Beach break · Ponta Delgada, Azores · 37°45′N 25°38′W
Praia das Milícias
The black volcanic sand beach on the Estrada do Populo just east of Ponta Delgada, also called Praia Grande, and the south coast's main beach break. Works on south swells when the north coast is blown out.
Praia das Milícias, also known as Praia Grande, is a straight beach of black volcanic sand about 330 metres long in São Roque, around 4 km east of Ponta Delgada. It is one of the most visited beaches on São Miguel, and surfers often call the area Populo, after the road and the neighbouring beach.
The wave
A beach break that the Azores tourism board rates five stars for quality and four for consistency, best on a S swell of 1.5 to 2 metres. The peaks lean towards rights and move with the sand.
Who it is for
All levels on the right day, with surf shops and schools nearby. Praia de São Roque next door is calmer and the usual starting point for beginners; Agua d'Alto further east is the alternative when Milícias is crowded.
When
S swell with a N or NE wind, at low and mid tide. Because it faces south, it is the island's option when the north-coast breaks are blown out. With SE or SW winds it is a popular spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Schools & rentals near here
Nearby
Rabo de Peixe
A powerful, tubing left that breaks off the fishing harbour of Rabo de Peixe on São Miguel's north coast. Top quality on a solid north swell, with a tight take-off and a local crew that knows it.
Advanced surfersAutumn to spring, on the big north swells
Santa Bárbara
A long black volcanic-sand beach on the north coast of São Miguel, just west of Ribeira Grande. The main surf spot in the Azores, with a surf school on the sand and a competition history, and peaks for every level depending on size.
All levelsAutumn to spring for size; surfable year-roundMonte Verde
Ribeira Grande's town beach on São Miguel's north coast, and the island's main beach break, with peaks spread across four sections. A good wave for most levels on a NW swell.
All levelsAutumn to springCommon questions
- What kind of wave is Praia das Milícias?
- Praia das Milícias is a beach break. It wants S, about 1.5 to 2 m swell and works best with offshore from the n / ne wind.
- Is Praia das Milícias good for beginners?
- Yes — it's rated all levels and works for people who are learning.
- When's the best time for Praia das Milícias?
- Autumn to spring, when south swells arrive.
- What should I watch out for at Praia das Milícias?
- Crowds on good days and shifting peaks on the black sand.