Ribeira de Ilhas

Surf Guide

Looking out from the clifftop onto a classic day, you could be mistaken for thinking you're watching Bells Beach. The cliff lined sandy bay, the reeling right hand walls that speed down the line, back off, then speed through to the finish on the inside - they certainly have more than a familiar air to them. But this wave more than holds its own in comparison. Part of its quality comes in its flexibility - it starts breaking at just over knee high and keeps going to double overhead or more - pumping out huge, winding faces that can run for over 200m. There is also a reef on the outside northern edge of the main break called Pontina, a right hander that works best in medium swells. Very occasionally it will connect to the main break. Popular spot with good facilties including showers and a beach bar to boot.