Ericeira · Portugal
A fishing town that became the surf capital of Europe.
Forty minutes from Lisbon, Ericeira packs world-class waves, a working harbour and some of the country's best seafood into a whitewashed clifftop town. This is the independent, trilingual guide to all of it.
World Surfing Reserve
- 2011
- Europe's first World Surfing Reserve
- 60+
- documented surf spots
- 35 km
- from Lisbon
- EN · PT · FR · ES
- written for travellers
Why Ericeira
One coastline, every kind of wave, and a town that still smells of the sea.
In 2011 Ericeira became the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe, recognised for the rare concentration of quality waves packed into a few kilometres of coast. From beginner sandbars to heaving expert reefs, the variety is the point.
But this was a fishing town long before it was a surf town, and it shows. Boats still land their catch below the cliffs, the old streets are tiled and white, and the restaurants serve percebes, grilled fish and arroz de marisco to surfers and grandmothers alike.
This guide is built for visitors from abroad: practical, honest and kept current, in English, Portuguese and French.
Explore the guide
Everything you need, in one place
Surf spots
Every break worth knowing, sorted by zone and ability, from Foz do Lizandro to Coxos.
Beaches
Where to swim, sunbathe and watch the surfers, beach by beach.
Where to eat
Seafood, percebes, pastéis de nata and the tables locals actually book.
Where to stay
Surf camps, guesthouses and boutique hotels, and the best areas to base yourself.
Getting here
Lisbon to Ericeira by car or bus, parking, and getting around without one.
Itineraries
Day trip, weekend or a full week, planned routes for every kind of traveller.
Start with these
Three waves to know first
Ribeira d'Ilhas
The competition arena and the friendliest of the Reserve's waves, a long, forgiving right that suits improvers and pros alike.
Coxos
Often called one of the best right-hand reef breaks in Europe, a powerful, barrelling wave for experienced surfers only.
Foz do Lizandro
Ericeira's best beginner wave, a forgiving beach break at a river mouth, lined with surf schools and cafés.
Getting here
Closer to Lisbon than you think
Ericeira is about 35 km north-west of Lisbon, roughly 40 minutes by car, or a direct Carris Metropolitana bus from Campo Grande. There is no train. Most of the town is walkable; a car helps for the southern beaches and day trips.
Read the full travel guideCommon questions
Is Ericeira good for beginner surfers?
Yes. Foz do Lizandro and São Julião are forgiving beach breaks with sandbars and plenty of surf schools, ideal for first lessons, while the heavier reefs of the Reserve are kept well away to the north.
How do I get from Lisbon to Ericeira?
By car it is about 40 minutes via the A8. By public transport, take a Carris Metropolitana bus from Campo Grande in Lisbon; the express runs in around 45 minutes. There is no train to Ericeira.
When is the best time to visit?
Autumn (especially October) offers the cleanest, most consistent surf and warm, quiet days. Summer is busiest and best for beginners and beach time; winter brings powerful swells for experienced surfers.
Do I need a car in Ericeira?
Not for the town itself, which is compact and walkable. A car is handy for the southern beaches, the northern surf spots and day trips to Mafra or Sintra. In summer a seasonal beach bus links the main surf beaches.
Ready to plan your trip?
Build a route around surf, beaches and the things you actually want to do.
Plan your trip