Surf Holidays Ericeira The Mecca of Portuguese Surf

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Ericeira

Ericeira (pronounced Eery-Say-Reh) is the surf capital of Portugal, often described as a 'Surfing Mecca'. Situated only 40 minutes drive from Lisbon and 30 minutes from the airport , it's a fantastic place to learn how to surf and for the more intermediate and advanced there is so much choice you'll feel like a kid in a sweet shop!

Ericeira is a delightful picturesque village that sees an old traditional Portuguese way of life mixing with the new modern surfing culture. You won't find any signs of mass tourism or worldwide fast food chains. The area has 12 surf beaches within the 8km stretch of the town, which has led it to become the number one place to surf in Portugal & in Europe. Some of the best Ericeira Surf Camp options are right on the beach so you never have far to go for a surf.

In February 2011 Ericeira was awarded the title of Europe´s first ‘World Surf Reserve’. It is a major achievement and a testament to the area (there are only 3 in the world, the other 2 are Manley Beach in Australia and Santa Cruz in the US).

A Surfing holiday Ericeira is a very laid back affair. You will spend most of your time time on the beach, in and out of the water, lunching in the beach cafés and surfing whenever you feel like it. You will also want to make time for wandering around the old town's little squares and narrow cobblestone streets that are filled with restaurants, cafés and bars. Throughout the summer there are music festivals as well as some major surfing competitions with the worlds best surfers competing to surf Ericeira waves.

Have a look at our Ericeira accommodation and surf lesson options, and start planning your Ericeira surf holiday...
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Weather Conditions

J/F M/A M/J J/A S/O N/D
Air Temp (°C)
16°
20°
25°
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25°
18°
Wetsuits
Rain

Surf conditions for Beginners:

Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon JAN for BEG level
J
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon FEB for BEG level
F
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon MAR for BEG level
M
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon APR for BEG level
A
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon MAY for BEG level
M
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon JUN for BEG level
J
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon JUL for BEG level
J
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon AUG for BEG level
A
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon SEP for BEG level
S
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon OCT for BEG level
O
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon NOV for BEG level
N
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon DEC for BEG level
D

Surf conditions for Intermediates:

Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon JAN for INT level
J
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon FEB for INT level
F
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon MAR for INT level
M
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon APR for INT level
A
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon MAY for INT level
M
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon JUN for INT level
J
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon JUL for INT level
J
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon AUG for INT level
A
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon SEP for INT level
S
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon OCT for INT level
O
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon NOV for INT level
N
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon DEC for INT level
D

Surf conditions for Advanced:

Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon JAN for ADV level
J
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon FEB for ADV level
F
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon MAR for ADV level
M
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon APR for ADV level
A
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon MAY for ADV level
M
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon JUN for ADV level
J
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon JUL for ADV level
J
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon AUG for ADV level
A
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon SEP for ADV level
S
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon OCT for ADV level
O
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon NOV for ADV level
N
Surf Conditions in Ericeiraon DEC for ADV level
D

Rain

Loading Graph

Season

Best time to go depends on your level above. July, August & September are the peak tourist months.

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Surf Lessons / Guide available on site
Suitable for: Beg/Int/Adv
Add Surf Lessons / Guide in the booking steps
Suitable for: Beg/Int/Adv
Surf Lessons / Guide available on site
Suitable for: Beg/Int/Adv
Add Surf Lessons / Guide in the booking steps
Suitable for: Beg/Int/Adv
Add Surf Lessons / Guide in the booking steps
Suitable for: Beg/Int/Adv
Surf Lessons / Guide available on site
Suitable for: Beg/Int/Adv
Surf Lessons / Guide available on site
Suitable for: Beg/Int/Adv
Surf Lessons / Guide available on site
Suitable for: Beg/Int/Adv
Add Surf Lessons / Guide in the booking steps
Suitable for: Beg/Int/Adv
Add Surf Lessons / Guide in the booking steps
Suitable for: Beg/Int/Adv

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Lessons from

$35

Reviews (148)

     

