Next to Santa Cruz there’s a beach (or two beaches actually) known as Praia Formosa and Praia das Amoreiras. The first one is closer the town of Santa Cruz, and the second is on the south part of the bay. Technically is a single bay separated by a cliff that can block the access from one to another of very high tides, but each end has its own name. Being an exposed beach break like Santa Cruz, it catches more swell and waves compared to other spots, so it may be worth checking it if when everywhere else is flat and you want to avoid crowds.
Spot description and main peaks
Praia das Amoreiras has a main peak in the middle of the south side of the bay, offering both lefts and rights that open nicely and slowly if swells are not too big. The right is usually longer. The bottom is sandy with some rocks popping up here and there, so be careful when slow tides starts to make it shallow.
In the north side of the bay there’s a peak breaking mostly to the right, but a bit more unconsistent.
That said, take into account that the sandbanks can move a bit and the peaks can change, so check the spot by yourself before jumping into the water. Works better around mid tide, but it depends on the swell size and wind. The cliffs block a bit offshore winds.
Access to the spot
Access to the spot is takes more time compared to Santa Cruz, since you have to walk you way down from up the cliff. That’s the main reason it is a more quiet spot. If you want to avoid crowds then you are the kind of person who might not mind walking up and down the path to access the beach, so this could be your place to be if Santa Cruz is packed.
