THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
to ericeira´s world surfing reserve
Ericeira's World Surfing Reserve designation requirements are based on its quality and consistency of waves, its significant environmental characteristics, its deep-rooted surf culture and history, and strong local community support and governance. The area officially protects seven world-class surf breaks along 4 kilometers of coastline: São Lourenço, Coxos, Crazy Left, Cave, Ribeira d'Ilhas, Reef, and Pedra Branca.
Ericeira is considered a world-class surf spot due to its variety and quality of waves, which cater to all skill levels, along with its consistent surf year-round. The entire 2.5 km coastline is designated as a World Surfing Reserve, a status that recognizes its high-quality breaks and the commitment to its preservation.
Variety of breaks
For all skill levels: The coast offers a diverse range of breaks, from beginner-friendly beach breaks over sand, like at Praia de Foz do Lizandro, to challenging reef and point breaks capable of producing powerful barrels.
Specific world-class spots: Famous breaks like Coxos and Ribeira d'Ilhas are known for their quality and are suitable for experienced surfers.
Adaptable conditions: When the swell gets bigger, the reef breaks further north come into play, while smaller beach breaks south of the town are often the best on smaller days.
Year-round consistency
Southern Europe's most consistent: Ericeira is the most consistent surf spot in Southern Europe, with a high percentage of days each year offering surfable waves.
Consistent swells: Even during the summer, when swells are typically smaller, the coast rarely goes flat.
Varied conditions: The consistency comes from different swell types, with wind swells providing smaller, more consistent waves in summer and ground swells bringing bigger waves in winter, ensuring there's something for everyone throughout the year.
Other factors
World Surfing Reserve status: This designation ensures the protection of the surf breaks and the coastline, preserving their natural beauty and surf quality for future generations.
Surf culture: Ericeira has a well-developed surf culture with a focus on surfing-related businesses, a laid-back atmosphere, and high-quality facilities, making it an ideal destination for surfers.
BACKDOOR
Located at Praia da Empa, between Pedra Branca and Reef, Backdoor is the most approachable of the three breaks. This right-hand reef works best on smaller northwest swells, offering clean, fast walls with plenty of room for turns and the occasional barrel.
It’s ideal for confident intermediates up to about a meter, and better reserved for advanced surfers once it starts pushing size. The wave has good speed and shape, but avoid low tide — the reef sits shallow. Best with easterly winds and a touch of swell from the northwest.
Backdoor Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Reef
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Right
CONSISTENCY
★★★★☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
Northwest
SWELL SIZE
Up to 2 meter
LOCALISM
★★★☆☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 100 meter
BEST SEASON
All year
CROWD FACTOR
★★☆☆☆
calada
About 10 km north of Ericeira, Praia da Calada sits in a sheltered bay surrounded by cliffs. While not the area’s most famous surf spot, it can deliver mellow, uncrowded waves during lower tides. The north side of the bay offers an a-frame with playful lefts and rights breaking over reef — the right tends to mellow out, while the left walls up for longer rides. Occasionally, a short left appears on the south side with the right conditions.
Best surf comes with easterly winds and west swells. It’s a scenic, easygoing spot with a large car park and a beachfront café — just keep an eye on the shorebreak at higher tides.
Praia da Calada Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Sand with rocks, Reef
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Left and right
CONSISTENCY
★★★☆☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
West
SWELL SIZE
Up to 2.5 meter
LOCALISM
★★☆☆☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 150 meter
BEST SEASON
All year
CROWD FACTOR
★★☆☆☆
Coxos Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Reef
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Right
CONSISTENCY
★★★★☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
West, Northwest
SWELL SIZE
Up to 3 meter
LOCALISM
★★★★★
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 250 meter
BEST SEASON
All year
CROWD FACTOR
★★★★☆
COXOS
Just north of Baía dos Dois Irmãos sits Coxos — a world-class right-hand point break revered by surfers everywhere. The wave wraps beautifully along the rocky shoreline, breaking over a gradually sloping reef that gives it its signature shape and power.
Drawing energy from deep water, Coxos unloads in fast, hollow sections that can link together into long, barreling rides. On the right swell angle, it’s perfection — heavy, mechanical, and unforgettable. The wave holds size, works best on a low tide, and stays remarkably consistent year-round.
Entry and exit here can be challenging, and the reef is peppered with sea urchins, so experience (and booties) are essential. Respect the lineup and the locals — this break is sacred ground.
Crazy Left Facts
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SURF LEVEL
Advanced / Pro
BOTTOM
Reef
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Left
CONSISTENCY
★★☆☆☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
Northwest
SWELL SIZE
Up to 2.5 meters
LOCALISM
★★★★☆
BEST TIDE
Mid–High
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 100 meters
BEST SEASON
All year
CROWD FACTOR
★★★☆☆
CRAZY LEFT
Crazy Left is exactly what the name suggests—a fast, hollow left-hander that comes alive when conditions align. This point break sits on the southern edge of Baía dos Dois Irmãos, tucked between Cave and Coxos. The best way to reach it is to park near Coxos and paddle across the bay.
