Surfing in Praia do Sul, Ericeira
Ericeira rivals Nazaré for the title of Portugal’s top surfing destination. In 2011 it became the first surfing town in Europe (and remains the only one to this day) to be declared a World Surfing Reserve by the Save the Waves Coalition, meaning it’s recognized as “a world-class surf zone” with a “variety of waves ranging from beachbreak to powerful reef breaks.”
This distinction has led to the opening of a number of surf schools and surf-related businesses, and to the hosting of regional and international surf competitions.
Ericeira now attracts surfers from all over the world
The best surf season is from October to May, as during the summer the waves tend to be calmer and the beaches crowded with local sunbathers and tourists. Most of the beaches and surrounding environment are part of the “World Surfing Reserve,” so they’re protected and you can expect clean sand and water and the Blue Flag (a symbol of quality).
Ericeira is Europe's only World Surfing Reserve
This is a coastline dominated by rocky cliffs, and the beaches are located in small bays. It attracts not just surfers from around the world, but also the people of Lisbon and tourists on day trips for the seafood and a day in the sun. The world-class waves are good for all levels, and surf schools remain in business throughout the year.
Monument to surfers, above the beach of Ribeira d'Ilhas in Ericeira
The main surfing beach is Ribeira d’Ilhas, but you’ll find outstanding surf conditions throughout the 4km-long “world surfing reserve,” as well as at the beaches to the south of the center of town.
Surfers in Praia do Matadouro, Ericeira
To know more about Ericeira’s surfing culture and the best spots for the sport, visit the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve Interpretation Center in the old town’s main square (Praça da República), in the same building as the tourist office. Using modern technology, it provides an interactive experience, as it explains the coastline’s waves, fauna and flora.
The Ericeira World Surfing Reserve Interpretation Center shares the building of the tourist office
Surf Camps and Hostels in Ericeira
With a sea view on a hilltop above Praia do Sul, this hostel has 15 colorful rooms and two dorms. It offers surfing lessons and equipment, and organizes activities ranging from horseback riding to yoga and massages.
Located close to the coastal road that leads to the main surfing beaches, this hostel offers sea views and a colorful interior with rooms with shared bathrooms. It organizes surfing lessons.
By the road to the north of the Ribeira d’Ilhas surfing beach, is this hostel with dorms, twin and double rooms. Some of them offer a glimpse of the ocean, but best of all is the relaxing terrace outside.
This hostel isn’t far from Praia do Sul, Ericeira’s most popular beach. Other beaches and the old town are within walking distance, but there’s plenty to do at the property -- sunbathe in the spacious garden, cool down in the small pool, play tennis, or enjoy a meal. It has male, female, and mixed dorms, as well as double rooms with private and shared bathrooms. It also offers surfing and stand up paddle lessons.
Centrally located close to Praia do Sul, this hostel is partly decorated with a surfing theme. It provides dorms plus a twin and a triple room, with shared bathrooms, kitchen and lounge. It offers surfing lessons and discounts at a surf store.
The largest hostel in town is for active guests looking to surf, skate and swim. It features an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, garden and bar. Accommodation includes dorms, double rooms, pods, and an entire apartment.
This guest house is located up the hill from Praia da Foz do Lizandro, so you can grab your surfboard and be on the ocean in just minutes. It’s for adults only, and is divided into double rooms with shared bathrooms.
The closest beach is Praia dos Pescadores, which is the only one in town that isn’t for surfers, but the central location means you have the choice of different waves to the north and south. This is a guest house in a renovated 1950s building, with contemporary-styled rooms of different dimensions, with shared or private bathrooms.
Facing a landmark chapel, by the coastal road of the World Surfing Reserve, this hostel provides budget accommodation to surfers. There are dorms and private rooms, all with shared bathrooms and most of them with ocean views.