4.5 out of 5

Na Onda
  • Surf School
  • Portugal
  • Ericeira
  • Main Surf Beach: Foz do Lizandro
  • Pick up from Accommodation
  • Surf lessons available in Na Onda Lessons: Kids Surf , Beginner Surf , Intermediate Surf , Advanced Surf , Private Surf & SUP
  • Children & Adult surf lessons
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Lessons from

$30

Reviews (35)

     

4.5 out of 5

Blue Ocean Ericeira Surf School
  • Surf School
  • Portugal
  • Ericeira
  • Main Surf Beach: Ribeira D'Ilhas
  • Meet on the beach
  • Surf lessons available in Blue Ocean  Ericeira Surf School Lessons: Kids Surf , Beginner Surf , Intermediate Surf & Advanced Surf
  • Children & Adult surf lessons
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  •    World Surfing Reserve Tour
Lessons from

$40

Reviews (2)

     

5 out of 5

"Ericeira SUP" Stand Up Paddle Experience
  • Surf School
  • Portugal
  • Ericeira
  • Main Surf Beach: "Ericeira World Surfing Reserve" area
  • Pick up from Accommodation
  • Surf lessons available in Lessons: Kids Surf , Beginner Surf , Intermediate Surf , Advanced Surf & SUP
  • Adult surf lessons only
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Lessons from

$100

Reviews (24)

     

4.5 out of 5

Surf Riders Ericeira
  • Surf School
  • Portugal
  • Ericeira
  • Main Surf Beach: Praia do Matadouro, Ribeira de Ilhas, Foz do Lizandro, São Julião and Praia Azul, Fisherman´s Beach,
  • Pick up from Accommodation
  • Surf lessons available in Surf Riders Ericeira Lessons: Kids Surf , Beginner Surf , Intermediate Surf , Advanced Surf , Private Surf & SUP
  • Children & Adult surf lessons
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  •   Pocean Surf Academy
Lessons from

$35

Reviews (1)

     

5 out of 5

Pure Ocean Surf Academy
  • Surf School
  • Portugal
  • Ericeira
  • Main Surf Beach: Ribeira D'Ilhas
  • Pick up from Accommodation
  • Surf lessons available in Pure Ocean Surf Academy Lessons: Kids Surf , Beginner Surf , Intermediate Surf , Advanced Surf & Private Surf
  • Children & Adult surf lessons
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Lessons from

$35

Reviews (1)

     

5 out of 5

West Coast Surf School
  • Surf School
  • Portugal
  • Ericeira
  • Main Surf Beach: Sao Juliao, praia do Sul, praia do Matadouro and Ribeira de Ilhas
  • Pick up from Accommodation
  • Surf lessons available in West Coast Surf School Lessons: Kids Surf , Beginner Surf , Intermediate Surf , Advanced Surf & Private Surf
  • Children & Adult surf lessons
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  •   Praia do Norte
Lessons from

$40

Reviews (14)

     

5 out of 5

3 Surfers Surf School
  • Surf School
  • Portugal
  • Ericeira
  • Main Surf Beach: Praia de São Sebastião
  • Pick up from Accommodation
  • Surf lessons available in 3 Surfers Surf School Lessons: Kids Surf , Beginner Surf , Intermediate Surf , Advanced Surf & Private Surf
  • Children & Adult surf lessons
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Lessons from

$40

Reviews (3)

     

5 out of 5

Activity Surf Center
  • Surf School
  • Portugal
  • Ericeira
  • Main Surf Beach: Matadouro
  • Pick up from Central Meeting Point
  • Surf lessons available in Activity Surf Center Lessons: Beginner Surf , Intermediate Surf & Private Surf
  • Children & Adult surf lessons
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Lessons from

$30

BOARDCULTURE SURF SCHOOL
  • Surf School
  • Portugal
  • Ericeira
  • Main Surf Beach: Matadouro Beach / São Julião Beach / Praia Azul / São Sebastião Beach / Praia da Empa and some secret spots...
  • Pick up from Central Meeting Point
  • Surf lessons available in BOARDCULTURE SURF SCHOOL Lessons: Kids Surf , Beginner Surf , Intermediate Surf , Private Surf & SUP
  • Children & Adult surf lessons
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Lessons from

