Calhetas

At Calhetas, in São Miguel, a point break peels over a rocky bottom with two distinct peaks. The outside peak only takes shape when the sea reaches over 4 metres and demands surfers with considerable experience. Further inside, in front of the pink house, there’s a pico barrel that works both ways and changes character depending on the swell, with rights working when the swell comes from the NE and lefts appearing when it shifts more towards the NW.

The spot works best with swell from N to NE, wind from the S and empty tide, with waves typically between 2 and 3 metres and the left as the dominant direction. It’s not a pico that works with great frequency, but when conditions align the wave quality makes the wait worthwhile.

Access is by car and entry and exit from the water are through a small cove at the western corner of the bay. On big sea days, currents become strong and demand extra caution. It’s a wave designed for experienced and professional surfers, not for those taking their first steps.