Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz is a stretch of sandy beach break north of Ericeira delivering multiple shifting peaks that work across a broad swell window from SW through to N. The waves are characteristically punchy and fast with a steep face profile - the bowly shape means energy concentrates quickly at takeoff rather than rolling through gradually. Both lefts and rights peel from the peaks, and the length of the beach means the best sandbar of the day shifts with season and swell angle. Incoming tide generally favours the banks. The spot runs on small to moderate swells, with the 0.6-2.4m range producing the most workable conditions across most of the beach. Being fully exposed to wind, offshore easterlies are the key ingredient for clean faces. Santa Cruz town sits directly behind the main break, making it easy to read conditions before paddling out. The central town peaks draw the bulk of the crowd during summer, but walking north of the main access point opens up less-trafficked banks that stay active through all tidal states. Surf schools and shops operate from the town, so expect beginners in the water around the busier central peaks during the warmer months.