What are the best surf spots in Ericeira?

Answer

Ericeira's 8km of coastline within the World Surfing Reserve contains seven main breaks, each with its own character:

Coxos - The crown jewel. A powerful right-hand reef break considered one of the best waves in Europe. Expert only. Shallow rock bottom, heavy take-offs, and localism. Needs a solid northwest swell.

Ribeira d'Ilhas - The most popular wave. A long right-hand point break that works on almost any swell. Hosts WSL events. Great for intermediates and up. Can get very crowded.

Pedra Branca - A fast, hollow right over a rocky reef. Works best on solid north/northwest swells. Advanced surfers.

Reef (aka Pontinha) - A fun, playful reef break right near town. Good for intermediates. One of the most consistent spots.

Crazy Left - One of the few left-handers in the area. Powerful and hollow. Advanced surfers when it's on.

Foz do Lizandro - Sandy beach break at the river mouth. The go-to for beginners and longboarders. Surf schools operate here daily.

São Julião - Long, powerful beach break south of town. Good for intermediate surfers. Less crowded than spots closer to town.

Read our complete surf guide for swell directions, tide info, and seasonal tips for each spot.

More Questions

Other frequently asked questions

Is Ericeira good for beginner surfers? Yes - Foz do Lizandro and São Julião are perfect for learning. Is Ericeira safe? Very safe. Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. Is Ericeira crowded? Summer weekends yes, otherwise no. The town keeps its village feel. Can I live in Ericeira long-term? Yes. EU citizens freely, non-EU via D7/D8 visa. Growing expat community. Can I work remotely from Ericeira? Yes - strong wifi, coworking spaces, and a big remote worker community. What are the best coworking spaces in Ericeira? Coastal Collective for community, Kelp for surf-work balance, plus coliving options with desks.