Exposed to northern winds, it’s not the most consistent wave, but when it turns on, it’s all power and speed. Ideal conditions are light easterly winds and a northwest swell. Because of its proximity to the Coxos channel, the current can run strong, so it’s best surfed on a higher tide when the shape holds and the takeoff stays clean.
Foz do Lizandro Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Sand
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Left and Right
CONSISTENCY
★★★★☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
Southwest, West
SWELL SIZE
Up to 2 meter
LOCALISM
★☆☆☆☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 150 meter
BEST SEASON
April – September
CROWD FACTOR
★★★★☆
FOZ DO LIZANDRO
Foz do Lizandro is a wide beach break shaped by a river mouth, offering a mix of mellow and punchy peaks. You’ll usually find a left breaking near the southern end and a friendly A-frame in the center, while the north side hides two lesser-known reef breaks, Lage dos Tubos and Limipicos.
This beach is one of the most consistent in the area and often your best option when southern winds hit, thanks to the shelter from nearby cliffs. When the sandbars align, the left at the river mouth can turn into a long, hollow ride.
Best surfed from low to mid tide, Foz do Lizandro handles bigger swells well and remains fun and forgiving when smaller—making it ideal for beginners and surf schools. The sandy bottom keeps things friendly, though rips can get strong when it’s pumping. The best setup is a west or southwest swell with light east winds. There’s plenty of convenience too: parking, showers, cafés, and a laid-back local vibe.
Foz do Sizandro Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Sand, Sand with rocks
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Left and right
CONSISTENCY
★★★★☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
Northwest
SWELL SIZE
Up to 2 meter
LOCALISM
★★★☆☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 150 meter
BEST SEASON
April – September
CROWD FACTOR
★★★☆☆
FOZ DO sisandro
Located about 5 km north of blanco bungalow, Foz do Sizandro marks the southern end of a long stretch of beach that connects to Praia Azul. It’s a classic beach break with multiple peaks offering both lefts and rights, and a few rocky areas toward each end. Swells from the northwest tend to produce larger waves here than in Ericeira, while west swells bring smaller, softer conditions. On low tide, you can sometimes spot a small shipwreck resting on the sand.
It’s a great option when you’re looking for fewer crowds, though timing is key since it’s quite sensitive to wind and swell direction. The best conditions are usually between low and mid tide. There’s a parking area and a small café nearby — the perfect spot for a quiet surf session away from town.
Matadouro Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Reef
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Left and Right
CONSISTENCY
★★★☆☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
West, Northwest
SWELL SIZE
Up to 2.5 meter
LOCALISM
★★☆☆☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 200 meter
BEST SEASON
All year
CROWD FACTOR
★★☆☆☆
MATADOURO
Matadouro is an easy-access break just in front of the Quiksilver Boardriders store and skatepark. To the left of the large offshore rock, a mellow A-frame offers soft lefts and punchier rights. With the right tide, beginners can catch smaller reforms on the inside, though it only works for a short window. On the right side of the rock lies Paparucos, another fun option when conditions align.
The reef here is shallow at low tide, so it’s best to wait for more water before paddling out. Matadouro starts working with a moderate swell and can hold up to 2.5 meters. Light east winds keep it clean, and during the surf season, you’ll find food trucks, showers, and toilets nearby.
Pedra Branca Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Reef
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Left
CONSISTENCY
★★★☆☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
Northeast, East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
Southwest, West
SWELL SIZE
Up to 2.5 meter
LOCALISM
★★★★☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 100 meter
BEST SEASON
All year
CROWD FACTOR
★★★★☆
Pedra Branca
Pedra Branca, or “White Stone,” marks the start of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve and is known as the area’s best left-hander. Located on the southern end of Praia da Empa, next to Backdoor, it’s accessed by a dirt road near Camping Ericeira.
This powerful reef break delivers fast, hollow waves and heavy barrels over a shallow, holey reef—mistakes here come at a price. It comes alive on mid to high tide, when the reef is just covered, and handles swells up to 2.5 meters.
Best with east to northeast winds and a west or southwest swell, Pedra Branca is a favorite among bodyboarders and advanced surfers. The takeoff zone is narrow, the crowd small, and respect in the lineup is key.
