Overview
Santa Iria is a long left pointbreak that peels over an uneven reef, tucked beneath cliffs and a large headland that shelter it from southwest and west winds. It can run powerful and lined-up, with wrapping, bowly sections firing over the rocks, but on smaller days it also serves up easier performance walls.
When It Works
The point draws swell from west through north to northeast (W-N-NE), with northwest swell the best match. It's usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 6.1 m / 20 ft, giving you a wide working range to play with. Expect the wave to get a bit sectiony at low tide.
Wind and Tide
Look for a south offshore wind. The point can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
When it's smaller and running as those mellower performance walls, Santa Iria is a spot beginners can handle.
Access
Park east of Ribeirinha at the start of the dirt road, cross the fields and follow the river down to the coast, then track east along the shore into the bay, at least 20 minutes on foot. Parking is free, either roadside or at the trailhead. Take real care at the corner of the last bay, where crumbling rocks and landslides are a hazard, especially after rain, and note that high tide blocks the access. You can scope conditions first from the miradouro at Santa Iria.
