Ericeira Waves & Surf Spots
- Extra Surf School
- Sep 2, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 22, 2025
Ericeira is Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve, and with good reason. In just 12 kilometers of stunning coastline, you’ll find waves for every surf level, from friendly breaks to world-class reef breaks that challenge the pros.
This guide will help you discover Ericeira's beaches and surf spots — and find the perfect wave for your surfing level, always respecting local surfers and their spots.
The Beaches of Ericeira
The beaches of Ericeira are known for their unique natural beauty and are easily accessible. The sand on this coast fluctuates with the currents, sometimes leaving some beaches bare and others full of sand, especially in winter. Each beach has its own personality and vibe. From north to south:
1] SÃO LOURENÇO BEACH
PRAIA DE SÃO LOURENÇO
Distance from Ericeira Center: ~7 km north
Beach Type: Sand
Personality: Powerful waves during big swells. Raw beauty with the river and its coastline.
Vibe: Family summer vibe, quiet and natural
2] COXOS BEACH
PRAIA DOS COXOS
Distance from Ericeira Center: ~6 km north
Beach Type: Mix of sand and rocks
Personality: Near the legendary Coxos surf spot. A small and unique bay.
Vibe: Rustic and authentic
3] RIBEIRA D'ILHAS BEACH
PRAIA DE RIBEIRA D'ILHAS
Distance from Ericeira Center: ~3,5 km north
Beach Type: Mix of sand and rocks
Personality: Iconic surf beach with excellent facilities, lots of surf schools.
Vibe: Crowded and lively during competitions
4] EMPA BEACH
PRAIA DA EMPA ou PEDRA BRANCA
Distance from Ericeira Center: ~2,3 km north
Beach Type: Mix of sand and rocks
Personality: Between famous surf spots
Vibe: Local feel, mostly surfers passing through
5] MATADOURO BEACH
PRAIA DO MATADOURO
Distance from Ericeira Center: ~1,8 km north
Beach Type: Mix of sand and rocks
Personality: Favorite of surf schools, easy access
Vibe: Crowded, friendly, and beginner-oriented
6] SÃO SEBASTIÃO BEACH
PRAIA DE SÃO SEBASTIÃO
Distance from Ericeira Center: ~800m north
Beach Type: Mix of sand and rocks
Personality: Aesthetic with its landscape and iconic stairs.
Vibe: Local surfers, families, youngsters
7] NORTE BEACH
PRAIA DO NORTE ou ALGODIO
Distance from Ericeira Center: ~650m north
Beach Type: Mix of sand and rocks
Personality: Village feel, quick escape from the main streets
Vibe: Relaxed
8] PESCADORES BEACH
PRAIA DOS PESCADORES ou PEIXE
Distance from Ericeira Center: ~400m
Beach Type: Sand
Personality: Crowded with families, Calm waters, great for swimming
Vibe: Central, lively in summer
9] SUL BEACH
PRAIA DO SUL
Distance from Ericeira Center: ~600m south
Beach Type: Mix of sand and rocks
Personality: Central, Lively, Traditional, Portuguese Families
Vibe: Picturesque, Social with restaurants, ideal for relaxing by the ocean
10] FOZ DO LIZANDRO BEACH
PRAIA DA FOZ DO LIZANDRO
Distance from Ericeira Center: ~3 km south
Beach Type: Sand
Personality: Versatile — families, sunbathers, surfers
Vibe: Social with cafes and restaurants
11] SÃO JULIÃO BEACH
PRAIA DE SÃO JULIÃO
Distance from Ericeira Center: ~8 km south
Beach Type: Sand
Personality: Versatile — families, sunbathers, surfers
Vibe: Wild and open
THE WAVES & Surf Spots OF ERICEIRA
Ericeira is Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve and a paradise for surfers of all levels. The coastline offers consistent Atlantic swells, frequent offshore winds, and a rare mix of sand, reef, and point breaks — all within just a few kilometers.
This variety means you can always find a wave that suits the conditions and your surfing level. Whether you’re catching your first green waves or hunting for world-class barrels, Ericeira delivers.
Discover Ericeira’s top surf spots from north to south: waves, levels, and what makes them so special. Some remain off the list, honoring local spirit and true surf etiquette.
