach in the Azores, and surf breaks along the coast to the south.
Praia da Vitória is a town on the east coast of Terceira, built around a wide bay with Praia Grande, a half-moon of sand that is the longest beach in the Azores. It is a relaxed, practical base, and Terceira's airport at Lajes is in the same municipality, a few minutes' drive away.
Where to surf
Off the pier in town, two reef waves known locally as Riviera and Vietnam break mostly left, and can be surfed as rights with the right swell and tide. The Azores tourism board rates them five stars for quality, best at 1 to 2 metres. Depending on size they suit beginners through to experienced surfers. Watch for submerged rocks.
South of town, the village of Porto Martins has one of the longest and most powerful lefts on the island: a point break over rock that comes alive on big NW to N swells, best at 2 to 4 metres. That is serious water, for intermediates and up.
On the south-east corner, Contendas faces the other way. It is the place to check when a south swell arrives: a left in a rocky bay, with a right forming in the western corner when the surf gets bigger. Wear booties: the bottom is covered in sea urchins.
When to go
Autumn to spring brings the north swells that light up Praia da Vitória and Porto Martins. Summer is quieter, and the occasional south swell is when Contendas comes into its own. The wide bay is also used for windsurfing and kiting.
Water and gear
Water runs about 16 to 19 degrees: a 3/2 in summer, a 4/3 in winter. Weather here can change several times a day.
Getting there
There are flights to Terceira from Lisbon, and inter-island flights from São Miguel. All the breaks are within a short drive of town, so hire a car.
Spots here
Contendas
A reef bay by the Contendas lighthouse near São Sebastião, 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
Porto Martins
A left-hand point over rock at the village of Porto Martins, south of Praia da Vitória: 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 swellsPraia da Vitória
The bay of Praia da Vitória 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 springSchools & rentals here
Nothing listed here yet. Know something that belongs? Tell us.
Events here
Nothing listed here yet. Know something that belongs? Tell us.
Nearby
Mosteiros
A village on the western tip of São Miguel, with a black-sand beach and an intermediate right-hand point.
Surf
Ponta Delgada
The Azores' main city, on the south coast of São Miguel. The surf is on the north coast, around 30 minutes away by car, with the beaches near Ribeira Grande the usual target.
Surf
Ribeira Grande
The surf town of São Miguel, on the north coast. The long black-sand beach at Santa Bárbara just west of town is the island's main break and school hub, and it has hosted the national circuit and a WSL qualifying event.
SurfCommon questions
- What are the surf spots in Praia da Vitória?
- Praia da Vitória has 3 spot guides here: Contendas, Porto Martins, Praia da Vitória.
- Is Praia da Vitória good for beginners?
- Yes — Praia da Vitória is rated beginner-friendly.
- Is there a surf school in Praia da Vitória?
- Not directly in Praia da Vitória yet — check the schools directory for the wider area.