$40

Reviews (1)

     

5 out of 5

Ericeira Local Surf School
  • Surf School
  • Portugal
  • Ericeira
  • Main Surf Beach: Foz Do Lizandro , Praia do Sul , Matadouro and Harbor
  • Pick up from Accommodation
  • Surf lessons available in Ericeira Local Surf School Lessons: Kids Surf , Beginner Surf , Intermediate Surf , Advanced Surf & Private Surf
  • Children & Adult surf lessons
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  •   Beginner,beginning well!
Lessons from

$45

Reviews (5)

     

5 out of 5

Ericeira Waves Surf School
  • Surf School
  • Portugal
  • Ericeira
  • Main Surf Beach: Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas
  • Pick up from Accommodation
  • Surf lessons available in Ericeira Waves Surf School Lessons: Kids Surf , Beginner Surf , Intermediate Surf , Advanced Surf & Private Surf
  • Children & Adult surf lessons
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Lessons from

$39

Waterbound Ericeira
  • Surf School
  • Portugal
  • Ericeira
  • Main Surf Beach: São Julião and Matadouro
  • Pick up from Central Meeting Point
  • Surf lessons available in Waterbound Ericeira Lessons: Beginner Surf , Intermediate Surf , Advanced Surf & Private Surf
  • Children & Adult surf lessons
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Its hard to capture the beauty of Ericeira in a few words. You have to come and see for yourself! The town is unlike any of the usual overpopulated tourist towns that can be found by the sea in Europe. Instead you will experience a beautiful traditional old Portuguese village, where fishing has been the main focus for centuries. The old town sits on top of huge magnificent cliffs that over look the Atlantic below. Below each cliff are stunning beaches each blessed with some of the best surf in Europe. A surf culture has grown as a result and infuses with the old traditional way of life to create a unique balance where old and new sit side by side perfectly.

The fishing village and surrounding areas of Ericeira (pronounced Eery-Say-Rah) have plenty to offer those who want to take a break from the white sandy coastline on their Surf Holiday. Hours can be spent getting lost among the narrow cobblestone streets, enjoying a coffee or a beer in the many cafés and bars, chatting to the locals and admiring the cliff top views. There is a fantastic selection of restaurants, with seafood a specialty naturally. Whether you stay in a private accommodation or an Ericeira Surf Camp you will fall in love with the place.

And when you finish your surf there is nothing better to do than just laze on the beach in the glorious Portuguese sun, especially on Foz do Lizandro beach with its new promenade lined with cafés & bars.

There are also an abundance of surf and fashion shops. Quiksilver have their flagship Portuguese store complete with surf bar, skatepark and late night DJ! Skateboards can be rented from €3 per hour.

Activities in Ericeira

The Tourist Office in the centre of town will be your best friend and has a list of all the surrounding Golf courses (including the PGA Championship course Penha Longa) - www.portugalgolf.pt

The area has many options - MTB, tennis, big game fishing, mountain biking, hiking and 4x4 in the local forest, horse riding, and other water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Restaurants & Bars in Ericeira

Portugal is well known for it's delicious seafood and Ericeira's fishing traditions have spawned some great restaurants. Our favourite is Tic Tak and Tik Tapas run by brothers Pedro and Francisco. Canastra on the sea front serves some of the best seafood in town and has incredible sunset views.

In Ericeira you have many bars including the popular La Luna, Pedro Pescadoro and the cocktail bar Bamboo. A beer will cost you just €1.50. One of the oldest nightclubs in Portugal, “Ouriço”, is picturesquely located overlooking the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. Ericeira is not an all night party town; its bars have a more laid back chill out feel rather than the type that pump out loud music.

Surrounding towns

Dont' miss the monastery in Mafra on your way up from Lisbon - you can bypass the town but it's worth driving through to see the spectacular building. Sintra makes a great day trip, with its spectacular Pena Palace, the summer home to the long gone Portuguese Monarchy.

30 minute south of Ericeira are the coastal areas of Cascais & Estoril. Beautiful beaches lined with cafés, restaurants and fantastic 19th century Mansions - this area is considered the Monte Carlo of Portugal. You will also find Europe’s largest Casino, the famous Casino-Estoril.

