How to Surf in Ericeira, Portugal

Ericeira, only 50 km north of Lisbon, is the mecca of Portuguese surfing. There are a number of world-class waves crammed into a few-kilometer stretch of coastline. The WQS, an international surfing competition, holds one of their best contests at Ribera d'Ilhas in central Ericeira.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Surfboard
• Wetsuit
• Car
• Map
• Portuguese phrasebook

1. Start your trip at Foz do Lizandro. This river-mouth break is usually smaller than the other spots, but is rarely crowded. Just off the N-247, look for signs for Praia do Foz do Lizandro.

2. Continue up the coast to Praia do Norte. Always working, and because of its location, always crowded. Praia do Norte can handle any swells and has a few different peaks to ride.

3. Take a deep breath and paddle out to Coxos. When it's working, Coxos is the Pipeline of Europe. Wait for a northwest swell for the biggest, most hollow waves. One word of caution: do not surf here unless you can handle yourself. It gets very big and very heavy, as well as very local.

4. Relax at Ribera d'Ilhas. 1 waves make up this 1 spot. The right-handed wave by the northern cliffs is the usual spot for the WQS, and the left-handed is a little smaller. Ample parking and a good beach café make this Heaven on sand.

5. Say a prayer and drop into São Lourenço. Topping out at over 6 meters, this is Portugal's best-known big wave spot. EXPERTS ONLY! Watch out for the odd cleanup set.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many other spots in the area, however it is essential to have a car.
• Surfing can be dangerous or evenly deadly. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your equipment before surfing.
• When exploring new spots, respect the locals, and make sure that you are constantly aware of your surroundings. Conditions can change very quickly.

Resources

• WindGuru Weather Forecasting