Ericeira is perfect for your Portugal surf holiday and is surrounded by ocean and by waves. Either on the south or the north coast there are a lot of surf spots. Here are some of the most famous:
The Cave
This place is insane. Only the best in the world can surf this spot as it breaks pretty much on rocks. This place was only discovered in the last few years by the local pro’s and looks perfect from afar. It is uncrowded and can only be surfed at high tide and above 2 meters. Cave (also called Sete Bafos/Seven Spits because of the huge spray spiting from the hollow barrels) is one of the heaviest waves in Ericeira. The Portuguese Bodyboarding magazine finds this spot so insane that they said if someone was going to surf there to notify them, so they can do a full article on them in the magazine!
In General:
- Very Shallow
- Very Heavy
- Very Hollow
- Very Sick
Pointbreak that can be worldclass in the right conditions. Not for beginners this place is a summer break generating all summer swells. Best to be surfed when the swell direction is north/northwest. Very hollow and has to be surfed at high tide. Uncrowded.
Distance from Surf Berbere Portugal: 10 minutes North by horse
This spot is located on the south side of coxos bay. Drive to Ribamar town and then ask directions to coxos - the wave not the beach!
A left hand pointbreak barrelling onto an exposed reef break that has consistent surf and can work at any time of the year. Works best with a solid groundswell from the west/southwest (although windswells will also often do!) and offshore winds from the east. Only to be surfed around high tide so the reef is sufficiently covered.
Crazy left is a relatively popular spot in the area so crowds can be a little heavy at the weekends. Along with mild localism, watch out for strong rips, exposed rocks and some nasty sea urchins!
Distance from Surf Berbere Portugal: 5 minutes drive north
Furnas needs a bit of swell to start firing but when it’s on, boy is it on! Easy access and good for intermediates and experts. The inside section peels nicely offering a fun head-high face whilst the peak throws some huge barrels for those with the stones to paddle out.
Furnas can section a little but there are some solid 100 metre rides to be had. Again, best in a westerly swell and a nice easterly breeze. It’s easy to find, access is relatively simple and localism is low - one of Surf Berbere Portugals favourite spots!
Distance from Surf Berbere Portugal: 25 minutes drive west
When the sand bars are settled this place can be the best beach break in Portugal. (There is also a point break to the south of the beach but as points go in Ericeira, this one is distictly average. People come to Foz do Lizandro for the beach!). The beach is suitable for all standards of surfer and where we usually tke our beginners of lessons as it’s only a few steps from the camp!
It can get a little crowded and there are some great lefts and rights peaking all over break. Mid tide sees some barrels.
Distance from Surf Berbere Portugal: On your doorstep!
Also known as White Rock. Pedra Branca is an extremely hollow left which holds extremely large swell. It can only really be surfed at high tide as otherwise the take of sucks dry over the rock bottom and you’re in for quite a fall. Usually crowded with bodyboarders on weekends and when it’s barrelling be sure to experience a local crowd.
One of the few lefthander in Ericeira but when Pedra Branca starts working we are talking about one of the best waves in Portugal!
Located just north of the town this very ripable right hand point has fun sections and is great for practising your turns whatever your standard. This place works well with all swell and is another high tide spot. It is not recommended to be surfed at low tide. Can be a good long right hander for all types of surfers and is usually uncrowded!
Along right hand point which breaks over rock. Can be one of the longest waves in the area. It holds up to 12 ft swell and gets all of the swell in the summer season. It is a forgiveable wave and has many rip-able sections and suited to beginners experiencing their first point break to intermediates wanting to practice their cutbacks.
If the wind and swell directions are right then the sections can join up giving a huge 200 metre + ride!
It is surfed best with a groundswell from the north west. Crowds are no worse than what you would expect from a quality pointbreak anywhere.
Distance from Surf Berbere Portugal: One hour south
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