Arguably the best left in Portugal, a fast, slabby barrel over shallow reef that holds anything from two foot to twenty.
Just south of Praia da Empa, Pedra Branca is a connoisseur’s wave: a hollow, fast left that breaks close to dry rock and rewards a committed, late takeoff. Locals will tell you it is the finest left on the whole Portuguese coast, and on its day it is hard to argue.
The reef is unforgiving and the wave demands experience, fitness and respect for a tight local crew. It is consistent across a huge range of sizes, which is part of its reputation.
If you are not surfing it, the cliffs around Empa are a fine place to watch the Reserve’s heavier waves do their thing.