Peniche – Baleal Sul Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Sand
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Left and right
CONSISTENCY
★★★★☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
Southeast
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
Northwest
SWELL SIZE
Up to 3 meter
LOCALISM
★★☆☆☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 150 meter
BEST SEASON
All year
CROWD FACTOR
★★★★☆
Peniche - Baleal do sul
Praia do Baleal Sul stretches for 4 kilometers between Baleal and Peniche and offers multiple peaks for all surf levels. The southern section near Peniche — known as Gambôa and Cerro — tends to receive less swell, creating smaller, playful waves ideal for beginners, though there are rocks to watch out for at Gambôa.
The middle of the bay, Meio da Baia, catches the most swell and delivers punchier waves with the potential for barrels when conditions align. The northern section, Cantinho da Baia, is a consistent and mellow beach break offering fun lefts and rights suitable for all abilities.
Wave size generally tapers off toward both ends of the bay, making it beginner-friendly. Side-offshore summer winds often keep it surfable year-round.
Peniche – Supertubos Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Sand
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Left and right
CONSISTENCY
★★★★☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
Northeast, East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
Southwest, West
SWELL SIZE
1 to 3.5 meter
LOCALISM
★★★★★
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 150 meter
BEST SEASON
October – March
CROWD FACTOR
★★★★★
peniche - supertubos
Located about 65 km north of Blanco Bungalow, Supertubos sits on the southern side of Peniche and is widely considered one of the best beach breaks in Portugal. This world-class wave offers heavy barrels and long, hollow rides when the swell arrives from the west or southwest. With the right conditions, it can produce some of the most perfect and powerful tubes in Europe — but it’s not for the faint-hearted.
Supertubos is a beach break with both lefts and rights, though the lefts tend to be better. When the swell is big, it’s reserved for advanced surfers ready to handle the intensity and the crowd. On smaller days, however, it becomes more manageable and suitable for intermediate surfers.
There are multiple peaks along the stretch of sand, though the quality sections will be packed when it’s firing. If the swell swings too far north, Peniche’s peninsula blocks the energy and Supertubos quiets down — but when it’s maxing out, Molhe Leste, just north, is worth checking.
Praia Azul Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Sand, Reef
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Left and right
CONSISTENCY
★★★★☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
Northwest
SWELL SIZE
Up to 2 meter
LOCALISM
★★★☆☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 150 meter
BEST SEASON
April – September
CROWD FACTOR
★★☆☆☆
praia azul
Located about 20 km north of Blanco Bungalow, Praia Azul sits on the northern end of a long 1.5-km stretch of sand shared with Praia da Foz do Sizandro. It’s a classic Portuguese beach break that catches plenty of swell and offers multiple peaks with both lefts and rights. On the north side of the beach, there’s also a reef break that can light up under the right conditions.
Praia Azul is a great option when you’re looking for space to yourself. It usually works best between low and mid tide and prefers a northwest swell paired with light winds from the east. The wave quality depends heavily on timing and conditions, but when it lines up, it delivers long, playful rides right in front of the main car park.
Praia do Sul Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Sand with rocks
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Left and Right
CONSISTENCY
★★★☆☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
Northeast, East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
Southwest, West
SWELL SIZE
1 to 2.5 meter
LOCALISM
★☆☆☆☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 100 meter
BEST SEASON
October – March
CROWD FACTOR
★★★★☆
praia do sul
Also known as Praia da Baleia, this beach sits just south of Ericeira’s town center and offers several peaks spread across the bay. The main peak is often called Praia do Sul, while Furnas breaks on the north side and Papucos lines the south near the pier.
This beach only comes alive with larger swells — during summer it’s usually flat. When it does break, you’ll find both lefts and rights rolling over sand with scattered rocks beneath the surface, so a bit of caution is needed. While it’s not Ericeira’s most powerful wave, it’s one of the few spots that stays surfable when the northerly winds blow out the rest.
Praia Grande Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Sand
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Left and right
CONSISTENCY
★★★★☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
Southwest, West, Northwest
SWELL SIZE
Up to 2 meter
LOCALISM
★★★☆☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 150 meter
BEST SEASON
All year
CROWD FACTOR
★★★★☆
Praia Grande
Located about 40 km south of Blanco Bungalow, Praia Grande is one of the most consistent and well-known surf breaks on the west coast of Portugal. This powerful, versatile beach break offers multiple peaks that work across different tides, picking up nearly any swell that rolls in. Because it’s so exposed, it catches plenty of waves — but it’s also sensitive to wind.
When the surf is small, Praia Grande can be accessible for intermediates, but as the swell builds, the waves turn heavy with long, barreling sections that attract experienced surfers and bodyboarders alike. On the right day, it’s one of the best tube-riding spots in the region — just expect a bit of local competition in the lineup.
If the crowds get intense, you can always check Praia Pequena, a smaller and more sheltered bay just to the north.
