Last updated on January 29th, 2024 at 09:07 am
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Ericeira, you came to the right place. In this surf guide to Ericeira, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surf tips, surf spots, and everything else related to surfing in Ericeira, Portugal.
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About Surfing in Ericeira, Portugal
If you want a perfect European surf trip, surfing in Ericeira is the ultimate choice. Ericeira is the surf capital of Portugal, known as a European “surfing Mecca”. There is an impressive selection of surf spots in Ericeira, consistent waves, and perfect surf conditions for any skill level. Therefore, in 2011, Ericeira was declared a World Surfing Reserve (The first one in Europe).
Ericeira is located on Portugal’s West Coast, only 35 KM from the capital, Lisbon. In fact, it takes only about a 40-minute drive to get here from the International Airport. The easy access to Ericeira from any place in the world contributes a lot to the popularity of this town as a surf destination. Throughout the years, Ericeira turned into a place that embraced surfing as part of its DNA.
The surf in Ericeira is definitely a world-class type. Receiving any swell from the Atlantic Ocean, this is one of the most consistent surf destinations in the world. Moreover, Ericeira offers a considerable diversity of breaks. Therefore, while surfing in Ericeira, you can choose between beach breaks, point breaks, and reefs. Some beaches are better for beginners, while others are recommended for experts only. Regardless of your skill level, there are waves for everybody.
Surf Seasons in Ericeira
You can generally surf in Ericeira 365 days a year, as its diverse coastline always picks up some Atlantic swells. However, you will find the best surfing conditions during the fall, between September and December. This is the time of the year that produces big swells on a daily basis and offshore winds that give the waves a perfect shape.
If you are a beginner, you can also enjoy surfing in Ericeira during the summer, from May to August. The weather is sunny during these months, and the waves range from 1 to 3 feet. These conditions are perfect for taking surf lessons and practicing your skills. However, for advanced surfers, it will probably be too small.
The winter time, from December to March, is cold and nasty. During this time, the swells are enormous, and the conditions are just too harsh. Therefore, surfing in Ericeira this season is not recommended unless you are a big wave surfer.
As for the weather in Ericeira, it is warm and lovely during the surfing season. The days are sunny, and the evenings are chilly, so you must bring both long and short-sleeved shirts. Conversely, the water temperature is always cold and ranges from 15°C in winter to 20°C in summer. Therefore, when surfing in Ericeira, you must bring a long wetsuit.
The Best Surf Spots in Ericeira
Ericeira offers a great selection of surf spots of all kinds. Therefore, while surfing in Ericeira, you can choose your favorite break depending on the swell and skill level. So, from north to south, these are the main surf spots in Ericeira:
Sao Lourenco:
This spot is the most northern one you will find around Ericeira. It is an extremely heavy right-hander which is suitable for advanced surfers only. This beach can hold a huge swell, sometimes up to 20 feet, producing powerful and hollow waves.
Coxos:
Coxos is the most famous surf spot in Ericeira and probably the most popular one. Actually, the break here is very close to perfection. During low tide, it produces hollow rides with massive barrels. Therefore, only advanced surfers are found in the lineup.
Crazy Left:
As its name reveals, this spot is for experts only. Here, you can ride a pure barrel over a shallow reef. Before entering the water, ensure you are at the top of your game. Otherwise, this one will eat you alive.
Cave:
If you are looking for some challenge and danger, you will find it here at Cave. This right-hand break starts far out in the deep water but then crushes aggressively over a shallow reef. This is the place to get beautiful spitting barrels on the one hand but horrible wipeouts on the other hand.
Ribeira D’ilhas:
Unlike the previously mentioned spots, this one is much more “user-friendly”. Over a flat reef, this right-hander breaks softly and produces long and mellow rides. Despite breaking gently, this wave has a top-quality shape and produces incredibly long rides.
Pedra Branca:
Between all the right-handers in town, Pedra Branca is one of the few left-hand breaks. Therefore, it is the favorite spot among the goofy footers who come to surf in Ericeira. This wave offers a pure tube ride experience. It is fast, and only good surfers can find their way out of these hollow barrels.
Matadouro:
This beach offers several different peaks to both the right and the left sides. It is suitable for intermediate surfers and offers fun and friendly rides. Also, just next to the beach, you can hang out at the Quiksilver skate park.
Praia do Sul:
If you are looking for a soft and mellow beach break, you will find it here. This beautiful beach is perfect for beginners and intermediates and offers several peaks to both left and right.
Foz do Lizandro:
Another beginner spot just south of town. The waves at this beach break are friendly and easy to ride over a sandy bottom.
Sao Juliao:
This spot is a swell magnet, and it is suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. In fact, it is one of the most consistent surf spots in Ericeira, and it offers an excellent solution for the small days when other spots are flat.
Can Beginners Surf in Ericeira?
Absolutely!
There are several great surf spots in Ericeira for beginners. For instance, Praia do Sul and Foz do Lizandro offer mellow breaks over a sandy bottom, allowing novice surfers to learn and practice without danger.
If you are an intermediate or an advanced surfer, you can ride more challenging waves in the other surf spots in Ericeira.
In short, surfers of all skill levels can surf in Ericeira and have fun in waves that suit their skills.
Surf Camps in Ericeira
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore Ericeira’s surf scene at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones in town:
1. Moka Surfhouse.
2. Omassim Guesthouse.
3. GiG Capsule Hostel.
4. Ericeira Surf Camp.
5. Star Surf Camp.
6. Ericeira Surf House.
7. Girl on the Wave Surf Project.
8. Amar Hostel, Suites & Surf Camp.
For more details about surf camps in Ericeira, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Ericeira
When coming to surf in Ericeira, you want to stay as close as possible to the best breaks. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Blue Buddha Beach Rooms & Suites– Situated directly on Ericeira’s beach, Blue Buddha Beach Rooms & Suites feature panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Free WiFi is available. Guests can easily access surfing beaches, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
2. FLH Ericeira Ocean Flat– FLH Ericeira Ocean Flat in Ericeira features accommodation with free WiFi, 100 m from Pescadores Beach, 200 m from Algodio Beach, and 500 m from Sao Sebastiao Beach. This apartment is 30 km from Pena National Palace and 30 km from Moors Castle.
3. Laneez Ericeira Surf House– Laneez Ericeira Surf House offers accommodation in Ericeira 750 m from the South Beach. Certain units feature a seating area where you can relax. A terrace or balcony is featured in certain rooms. Laneez Ericeira Surf House features free WiFi throughout the property. A flat-screen TV is featured.
For more surf hotels in Ericeira, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Ericeira- Travel Information
Language– Portuguese.
Population– about 12,000.
Currency– Euro.
Calling code– +351.
Time zone– GMT +1.
Pros– consistent waves, variety of surf spots.
Cons– cold water.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
To sum up, Ericeira got its reputation as a perfect surf destination for a good reason. The variety of surf spots, consistent waves, and year-round surf conditions contribute to its great popularity among surfers around the world. Therefore, if surfing in Ericeira has not been on your checklist until now, it definitely should be. Moreover, if you want to explore other surf destinations in Portugal, head up north to Peniche, where you can find the famous break Supertubos.
