Surfing Guide to Ericeira, Portugal

 

Summary

Ericeira is Portugal’s surfing capital and arguably one of Europe’s best surf town. In 2011, it was named as a World Surfing Reserve and it still is to this date, the only one in Europe out of a total of 9 reserves around the globe.

 

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The famous surf town is located just about 35 km away from Lisbon and has a population of 10,000 people. Surfing in Ericeira is very popular due to the high quantity of different breaks and surf spots that will suit any type of surfer. Many insanely beautiful beaches are located around Ericeira and even non-surfers enjoy hanging around the area.

 

 

Beginners will enjoy beach breaks like São Julião, Foz do Lizandro or Ribeira D’Ilhas while advanced surfers will find challenging conditions at Coxos, The Cave or Pedra Branca. 

 

The other nice feature about Ericeira is its proximity with many other surf towns like Peniche, only an hour drive up north. This peninsula is also a swell magnet that will work pretty much every day due to the big variety of breaks that will catch any swell and wind direction. Another nice Portuguese surfing option would be the Algarve region, about 3 hours down the coast.

 

 

When to go

The best time to surf in Ericeira depends on what you are looking for. Beginners will have a better time during the summer months from May to September while advanced surfers will definitely enjoy autumn and winter when the Atlantic really starts firing up.

 

Summer will obviously be a bit warmer than winter. However, a wet suit is still recommended even in the warmer months as the water temperature peaks at about 20°C.

 

 

Also read: our Surf Guide to San Sebastian, Spain

 

 

Where to stay in Ericeira

Two good hotel options in Ericeira are You and the sea as well as Ericeira Soul. There are also some surf camps and hostels which can be cheaper and better value.

 

Surf Camps in Ericeira

Find a surf camp in Ericeira, starting at US$200

7 Day Surf Camp for Beginner and Intermediate Surfers in Ericeira
US$368, includes:

• 6 2.5 or 3-hour surf lessons
• Qualified surf instructors and surf team
• All-day surf equipment use and surf bike
• Surfing plan with different objectives to train
• Roundtrip airport and beach transfers
• 6 nights accommodation
• Free Wi-Fi at the hostel

 

 

Getting there

The best way to get to Ericeira is to either hire a car or use public transportation from the country’s capital city, Lisbon. Ericeira is about 30-45 minutes away from Lisbon.

 

 

Safety/things to know

-Most surf spots in Ericeira break over rocks which can be hazardous.

-Strong rip currents, mostly during winter season

 

Surf spots in Ericeira

Praia dos Coxos

For many people, Coxos is Portugal’s best wave. A heavy and challenging right-hander that works consistently on the NW swell throughout the year. It breaks on an exposed reef and should be kept for experienced surfers who know how to handle themselves in crowded spots.

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef/rocks
Best tide : Mid to low
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : SE

 

 

Ribeira d’Ilhas

Here is a popular spot in Ericeira that has a beach break and a point. The beach will offer lefts and rights for all skill levels while the point is a nice right-hander breaking on an exposed reef and should be kept for experienced surfers.

Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Reef and sand
Best tide :  N/A
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : SE

 

 

São Julião

A decent beach break that works consistently all year and produces waves for all skill levels. Be careful with the crowds and always respect the locals.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Mid
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : W
Optimal wind direction : E

 

Foz do Lizandro

A rivermouth that doesn’t have the same quality and consistency as some other spots in Ericeira but definitely remains a good option to get away from the crowds. A southwest swell will produce a nice left-hand wave. There is also a beach break next to it.

Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Mid to low
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

Pedra Branca

An epic, hollow and challenging left-hand wave that breaks best on a northwesterly swell. Pedra Branca should be kept for advanced surfers as it breaks over sharp rocks and is an overall pretty fast and steep wave. 

Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Rocks
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : E

 

The Cave

Ericeira’s most intense wave…It doesn’t work all that often but on a good winter swell, The Cave is a true world-class wave being an insanely hollow and fast barreling right. Experts only. Crowds should not be a problem.

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Low
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : E