Ponta Preta
A black rocky headland west of Santa Maria, home to a world-famous windsurfing and surfing break, with a quiet, open beach.
Ponta Preta lies about 2 km west of Santa Maria town. The headland is made of black lava. The right-hand wave on its outer side is a stop on the World Windsurfing Tour, and in winter's big swells it draws many professional riders. On the east side of the headland is a long, quiet sandy beach with few people. It is good for walking, watching the sunset and the waves, and you may occasionally see locals leading horses past.
The waves are big and the current strong, so ordinary visitors should not swim here. You can walk along the beach from town or take a taxi. The sun is strong, so use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Santa Maria Pier (Pontão)
- Santa Maria Beach, Sal
- Santa Maria Salt Pans
- Kite Beach (Costa da Fragata)
- Serra Negra Nature Reserve
- Murdeira Bay
- Monte Leão (Lion Mountain)
- Shark Bay (Baía da Parda)