Ericeira was awarded the title of Europe's first and only World Surf Reserve in February 2011, a preservation programme whose sole aim is to protect key environmental, cultural, economic and community attributes of surfing areas. This recognition has elevated Ericeira into the same ranks of the Gold Coast, Australia and Santa Cruz, California and hosts world championships. Not all the beaches here are for professional surfers, there are a diversity of waves and conditions to suit all levels of competence and types of boards. Some of the best Ericeira surf camp options are right on the beach so you never have far to go for a surf. Ericeira is only 40 minutes drive from Lisbon centre and 30 minutes from the airport. You can get a bus from the centre of Lisbon which takes about an hour.
[ More About ► ] Nearby, there are twelve beaches suitable for surfing with rental shops and surf schools at hand.
Praia da Foz do Lizandro
If you're a beginner head straight to Foz do Lizandro south of Ericeira which is one of the best spots for learning how to surf. The beach is beautiful, has a sandy bottom, and offers some pretty great breaks from low to mid-tide. |
38° 49' 29.2" N | 09° 28' 11.8" W
Praia de São Julião
São Julião enjoys the best swells in Ericeira. As with Foz do Lizandro, São Julião is ideal for learner surfers. The best waves are found between low and mid-tide. The beach has a sandy bottom and is free of rocky obstacles.
38° 55' 55.1" N | 09° 25' 12.0" W
Praia do Sul
South or Ericeira Praia do Sul is another great beginner beach break.
It's a beautiful long beach with a nice sandy bottom and both left and right peaks. Praia do Sul is one of the more popular beaches in the area enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. |
38° 57' 20.7" N | 09° 24' 58.3" W
Praia dos Coxos
For the more adventurous there is the world-class Praia dos Coxos which is tube city and can be absolutely wild when the water really gets going.
The breaks here are fast and furious. The wave changes according to swell direction, period and wind direction, but is always fun. This is definately the beach for the pros. No longboards allowed! |
39° 00' 16.1" N | 09° 25' 31.6" W