breaks
Ericeira is a world-class surf zone with an enormous variety of waves on offer, ranging from beachbreaks to powerful, perfect reef breaks. In 2011 Ericeira and its waves were declared Europe's first World Surfing Reserve (WSR) and are today a protected stretch of coastline.
Ericeira suits all levels and ages of surfers, from beginners up to the very Pros, who you may quite likely see in the water once the waves start pumping!
For beginners the summertime (June-Sept) is probably the most pleasant time of the year to come, try it out and get addicted!
For intermediaries and all other levels of surfers we also recommend the spring or autumn months, when swells tend to be bigger and more frequent, while the sun is still nice and warm and rainfalls still few.
And pssssssttttt….. of course, there is surf all year long! But don´t tell too many!
Here is a short and incomplete list of breaks that you may explore. For more detailed information we gladly take the time and walk you through your options during your stay at Elemental Ericeira Guesthouse:
Ribeira d'Ilhas
Ribeira d'Ilhas is Ericeira's most famous break. A versatile set of reefs is creating different peaks and usually always offering something worth getting wet for!
On bigger days these peaks are likely to connect and form a superb long right. The inside corner of Ribeira d'Ilhas is beginner friendly, while other peaks like "Pontinha" - a shallow point break with narrow take-off zone - is suitable for more experienced surfers only.
Ribeira d'Ilhas is home to different surf schools, which offer their services and rent material, among them our partner school Pocean (est. 2007).
Foz do Lizandro
This beautiful beachbreak offers a few peaks breaking left and right. Specially on smaller days Foz do Lizandro is a good and beginner friendly option.
When the sandbanks of Foz do Lizandro line up properly and the conditions are right, Foz can deliver some classy rides with perfectly barreling sections.
In Foz do Lizandro you will find different surf schools offering their services and renting material.
On big days Foz tends to max out and provides strong rips!
Praia do Sul
From end of September on, when the swells get bigger and stronger, Praia do Sul offers several good waves!
There is P.d.F., a scary, hollow right wave breaking directly in front of the rocks, shaping a short heavy barrel ride! Experienced surfers only!
Another, more user friendly wave is “Furnas”. Breaking a little more towards the middle of the bay, Furnas is a fat and fun right wave that is still bringing along some push. Furnas is a very nice option for when the surf is too big anywhere else.
On the inside, at the very southern point of Praia do Sul, you can also find a sneaky little lefthander breaking off the pier.
Be aware of rips and rocks when entering and leaving the water, specially on bigger days !!
Sao Juliao
This beautiful beach is a swell magnet, offering different peaks breaking left and right. Mid tide is probably the best time of the day, but at any tide at least one of the sandbanks should be working.
Similar to Foz do Lizandro, Sao Juliao can deliver some classy rides with perfect little barrels when the banks line up properly and the conditions are right. When swells get too big or winds too strong, Sao Julio tends to max out.
The line up might get a bit crowded during the summer months.
To our knowledge there is yet to be a board rental or surf shop at Sao Juliao beach.
Matadouro
Matadouro beach is right in front of the Quiksilver Boardriders shop. It is a beginner friendly spot offering different peaks, going left and right. The bottom is sandy but with a few rocks. Usually at Matadouro beach the waves are slightly smaller than on the other breakes around. Even though, Matadouro can line up perfectly and offer beautliful long rides.
You can rent materials, get a surf lesson and have a coffe on the Quiksilver terrace overlooking their famous skatepark and the peaks.
beach break, rivermouth
SW, W, NW
0,5m - 2,5m
E, NE, SE
all tides, best mid-low
rips & currents on bigger days
some crowds on smaller days
characteristic:
swell direction:
swell size:
wind direction:
tides:
hazards:
reef break, point break
W, NW, SW
2,5m - 4,5m
E, NE, SE
rips & currents on bigger days
inside rocks
characteristic:
swell direction:
swell size:
wind direction:
hazards:
reef break
NW, W, NNW
0,5m - 3,5m
E, NE, N, NNW
all tides, best mid-low
inside rocks,
rips & currents on bigger days
some crowds on smaller days
characteristic:
swell direction:
swell size:
wind direction:
tides:
hazards:
beach break, rocky, reef break
SW, W, NW
0,5m - 2,5m
E, NE, SE
most tides, best mid-low
rips & currents on bigger days
some crowds on medium days
characteristic:
swell direction:
swell size:
wind direction:
tides:
hazards:
beach break
SW, W, NW
0,5m - 2,5m
E, NE, SE
rips & currents on bigger days
some crowds on smaller days
characteristic:
swell direction:
swell size:
wind direction:
hazards: