Esquerda da Igreja is a surf spot located at the outer peak of the faja, making it a popular choice for surfers looking to catch some waves. It’s accessible via a 45-minute walk from the car park in Cubres, where you can enjoy a scenic track that winds around the cliffs to the village. While some surfers may prefer quicker access, the journey provides a chance to soak in the natural beauty of the area.
This spot picks up all available NW swell, offering fun summer sessions especially with long walls and some nice cutback shoulders. You can expect waves that typically break over boulders, mostly producing lefts. It handles swell sizes starting from 2 ft (about 0.6 meters) and can even handle onshore winds. If conditions are right, it can link up with Lago do Linho, providing a solid leg-burner of a surf. Low, mid, and high tides all offer rideable waves, which can be great for beginners when it's smaller, although watch out for heavy currents when the surf gets bigger.
For those making the trek, it’s good to know that the preferred wind direction is from the SW, which can help with wave quality. Overall, Esquerda da Igreja is a decent spot that can cater to various skill levels, especially during the summer months when the conditions can be pretty mellow.