SÃO LOURENÇO
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 100 to 300 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 3 mts
BEST TIDE: All tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert
COXOS
WAVE TYPE: Point Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 100 to 200 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 4 mts
BEST TIDE: Low to mid tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert
CRAZY LEFT
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Left
LENGTH: 100 to 200 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 2 mts
BEST TIDE: High tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: North
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert
CAVE
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 100 mts
BREAK: from 1 until 3 mts
BEST TIDE: Low to High tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert
PONTÍSSIMA
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 150 mts
BREAK: from 1 until 2 mts
BEST TIDE: Low to mid tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert
PONTINHA
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 150 mts
BREAK: from 1 until 2 mts
BEST TIDE: Low to mid tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate
RIBEIRA
WAVE TYPE: Reef/Point Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 100 to 400 mts
BREAK: from 1 until 3 mts
BEST TIDE: Low to mid tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: Northwest/ West
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate/ Beginner
REEF
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 100 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 1,5 mts
BEST TIDE: Low to mid tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert
BACKDOOR
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 150 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 1,5 mts
BEST TIDE: Low to mid tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert
PEDRA BRANCA
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Left
LENGTH: 150 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 2,5 mts
BEST TIDE: Mid to high tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West/ Southwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert
PAPARUCOS
WAVE TYPE: Point Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 250 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 2,5 mts
BEST TIDE: Mid to high tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate
ABUTRES
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 250 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 2,5 mts
BEST TIDE: Mid to high tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate
DIREITA ARMÃO
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 100 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 1,5 mts
BEST TIDE: Low to Mid tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate
DIREITA S. SEBASTIÃO
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 50 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 1,5 mts
BEST TIDE: Low to Mid tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate
ESQUERDA S. SEBASTIÃO
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Left
LENGTH: 50 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 1,5 mts
BEST TIDE: Mid tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: North
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert
MARIALVAS
WAVE TYPE: Point Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 250 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 2,5 mts
BEST TIDE: Mid to high tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate
PESCADORES
WAVE TYPE: Beach Break
DIRECTION: Left
LENGTH: 250 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 2 mts
BEST TIDE: Low tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West/ Southwest/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate
PICO FUTURO
WAVE TYPE: Point Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 100 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 2,5 mts
BEST TIDE: Low tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate
FURNAS
WAVE TYPE: Point Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 250 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 2,5 mts
BEST TIDE: Mid to high tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate/ Beginner
CÚ GALO
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Right/ Left
LENGTH: 50 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 1,5 mts
BEST TIDE: Mid tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate/ Beginner
HOMEM
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 100 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 1,5 mts
BEST TIDE: Low to Mid tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate/ Beginner
PAPUÇOS
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Left
LENGTH: 50 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 1,5 mts
BEST TIDE: High tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert
LIMIPICOS
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 150 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 1 mts
BEST TIDE: Mid to High tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate
LAJE TUBOS
WAVE TYPE: Reef Break
DIRECTION: Right
LENGTH: 100 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 1 mts
BEST TIDE: Mid to High tide
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: West/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate
FOZ LIZANDRO
WAVE TYPE: Beach Break
DIRECTION: Right/ Left
LENGTH: 150 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 1,5 mts
BEST TIDE: All tides
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: Southwest/ West/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate/ Beginner
SÃO JULIÃO
WAVE TYPE: Beach Break
DIRECTION: Right/ Left
LENGTH: 150 mts
BREAK: from 0,5 until 1,5 mts
BEST TIDE: All tides
BEST SWELL DIRECTION: Southwest/ West/ Northwest
BEST WIND DIRECTION: East
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Pro surfer/ Expert/ Intermediate/ Beginner
Why Surfers Love Ericeira
CONSISTENCY: There's always a wave breaking somewhere.
VARIETY: From calm beach breaks to world-class barrels.
COMPACT COASTLINE: All the spots are within a short drive.
SURF CULTURE: A vibrant international community, surf shops, cafes and terraces, and plenty of local knowledge.
Ready to surf these waves?
At Extra Surf School, we organize lessons by level in small groups or privately — Beginner, Beginner Plus, and Intermediate — so you can surf safely and progress quickly.
We offer Surf Coaching Sessions & Program — Intermediate and Advanced surfers — to enhance all aspects of your surfing, helping you catch more waves and surf them better.
Whether you’re catching your first wave or looking to improve your surfing skills, our local surf coaches will guide you every step of the way.
Surf with us in Ericeira — where every wave is an opportunity!
