Europe´s surf capital
Ericeira is a really beautiful Portuguese fishing village, with a fantastic view from the water. The reason people come here to surf is that the Ericeira coast's 8 kilometer long 'surf reserve' has some of the best waves in Europe, it's a place to suit everyone! Here you'll find beginner-friendly spots in the heart of the old town to famous world-class spots where some of the best surfers in the world have caught waves. It is possible to find the right waves all year round! When you arrive in Portugal at Lisbon Airport, Ericeira is only a 45 minute drive away. Our house is located 10 mins from two of the best surf spots.
Ericeira Surf Reserve with 10 surf beaches (within 8 km) with different types of waves
We have gathered our top picks of the best surf spots. They can differ from each other the very same day. So there is a spot for everybody! Ericeiria Design Villa is located 10 min drive from the best surf beaches Sao Juliao and Foz do Lizandro.
The top 5 best surf spots in Ericeira
1. Praia de São Julião
First out and 10 minutes south of Ericeira you will find São Julião, which is a large sandy beach with lovely waves and a sandy bottom. São Julião is often referred to as Ericeira's swell magnet, so you'll likely find enjoyable waves here when other surf spots are quiet. Here we have the so-called beach break and the waves break to both left and right, it is a good place for beginners when the tide is a little lower. Next to the car park you will find a local cafe where you can enjoy a coffee and Portuguese pastries in the sun with a nice view of the waves.
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2. Praia da Foz do Lizandro
The next place on our top list is just a short drive away. Foz do Lizandro beach offers a sandy bottom and nice stone-free walks with a nice view of the surrounding cliffs and the city skyline. It is a very beginner-friendly beach break when the conditions allow it. The beach gets its name from the river Lizandro that flows through here and into the Atlantic. Foz do Lizandro has one of the largest beaches in the area, and along the promenade you will find bars and restaurants with good food and a great atmosphere both day and night.
3. Praia do Sul – South Beach
If conditions get too big at Foz do Lizandro or São Julião, you can head closer to town. Here you will find a more sheltered spot called Praia do Sul or South Beach. It is a beach break that offers waves to surf both left and right. Praia do Sul is located in the center of Ericeira, right next to the iconic hotel Vila Galé. Along the promenade you pass a local cafe and a fish restaurant, both worth a visit!
4. Praia dos Pescadores Pescadores,
also called fisherman's beach, is a beach break in the heart of Ericeira. It is a safe and good place for beginners to learn to surf because the beach is sheltered by the rocks. Pescadors is very popular for a day at the beach, especially during the hot summer. Behind the beach you will also find local fishing boats.
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You can explore the small pretty town with small shops and a lot of small restaurants. The town of Ericeira is about 10 mins from our house.
5. Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas
Last but not least, we have Ribeira d'Ilhas, a world famous surfing spot where national and international surfing competitions are held thanks to the fantastic waves. This beach hosted Portugal's first national surfing competition held in 1977. Ribeira D'Ilhas is the most popular surf spot in Ericeira and is suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers. It is a point break that gives waves to the right, where you can catch smaller beginner waves, or you can paddle to the outside and catch slightly bigger waves, perfect for those of you who are a bit more experienced surfers. Ribeira d'Ilhas is one of seven beaches around Ericeira that are part of the World Surf Reserve. Take a look up to the top of the cliff when you're in the water and you'll see the statue of "The Guardian" looking out over the surf reserve. It is a statue of a surfer with his board.
