ENG Being so exposed in the Atlantic Ocean, swells come from all direction. There are medium and large waves, between 1 -1.8 m (4-6 ft) in summer, kicking up to 4.5 m (15 ft) in winter. There is a fairly exposed reef break, and you can surf year round here with the best swell direction coming from the north northwest, and the wind is southerly. Experienced surfers prefer the winter months when big and heavy surf require the big boards. Although it is not crowded, Areias is for experienced surfers only. The dominant wind direction is southwest although some feel that best winds, for windsurfing and kitesurfing, come from the northerly directions, during winter and spring. In summer, due to the Azores high which can remain stationary, the swells are weak. Volcanic rock has crumbled through the ages into dark sand. Areias beach is not very wide as it is flanked by cliffs on three sides, and is around 1 km (0.6 miles) long. Areias is 15km away from the main city of Ponta Delgada. Parking and showers are available, but accommodation and restaurants are to be found in nearby Riberia Grande. A car is required to get out there.
Located on the north shore of San Miguel, close to the town of Riberia Grande, experienced surfers are be found surfing 150 days of the year, especially from August to October and in the winter months. It is around 15 km (9miles) from Ponta Delgada and is easily accessible from the main road.
