Surf spots in Ericeira Portugal
Ericeira is often seen as the surf capital of Portugal and offers an impressive variety of surf spots, crammed into just a few kilometers of coast. In 2011 Ericeira was chosen a World Surfing Reserve, the only one in Europe. Although most of the breaks are rock bottomed, the break in front of Ericeira Surf House is a beach break that is perfect for beginners.
Beginners
If you have never surfed before the beaches south of Ericeira are the place to be. Foz do Lizandro and Sao Juliao are typical beach breaks and perfect for beginners. Praia do Sul also provides some beginner possibilities if the conditions are right. Both Foz do Lizandro and Praia do Sul are within walking distance from Ericeira Surf House.
Intermediates
Intermediates can also have fun on the beach breaks mentioned above but they can also choose for the famous, reliable and safe reef break Ribeira d’Ilhas, host of the ASP World qualifying series or for some other breaks north of Ericeira.
Experienced surfers
For experienced surfers, Ericeira and surroundings is like heaven on earth. They can choose from over 15 surf spots in just 8 kilometers of coastline, with the world famous long and hollow wave of Coxos as highlight. Sitting proudly next to it in the quality stakes are the barrels of Pedra Branca, Backdoor, Reef, Cave and Crazy Left.
But don’t forget to explore further up and down the coast as well. If you drive 20 kilometers north, you’ll find the beautiful beach breaks of Santa Cruz and Praia Azul. The famous beach breaks of Peniche are also just an hour drive. To the south, you have Praia do Magoito, Praia Grande and Praia do Guincho. You can even venture further south towards Carcavelos beach and the other surf spots along the Lisbon coast. This is also the place to go when the western swells are too big or blown out.
Consistency
As you can see in the picture below from Magicseaweed, Ericeira is a very consistent year-round surf destination. With a swell consistency of minimal 56%, it’s actually one of the most consistent surf spots on the South Atlantic coast. Hossegor in France for example has a minimal consistency of 41%, Zarautz in Spain 42% and Sagres/Carrapateira in the Algarve 47%. This makes Ericeira your best bet, especially in the summer.