Surfing in Ericeira: 6 reasons why Ericeira is the perfect surf spot in Portugal

Ericeira is one of the most famous surf destinations on the Portuguese coast. You will find calm beaches for beginners and challenging waves for advanced surfers. The village itself radiates authenticity, with narrow streets, local cafés, and fresh fish restaurants. In this article, we will guide you through the best surf spots, provide practical tips, and show you what makes Ericeira so unique.

Ericeira is a small fishing village just an hour's drive from Lisbon. In recent years, it has grown into one of Europe's most beloved surf destinations. In 2011, the coastline was designated a World Surfing Reserve. This made Ericeira the second place in the world and the first in Europe to receive this title. It's a recognition of the high quality of the waves and the unique character of the region. The approximately eight-kilometer-long coastline has since been protected to preserve the famous surf spots and the surrounding nature.

The diversity of surf spots makes Ericeira a special surf destination. In Ericeira, there are plenty of accessible spots for beginners and challenging waves for advanced surfers. There's something for everyone: catch your first wave during a lesson or search for the perfect barrel. A barrel is a surfing maneuver where you stay inside the hollow wave as it closes around you. The Atlantic Ocean provides consistent waves year-round, and due to the different locations of the beaches, you'll almost always find a spot that's sheltered from the wind. This means you can get in the water every season and enjoy ideal conditions.

The surf culture in Ericeira started in the 1960s and 70s, when the first surfers discovered the waves along this coast. Since then, the town has grown into one of the most famous surf destinations in Europe, with a mix of local surfers and travelers from all over the world. 

Ericeira has a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly fits the surf culture. If you start surfing early, the fishing boats are still in the water. The fishermen begin their day early to catch a good haul and later bring their fresh fish to restaurants in the town. This gives an authentic glimpse of morning life in Ericeira. After a surf session, you can stop by one of the many cafés along the boulevard, where you can enjoy a galão (Portuguese coffee with milk) while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The locals are friendly and used to surfers, making you feel welcome right away. 

The local surf community is welcoming and inclusive, with a genuine passion for the ocean and respect for nature. There are many surf schools offering lessons for every level, from complete beginners to advanced surfers. Booking a lesson is not only a convenient way to learn the right technique, but it's also a fun way to quickly gain confidence in the ocean and meet new people. The instructors know the best spots and conditions well, ensuring you get in the water safely and at the best times.

Ericeira has a wide range of surf shops. You'll find big chains like Rip Curl and Boardriders Quicksilver, where you can get the latest gear. Additionally, there are smaller boutiques like Magic Quiver or Mothersurf, which focus on sustainable and eco-friendly products. The staff often consists of experienced surfers who can help you choose the right equipment and sometimes give you tips about the surf conditions. You can also find various surf cafés in Ericeira, like Hurley Surf Club.

Ribeira d'Ilhas

Ribeira d’Ilhas is one of the most famous surf spots in Portugal, known for its consistent and quality waves. The water at Ribeira d’Ilhas is relatively calm due to its sheltered location in the bay, making it a safe place for beginners to practice. The incoming waves, also known as swell, are the larger waves that come from far out in the ocean. At Ribeira d’Ilhas, the swell can reach up to four meters in peak season, providing challenging and spectacular waves for advanced surfers as well.

The beach itself is beautiful: golden sand surrounded by steep cliffs. During the morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight hits the coast, it’s particularly stunning. Ribeira d’Ilhas has also hosted several surf competitions, including events from the World Surf League.

Praia do Matadouro

Praia do Matadouro is located on the north side of Ericeira and is easy to reach. The beach is rocky with a small strip of sand. You can surf here year-round. The waves are consistent and not too big, making it a great spot for beginners. There are also challenges for experienced surfers due to the rocks and reef plateaus. The beach has some basic amenities like a food truck, outdoor showers, and restrooms in season, making it comfortable for a day on the water.

Foz do Lizandro

About 2.5 kilometers south of the center of Ericeira lies Foz do Lizandro, a hidden gem among surfers. It’s a beach break with a sandy bottom, which means the waves here are friendlier than those at rocky reef breaks. This makes it an ideal spot for both beginner surfers and those looking to practice new tricks.

The vibe at Foz do Lizandro is relaxed and welcoming. You’ll find both local surfers and international visitors, all enjoying the laid-back surf culture. The beach is well-equipped with facilities like restrooms and a beach bar.

You can surf year-round in Ericeira, with each season bringing its own charm and specific surf conditions.

Spring and summer (April-September): This is the ideal time for beginners. The waves are generally smaller and manageable, the water is warmer (around 18-20°C), and the days are long and sunny. Perfect for relaxed surf sessions, followed by lounging on the beach with a cold drink.

Autumn and winter (October-March): For experienced surfers, the waves during this period are optimal. Powerful waves generated by Atlantic storms make Ericeira a world-class surf destination. The water is colder (14-16°C), but the waves are consistent and challenging. Plus, the spots are often quieter, as many recreational surfers head home during this time.

Extra tip: Some of the best surf sessions occur during winter storms when the waves can reach heights of 4 to 6 meters. However, this is only suitable for very experienced surfers with the right equipment.

Between surf sessions, you can visit various attractions in Ericeira. The historic center is small but charming, with narrow streets, white houses adorned with blue or yellow accents, and a few lovely squares. You can stroll through it in no time, but the atmosphere makes it worth wandering around for a while and enjoying a coffee on a terrace. 

Forte de Milreu is a 17th-century coastal fortress that was once part of the defense line against pirates and invasions. Today, it's mainly a place to enjoy the view over the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline. The fortress itself is small and mostly in ruins, but it's a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. The fort is located along a nice, short hiking trail along the cliffs between Praia do Matadouro and Praia Ribeira d’Ilhas. 

For food lovers, Ericeira is the perfect place. Fresh seafood, traditional pastéis de nata, and the famous bifana (Portuguese pork sandwich) are on the menu. Many restaurants serve fish caught by local fishermen that same morning. In addition to fish restaurants, you'll also find some cool clubs and international eateries. 

Did you know that you can easily combine a surfvacation in Ericeira with a road trip through Portugal? With Portugal Nomads, you start your adventure in Ericeira and can book a surf package. This way, you can take lessons or grab your surfboard at different spots. The route starts near Ericeira and takes you through the most beautiful places in the Algarve in 7 days. A fantastic surf adventure!