Reef Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Reef
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Right
CONSISTENCY
★★★☆☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
Northwest
SWELL SIZE
Up to 2 meter
LOCALISM
★★★★☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 50 meter
BEST SEASON
All year
CROWD FACTOR
★★★☆☆
reef
Reef is a powerful, fast, and short righthander located on the north side of Praia da Empa, right next to another well-known spot, Backdoor. Its name comes from the shallow reef platform it breaks over—starting from land and gradually deepening toward the northeast. It’s a year-round wave that delivers serious power when it’s on.
Because the reef drops quickly into deep water, the wave breaks with intensity. When conditions align, it forms hollow, heavy barrels—but the sharp reef beneath means mistakes can be costly. The take-off is steep and critical, followed by a fast tube section that ends exactly where the reef starts to surface. Timing your exit is everything.
Reef works best with wind from the east (SE–NE) and swell from the northwest, typically around mid tide. It’s one of the most demanding waves in the Ericeira area and a favorite among bodyboarders. For expert surfers only!
Ribeira d’Ilhas Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Reef
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Right
CONSISTENCY
★★★★★
BEST WIND DIRECTION
Northeast, East, Southeast
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
West, Northwest
SWELL SIZE
Up to 3 meter
LOCALISM
★☆☆☆☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 250 meter
BEST SEASON
All year
CROWD FACTOR
★★★★★
Ribeira d´ílhas
Just north of Ericeira, Ribeira d’Ilhas is one of Portugal’s most famous and accessible surf breaks. This long, right-hand point peels gracefully over a mix of reef and cobblestone, offering smooth, forgiving walls that make it one of the best spots for beginners to learn and progress, while still delivering long, powerful rides for experienced surfers.
The wave holds through most tides and stays impressively consistent, especially with northwest swells and light easterly winds that the valley naturally protects. It’s a popular lineup, but multiple peaks help spread the crowd, and its long, peeling shoulders remain some of the most inviting waves in Ericeira.
Santa Cruz Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Sand, Sand with rocks
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Left and right
CONSISTENCY
★★★★☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
West, Northwest
SWELL SIZE
Up to 2 meter
LOCALISM
★★★☆☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 150 meter
BEST SEASON
April – September
CROWD FACTOR
★★★☆☆
Santa Cruz
Located about 25 km north of Blanco Bungalow, Santa Cruz is a lively coastal town in summer and quiet through the winter months. The beach breaks around town offer plenty of options on small to medium swells, with both lefts and rights scattered across multiple peaks. The waves closest to town can get crowded, but heading a little farther north usually means fewer people and better quality surf. Just south of Praia de Santa Cruz you’ll also find Praia das Amoeiras, another fun option when conditions line up.
Santa Cruz is an exposed beach break, picking up lots of swell but also very sensitive to wind. The best setup is west to northwest swell paired with light offshore winds from the east, working best around low to mid tide depending on the sandbanks.
São Julião Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Sand, Sand with rocks
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Left and right
CONSISTENCY
★★★★☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
East, Southeast
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
West, Northwest
SWELL SIZE
Up to 2 meter
LOCALISM
★★★☆☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 150 meter
BEST SEASON
April – September
CROWD FACTOR
★★★★☆
São Julião
About 5 km south of Blanco Bungalow, São Julião is a reliable beach break with a long stretch of sand and multiple peaks offering both lefts and rights. It picks up plenty of swell, so even tiny days are usually surfable. With the right tide and a lined-up swell, it can throw clean barrels. It’s also quick to max out and very wind sensitive, so timing matters.
Below mid tide is usually best, though sandbanks shift and can change the call. On small days it’s beginner-friendly and popular with surf schools. On bigger swells the rips get heavy and punchy. The peak by the main car park can crowd up, but if you walk toward Praia da Vigia you’ll often find room to move. Keep an eye out for rocks through the middle and south of the beach.
São Lourenço Facts
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SURF LEVEL
BOTTOM
Sand with rocks, Reef
DIRECTION OF WAVE
Right
CONSISTENCY
★★★★☆
BEST WIND DIRECTION
East
BEST SWELL DIRECTION
Northwest
SWELL SIZE
Up to 5 meter
LOCALISM
★★★☆☆
BEST TIDE
LENGTH OF WAVE
Max 200 meter
BEST SEASON
All year
CROWD FACTOR
★★☆☆☆
são lorenco
At the northernmost point of the World Surfing Reserve, São Lourenço is a consistent right-hand point break that peels across a rocky platform just offshore. The wave offers long rides with multiple sections — powerful on the takeoff, then tapering into more playful shoulders ideal for intermediates and longboarders. With the right conditions and tide, you might even score a small beach break or a rare left on the south side of the bay.
When big swells roll in, São Lourenço transforms into one of Ericeira’s true heavy-water waves, capable of holding up to 5 meters. It’s best between low and mid tide, with clean northwest swells and light easterly winds. Despite its power, the lineup is often quieter due to its distance from town. Just be cautious of the shorebreak at high tide — it packs a punch.