Known as the Mecca of the Portugal surf, the Portuguese fishing village of Ericeira has several features that make it an ideal place for high quality surfing, with waves and beaches with funds of rock (point-breaks), or with funds of sand (beach breaks). On the other hand, has beaches with different levels of difficulty, ranging from spots where they are not allowed any mistakes and the spots where you can easily learn and practice safely.
During the summer the prevailing wind on the coast comes from the North quadrant, varying a little between the North and Northwest. When blowing strong, raises very sea of Northwest, often scrambling waves and making them accessible only to high-level surfers.
During winter, however, the swell caused by depression, usually centered west of Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St. Vincent), raises very regular waves from the West, most of the time coming from the Southwest. In these conditions, the surf is committed to high quality, consistent and long waves, which persist for several days with the same quality.
The best surfing conditions, however, occur when the wind is in east quadrant. In these cases, the waves are perfect, often developing very high quality tubes and duration.
Ericeira Beaches
São Lourenço – It is about 5 km north of Ericeira. It offers good conditions for surfing and body boarding. Is composed with funds of rock, which develops right peaks on the north side. The sea is often cluttered and therefore offers better conditions during the winter, especially in conditions associated with the swell. It works particularly well with small sea, up to 1 meter.
Pedra Branca – It is a spot just for very experienced surfers, composed with funds of rock (point-break), which develops waves and shallow tube on a reef that is a little depth. Only works with off-shore wind. Not have any support infrastructure.
Coxos – This spot is one of the best (if not the best) place to go surfing with great sea in the Ericeira´s region, which consists of a large beautiful bay in the middle of which is the point of entry and exit. It is a spot that only serves to very experienced surfers, with funds of rock, filled with sea urchins. This beach develop perfect waves, with small sea arise in the middle of the bay, and with biggest sea come a little further north. The locals are very zealous about this spot. Not have any support infrastructure.
Ribeira d’Ilhas – It is a beautiful and cozy beach in the area of Ericeira, where the funds of rock (point-break) develops right waves, whether in the north part , or in the central part. It is a complete beach: is good for surf initiation and for those who already have enough experience. When the sea is favorable, can develop waves about 200 meters long, very consistent. It has bars and a surf-camp with bungalows.
Norte Beach – This is a beach with sandy bottom (beach-break), which develops multiple peaks that change position. The best conditions are with east wind. Since it is located in the village itself, has all the infrastructures.
Foz do Lizandro – It is a beach with a sandy bottom, which develops multiple peaks. This is a very accessible spot at any level of surfing. When the sea becomes large, no longer a good place to surf. It has a good parking and beach bars.
Where to Stay
Look for Ericeira hotels or for hostels in Ericeira.
Foto: JoCampos
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