Europe's current surfing mecca
Ericeira’s popularity has grown big in the surfing community, as it is known as the Surf Mecca of Europe. Everything started when it was awarded an official World Surfing Reserve in 2011.
With 15 different almost-always-working surf spots along 8 km (2.5 miles) of coastline, Ericeira is a haven for all levels of surfers, from beginner to pros.
For any surfer who is looking for an amazing spot to learn, improve or simply have fun, this is the place to be.
Surf Spots in Ericeira
Ericeira boasts a huge range of beaches and reef surf spots, perfect for all abilities.
For beginners, for example Foz do Lizandro is a forgiving beach break with a rock/sandy bottom, providing plenty of opportunity for practice. Ribeira d’Ilhas also offers a powerful white wash and walkable entry perfect to start practicing your first stand-ups on a surf board.
More experienced surfers will delight in the challenge of the world-famous long and hollow Coxos right wave, as well as the barrels that form at Pedra Branca, Backdoor, Reef, or Crazy Left.
Ericeira Surf Map with filters
Ericeira has beach breaks, reefs, spots for all levels and surf almost during the whole year.
Check our Ericeira surf map with all the spots available in the region.
Region: Ericeira
Region: Ericeira
Region: Ericeira
Region: Ericeira
Region: Ericeira
Region: Ericeira
Region: Ericeira
The World Surf Reserve of Ericeira
Ericeira is an iconic surfing destination in Portugal and is renowned for producing some of the best waves in Europe. It’s no surprise, then, that Ericeira was chosen to become the first and so far the only World Surfing Reserve in Europe.
This special honor from the Save the Waves Coalition recognizes the high quality waves and long-standing surf culture here.
The reserve covers about 8 kilometers of coastline and encompasses a range of iconic and challenging surf breaks. From experienced surfers to beginner riders there’s something for everyone at the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve.
What is a World Surfing Reserve?
The World Surfing Reserve program is a pioneering program that was developed by the Save the Waves Coalition to help recognize and protect the global surfing areas of the world that are of unique cultural and environmental importance.
The World Surfing Reserve helps to recognize and protect key environmental, cultural, economic and community aspects of the surfing areas that are being considered.
What Does the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve Mean?
Ericeira was first named as an official World Surfing Reserve in 2011, it was the second place in the planet to obtain such award and, to this day, is still the only such reserve in Europe.
This recognition has quickly put the little town of Ericeira on the map and strengthened its position in the surfing and tourism industry.
Being an official World Surfing Reserve has helped to preserve and protect the local surf spots and their surrounding environments. These areas are incredibly important, both for tourism and for the sustainability of the local ecosystem.
What Surfing Spots Does the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve Include?
The Ericeira World Surfing Reserve includes a high-density of surfing spots in a very small area, ranging from beach break to reef break and everything in between.
Some of the more iconic spots include Ribeira d’Ilhas, Coxos, Cave and Pedra Branca. However, not all the spots in Ericeira town or surroundings are considered to be part of the World Surfing Reserve from Ericeira.
The list of 7 spots included in the World Surfing Reserve from Ericeira, from south to north, is:
- Pedra Branca
- Reef
- Ribeira d’Ilhas
- Cave
- Crazy Left
- Coxos
- São Lourenço
History and Culture of Ericeira
The town of Ericeira has a long and rich history and is a very old village, presumably a place of passage and settlement of the phoenicians.
Legend has it that the name Ericeira originally meant “land of urchins”, due to the numerous sea urchins that abounded on its beaches (sea urchin in portuguese is “ouriço”).
Ericeira had its golden age in the 19th century, seeing a big development, because it was the most busy port in the province of Estremadura (this administrative area was extinct in the 19th century and is now renamed as Lisbon administrative area).
The port of Ericeira had its own customs, where supplies arriving by vessel entered the country and made it to almost the whole province. The old commercial importance has today switched to a remarkable tourist development, resulting from the privileged location and climate that the city enjoys.
The embarkation and departing into exile of the Portuguese royal family from the port of Ericeira, when the republic arrived to Portugal in year 1910 (an episode that marks the end of the national monarchical regime) makes the port of Ericeira one of the most special and important places in the history of Portugal.
Surf yes, but what else to do in Ericeira?
Surfing should be top of your list of things to do in Ericeira, but you don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy the town. There are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy, such as sunbathing on the beaches of Sao Juliao, Coxos, Foz do Lizandro and São Lourenço. Or, if you’re looking for a more action-packed activity, try a hike along the cliffs or a mountain bike ride to the interior.
The nightlife in Ericeira shouldn’t be ignored either. This small fishing village has a multitude of restaurants that offer a variety of portuguese dishes (including some of the freshest seafood) and some bars that will take you up till late night if you want so.
Finally, for those seeking a bit of culture, Ericeira and its surroundings have a variety of museums and galleries worth visiting. For example, just a few minutes driving you have Mafra palace: if you want to learn about this region culture you shouldn’t miss the visit.
What does Ericeira town has to offer?
Restaurants
Want to try fresh local fish? You will find typical regional and portuguese food restaurants, along with vegetarian, vegan, and international cuisine too.
Nightlife
If you would like to spend some nights out, there are a few bars and cocktail bars that make it till 3.00h am and can keep you dancing till late.
Nature
Enough surfing? Well, that can happen. But it's good to know that you can also go hiking along the cliffs or mountain biking in the surroundings.
Culture
Ericeira has a small art museum, and the capital of the region, Mafra (a few minutes away) has a palace that is in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
FAQ's about surf in Ericeira
How to arrive to Ericeira?
The nearest airport from Ericeira is Lisbon, which is a 40-minute drive away. From the airport you can take a taxi, Uber or hire a transfer that will cost you between 30€ and 50€. There are also buses arriving to Ericeira from Lisbon Campo Grande bus station.
What's the best season to surf in Ericeira?
In Ericeira you have surf during the whole year. However, in winter the ocean can get too big and messy. The best season is from February/March till September/October. In summer there will be some totally flat days, but won’t last longer. January is also a good month, because even being cold, it is usually a meteorologically quiet month that makes the ocean stay in good shape for surfing.
Can you surf in Ericeira in July/August?
Yes you can. The beaches of São Julião and Foz do Lizandro, and also the incorruptible spot of Ribeira d’Ilhas, can pick up swell even when everywhere else is totally flat. However, there might be also totally flat days during summer.
Are there surf competitions in Ericeira?
Yes, the national portuguese surf league makes a yearly stop in Ericeira, usually at Ribeira d’Ilhas. Also WSL organizes competition on Ericeira soil.