Girl on the Wave - Azores Island Surf Camp 2026
Surf camp in the Azores - 7 days of surf, yoga and island exploration in São Miguel. Ride the waves at Santa Bárbara with Girl on the Wave. October 2026.
When
October 17–24, 2026
Seven days of surfing, yoga and island exploration on São Miguel — the largest and most diverse island of the Azores archipelago, right in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean.
The camp is based at Santa Bárbara, one of the island's best beach breaks, where conditions change daily and every session is adapted to the safest and best waves. Whether you're catching your first wave or working on your technique, the experienced local surf school team will guide you through surf lessons with video recordings and analysis sessions to track your progression.
Beyond the waves, every morning starts with yoga led by a certified coach, setting the tone for the day. But this isn't just a surf trip — it's a full island experience. You'll road trip to Sete Cidades, the legendary twin crater lakes at the top of a dormant volcano, ride e-bikes through volcanic valleys, and watch the sunset from the rooftop ruins of the abandoned Monte Palace hotel — one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Azores.
The camp also includes a marine life tour along São Miguel's coast, where bottlenose dolphins, sei whales, sperm whales and humpbacks are regularly spotted during migration. The waters around the island are one of the Atlantic's richest marine corridors.
Optional half-day trips take you deeper into the island: the thermal pools and botanical gardens of Terra Nostra, the volcanic hot springs of Caldeira Velha, Furnas Valley where food is slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat, the century-old Gorreana tea plantation — Europe's only tea producer — and the charming historic streets of Ponta Delgada.
Accommodation is in a cosy surf house right next to Santa Bárbara beach, with breakfast included daily. The water stays between 18–22°C year-round, and a 3/2 wetsuit keeps every session comfortable.
Organised by Margherita Iganska, founder of the Girl on the Wave surf project, with 8 years of experience hosting surf camps across Portugal.
For full details, availability and bookings visit: girlonthewave.com/azores-surf-camps
What’s wrong?
Tell us what changed: opening hours, contacts, dates, location. Our editors check before fixing it.
More events
17
Oct
Happening now 17 Oct – 24 Oct
Art x Surf Retreat – São Miguel, Azores
A seven-night painting and surf retreat in São Miguel, with expert workshops, guided island adventures, private chef meals and an eco-lodge stay.
25
Jul
Happening now 25 Jul – 1 Nov
The Silence of Hephaestus
An Arquipélago exhibition examines territory, memory and catastrophe in the Azores.
7
Jul
Happening now 7 Jul – 30 Dec
50 Years of Contemporary Art in the Azores
A documentary exhibition traces five decades of contemporary art in the Azores, in Ribeira Grande.
27
Jun
Happening now 27 Jun – 8 Nov
Sete Retratos e Outras Obras em Forma de Enlace
PDL26 exhibition brings works from the Museu Arpad Szenes - Vieira da Silva collection to Ribeira Grande.Places in São Miguel
All places
Guest Houses
9 Furnas Villa
Modern villa in central Furnas for up to six guests, with two bedrooms, a kitchenette, terrace, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and public parking.A Tasca
A Tasca brings together arts, entertainment and music in a relaxed atmosphere, with snacks, wine by the glass, a beer menu, exhibitions and reading.
Restaurants
Closed now
Alabote
Alabote Restaurant/Bar in Ribeira Grande features panoramic ocean views, exquisite Azorean and international cuisine, and a curated wine list.Trails in São Miguel
All trailsRocha da Relva
A descent to Rocha da Relva’s coastal platform among basalt-walled vineyards, seasonal houses and distinctive coastal scenery.
- Distance
- 5.6 km
- Duration
- 3h
- Difficulty
- Medium
Rota da Água - Entre Túneis e Condutas
A route from Remédios to Água de Pau through historic channels, aqueducts, pipelines and water-supply tunnels.
- Distance
- 15.1 km
- Duration
- 5h
- Difficulty
- Medium
Lagoa das Furnas
A circuit through Furnas and around its lake, combining geothermal scenery, heritage, woodland and wildlife-rich shores.
- Distance
- 9.4 km
- Duration
- 3h
- Difficulty
- Easy