Cabo Girão is located below the second highest sea cliffs in Europe, providing a stunning backdrop for surfers. Accessing the spot involves a trip down a cable car, which not only takes you to the surf but also offers some breathtaking views. This is a unique place to hit the waves, but be prepared for some challenging conditions.
The surf here can be a bit tricky. It features two point breaks that usually come alive only with larger west swells. The optimal swell direction is west, though it can also handle south and northwest swells. The waves tend to be mushy at times, and the breaks happen over boulders, with the preferable wave breaking towards the right. Cabo Girão works best at mid to high tide, and it can handle wave sizes up to about 6 feet (1.8 meters). Keep in mind this spot is more suitable for intermediate surfers due to the rocky lineup and variable conditions.
Overall, Cabo Girão has its quirks. The scenery is amazing, and it definitely makes the trip worthwhile, even if the surf is just average most of the time. When the conditions are right, you might snag a nice right wall to ride, but don’t get your hopes up too high. Just check the swell and wind direction before heading out, and you might just have a fun session.