Praia da Barra is a well-known surf spot located along the Beira Littoral. The big breakwater sets it apart, making it a decent spot for surfers looking for organized waves. It typically needs a bit more swell than some nearby beaches, but when it does get the right conditions, you can find some great sandbars that help shape the waves. On a north wind, the spot tends to stay fairly offshore, which is a nice bonus for surfers.
This spot works best with a swells coming from the west, but you can also catch decent waves with south and northwest swells. It can handle swell sizes starting from around 2ft (about 0.6 meters) and even up to larger sizes. The waves break over sand and you can score both left and right-handers here. Ideally, it’s best to surf at low, mid, or high tide, so you have plenty of options throughout the day. This place is great for beginners, so if you're new to surfing, you’ll feel comfortable catching some waves at Praia da Barra.
The crowd here can be large, but it’s generally friendly, making it a good spot to hang out and meet fellow surfers. Just be prepared to share the waves, as the vibe tends to be pretty chill, even when it's busy.