Mafra
How Ericeira Became a World Surfing Reserve
Ericeira’s World Surfing Reserve stretches along a five-kilometre stretch of coast between Praia da Empa and Praia de São Lourenço. The designation, awarded by Save the Waves Coalition on 14 October 2011, was the first of its kind in Europe and the second worldwide after Malibu.
Seven world-class waves line the reserve: Pedra Branca, Reef, Ribeira d’Ilhas, Cave, Crazy Left, Coxos and São Lourenço. The status grants the local community a formal voice in coastal planning and is supported by an Interpretation Centre in Praça da República, opened in June 2016 and refurbished in 2021.