World Surfing Reserve
Surfing in Ericeira
Ericeira was Europe's first World Surfing Reserve, and the reason is simple: a rare concentration of quality waves breaks along a short stretch of coast, covering every level from your first whitewater to barrelling expert reefs.
World Surfing Reserve
In 2011, Save the Waves designated Ericeira the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe and the second on the planet, recognising the quality of its waves, the depth of its surf and maritime culture, and the value of protecting its coastline.
We have sorted the spots into three zones. The north holds the serious reefs of the Reserve, the town beaches sit right below the old centre, and the southern beaches offer the gentlest, sandiest waves. Always check conditions and respect the local line-up.
Conditions in Ericeira right now
Source: IPMA · Open-MeteoNorth, the Reserve
Ribeira d'Ilhas
The competition arena and the friendliest of the Reserve's waves, a long, forgiving right that suits improvers and pros alike.
- Wave type
- Long right-hand point break
- Best swell
- NW
- Best tide
- All tides, best around mid
- Best wind
- East / offshore
Coxos
Often called one of the best right-hand reef breaks in Europe, a powerful, barrelling wave for experienced surfers only.
Pedra Branca
Arguably the best left in Portugal, a fast, slabby barrel over shallow reef that holds anything from two foot to twenty.
São Lourenço
The northern limit of the Reserve and its big-wave outpost, a long-walling right that holds serious size in winter.
Town beaches
Matadouro
A walkable town reef right by the skate park, an A-frame that works for mixed-ability groups and surf schools.
- Wave type
- Reef A-frame, left and right
- Best swell
- NW to W
- Best tide
- Mid
- Best wind
- East / offshore
South, the sandy spots
Foz do Lizandro
Ericeira's best beginner wave, a forgiving beach break at a river mouth, lined with surf schools and cafés.
- Wave type
- Beach break with rivermouth sandbars
- Best swell
- NW to W
- Best tide
- Mid
- Best wind
- East / offshore
When to surf and what to wear
Ericeira works year-round. Autumn, and October in particular, brings the cleanest and most consistent swells; summer is smaller and best for beginners; winter is powerful and for experienced surfers only. The water sits around 18°C in summer and 14 to 17°C in winter, so pack a 3/2 wetsuit for the warm months and a 4/3 for the rest of the year. Always check a live forecast before you paddle out.
Surf schools and board rental
Beginners are spoilt for choice, with established surf schools running daily lessons, mostly on the gentle beach breaks to the south such as Foz do Lizandro. Board and wetsuit rental is easy and affordable around town. If you want lessons, board hire and a bed bundled together, a surf camp is the simplest option, which you will find in our guide to where to stay.