A reeling right-hand point that uncoils over sand-covered reef and cobbles in Ericeira, Portugal's only World Surfing Reserve. NW swell is the engine here, with E or SE winds keeping faces clean, it breaks from knee-high through double overhead and beyond, throwing long winding walls that can run over 200m from top to bottom. Intermediates and advanced surfers own the main peak, though beginners can find space on smaller days when the crowd thins. Bottom: sand-covered reef and cobbles. Season: September through May. Consistency: high through autumn and winter. Pontinha, the outside reef on the northern edge, adds another right-hander that switches on in medium swells, giving the bay more range when the swell has size. All tides work, but be patient at the busiest peak periods when competition in the lineup gets real. Paddle out from the beach to the south and go around the lineup, not through it.
Moderate crowds that spike hard when Ericeira is firing. Locals are competitive and can be feisty at peak times. Go at dawn, aim for shoulder-season weekday sessions, and read the lineup before paddling into the main peak. Respect the pecking order and you'll get waves.
Parking directly at the beach. Ericeira town is close for food, water, and board rentals. Water quality is rated fair, not outstanding. No serious paddle-out hazards beyond the crowd itself, the channel to the south gives a clean route around the lineup.
When Ribeira D'Ilhas is maxed out or packed, Ericeira's reserve stretches north and south with options. Coxos is a harder, hollower right for advanced surfers on the same NW swell. Foz do Lizandro to the south offers a beachbreak that handles smaller, lighter swells when the point is too big.
Forecast by Windy.app