Lisbon

You’ll arrive in Lisbon airport and drive 30 minutes north to Ericeira. However the city of seven hills is a city not to be missed. For sights and information log on to www.visitlisboa.com

Lisbon is a great shopping city. Prices are be less expensive than many of its Western European counterparts. High street fashion shops can be found in the Baixa area, especially the pedestrianised Rua Augusta (for clothes, shoes and luxury goods from the likes of Louis Vuitton and La Perla) and the Chiado and Bairro Alto (especially Rua Garrett for clothes and linen and neighbouring streets for ceramics, young designer fashions and haute couture). Avenida da Liberdade hosts big name fashion such as Calvin Klein and Emporio Armani.

One stop new shopping malls are becoming increasingly popular; the best being the Centro Vasco da Gama, with its own cinema, restaurants and shops like Zara, Pull and Bear, Bershka, Mango, Dali, Massimo Dutti. For more info log on to www.centrovascodagama.pt

Its also worth getting the bus or a taxi into Lisbon to try out the restaurants and nightlife. A taxi back will cost you €60 approx. The Barrio Alto district is the main area, a maze of streets full of people enjoying the city's bars and clubs.

Football

Two massive local football teams divide the city – tickets for Sporting Lisboa or Benfica can usually be bought on the day at the stadiums. For info on the Portuguese league check out www.footballportugal.com
Ericeira is only a 30 minute drive from Lisbon airport (see map below), allowing you to surf Portugal's best waves in no time. You can also fly to Faro in the South of Portugal (3 and a half hours drive away) or to Porto in the North of Portugal (also 3 hours drive away)

Flights to Lisbon

Please note to check airports as new routes & airlines may begin operating at any time. Below are just some that fly to Portugal. www.wegolo.com is a website that lets you know who flies where from different cities.

www.aerlingus.com
www.flytap.com
www.ryanair.com
www.britishairways.com
www.flymonarch.com
www.easyjet.com

How to get to Ericeira from Lisbon Airport

Transfers - Book a Private or Shared taxi's and mini buses with our shuttle bus partner here

Bus - From the airport take the underground metro to the main bus terminal Campo Grande in Lisbon centre (20 - 30 minutes). Buses leave every 1hr30 minutes to Ericeira, approx. journey time is 75 minutes. First bus to Ericeira is at approx 8am, last bus 23hr. Approx. cost is €7. Timetable available here www.mafrense.pt

Taxi - From Lisbon airport to Ericeira. Approximate time 40 minutes. Cost €60-€75.

Car Hire - We have a discount car hire section on our website where you can rent a car. Rent your car from the airport and drive up. It is not possible to rent a car from Ericeira.
This is where you surf Europe's best coast line and let the fun begin.There are over 12 surf breaks along the Ericeira coast, with different options for all standards. With so much choice you'll feel like a kid in a sweet shop! The area was introduced in the Stormriders Surf Guide to Europe with the heading "Enter the Heartland".

World Surf Reserve
In 2011 it was awarded the title of 'World Surf Reserve', there are only 2 other places in the world that share the title: Santa Cruz, US and Manly, Australia.

If it is your first surfing holiday to Ericeira then head straight to Foz do Lizandro and Sao Juliao beaches south of town, they are perfect beginner and intermediate surf spots. Closer to town is Praia do Sul. Another great beginner beach breaks. All best at mid tide but surfable at high and low tide also.

For Intermediates you have the reliable and safe reef break Ribeira d'Ilhas, which host the WSL World qualifying series surf championships every year. And for the more adventurous you have the world class Coxos. That's just naming a few, there are too many surf breaks to mention here!

Don't forget to explore further up the coast - 25 minutes away is Santa Cruz and an hour away is Peniche, home to the World renowned Supertubos and host of the Rip Curl Pro since 2009. 30 minutes south of Lisbon is the Cascais coast with the famous Praia do Guincho surf beach. And when north winds are blowing you can venture further south towards Carcevelos beach and the other surf spots along the Lisbon coast.

Come Surf Ericeira with us…

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