Surf in Ericeira today
Ericeira, Portugal · 14 spots ranked
Praia da Baleia is the best choice in Ericeira today: waist high, 10-second swell, light offshore wind, rated fair.Matadouro is close behind.
Tomorrow, Wednesday 4 November
Matadouro is the best choice in Ericeira tomorrow: ankle to knee high, 10-second swell, light offshore wind, rated fair.
Surfing in Ericeira
Ericeira is a World Surfing Reserve - a ten-kilometre stretch north of Lisbon with more good reefs and points packed together than anywhere else in Europe. Ribeira d'Ilhas, Coxos, Cave and Pedra Branca sit within a few minutes of each other; the beach breaks south of town - Foz do Lizandro, São Julião - are where people learn.
That density is the point. On any given day one of these spots is working and most are not, and the wrong choice is a wasted drive or a dangerous one. This page ranks them against each other from today's forecast, using the same model as the app.
Where should a beginner surf in Ericeira?
Foz do Lizandro and São Julião. Both are sandy beach breaks with surf schools on them, sheltered enough that they work when the reefs are too big. Praia do Sul, in town, is the third option on a small day.
Stay off the reefs while you're learning, whatever the forecast says. Coxos, Cave and Pedra Branca break shallow over rock and are crowded with people who know them.
When is the best time to surf Ericeira?
September to April brings the North Atlantic groundswell that lights up the reefs. Summer is smaller, often onshore in the afternoon, and better for the beach breaks and for learning. Autumn - September into November - is the sweet spot: size with warm water and lighter wind.
Common questions
Which Ericeira spot is best for beginners?
Foz do Lizandro or São Julião: sandy beach breaks with surf schools, sheltered enough to work when the reefs are too big for learners.
When is the best time of year to surf Ericeira?
September to April for the reefs, when North Atlantic groundswell arrives. Autumn is the balance of size, warm water and light wind.
Is Ribeira d'Ilhas good for intermediates?
Yes - it is the most forgiving of Ericeira's reefs, a long right with a deep channel, and hosts World Surf League events for that reason.
How far is Ericeira from Lisbon?
About 45 minutes by car up the A8 and A21, or an hour by bus from Campo Grande.
Does Ericeira work on a small swell?
The beach breaks do. The reefs need a proper groundswell - roughly ten seconds of period or more - to stand up.