“Ever wondered how the rhythm of the waves in Ericeira shifts with each season, and how that could redefine your surfing experience?”

Ericeira, a charming coastal town in Portugal, isn’t just a surf spot—it’s a world-renowned surfing mecca. Each season brings a unique flavor to its famous waves, offering something different for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner eager to find your footing, or a seasoned surfer looking for thrilling swells, understanding the seasonal changes in Ericeira can make all the difference in planning the perfect surf trip.

This guide will take you through what each season has to offer—highlighting the best surf spots, providing tips to handle seasonal crowds, and ensuring you get the most out of your Ericeira surfing adventure.

Winter Waves

Winter in Ericeira is a time for the experienced and brave. With powerful swells brought by Atlantic storms, the waves can be intimidating, but they also provide the thrill that advanced surfers crave. During this season, the average wave height often reaches up to 3-4 meters, creating ideal conditions for those seeking to push their limits.

Best Spots for Winter

• Ribeira d’Ilhas: Ribeira d’Ilhas is one of Ericeira’s most iconic breaks and a favorite among seasoned surfers. Known for its long, powerful right-handers, it can handle large winter swells with grace. The break works consistently during winter, offering a mix of sections that can be both forgiving and challenging. The wave’s reliability makes it perfect for those looking to enjoy the full power of winter surf in Ericeira, while still having opportunities to ride some long, rewarding waves.
• Cave: Cave is Ericeira’s notorious heavy-hitting spot, reserved for experts who thrive on the edge of danger. Known for its fast, hollow, and powerful barrels, this wave is unforgiving and can be treacherous if underestimated. It breaks over a sharp, shallow reef, meaning there’s little room for error. Surfers tackling Cave during the winter must be prepared for steep drops and thick lips. It’s a challenging wave that rewards those with experience, providing one of the most adrenaline-pumping rides in the region.

Tips for Winter Surfing

• Gear Up: The water is cold, typically ranging between 14-16°C, so a good 4/3 or even 5/4 wetsuit is essential.
• Safety First: Winter waves can be fierce, so it’s crucial to stay aware of your limits and be prepared for challenging conditions.

Winter is a time when Ericeira truly reveals its raw power, offering an unforgettable experience for those willing to brave the chill.

Spring Swells

Spring in Ericeira marks a period of transition. As winter gives way to warmer temperatures, the waves become slightly more manageable, making it a great time for intermediate surfers who want to build their skills. The swells are still significant but not as fierce as winter, offering a balanced mix of power and approachability.

Best Spots for Spring

• Foz do Lizandro: This beach break is perfect for intermediates looking to progress. Foz do Lizandro is known for its versatility, featuring multiple peaks and conditions that accommodate different skill levels. During spring, the waves are punchy but not overwhelming, making it a fantastic spot to work on turns and overall technique. The sandy bottom also makes it less intimidating compared to reef breaks.
• Pedra Branca: Pedra Branca is a left-hand reef break that’s known for its smooth, fast rides. During spring, it offers a good mix of challenge and reward, especially for those aiming to hone their ability to navigate reef breaks. The wave here can be long and playful, allowing surfers to practice their flow and get comfortable with steeper sections.

Tips for Spring Surfing

• Balanced Gear: With water temperatures beginning to warm, a good 3/2 wetsuit is typically sufficient. Keep a 4/3 handy for cooler days.
• Mind the Crowds: As the weather gets milder, more surfers head out, so it’s best to get an early start or go mid-week to avoid the larger crowds.

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Ericeira, with conditions that are less intense than winter but still dynamic enough to keep things exciting.

Summer Surfing

Summer in Ericeira brings a different vibe to the surfing scene. With smaller, more consistent waves and warmer water, this season is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to have a fun, relaxed surf session. The summer months are all about longboarding, playful waves, and soaking in the sun.

Best Spots for Summer

• São Julião: A fantastic beach break for beginners and those wanting to practice on gentle waves. São Julião offers multiple peaks and a forgiving sandy bottom, making it perfect for learners. The smaller swells in summer create a great environment for mastering basics like paddling, popping up, and riding straight waves.
• Foz do Lizandro: Yes, Foz do Lizandro deserves another mention. During the summer, it becomes the go-to spot for surf schools and beginner surfers. The conditions are mellow, and the vibe is friendly, with local surf schools setting up on the beach to help newcomers fall in love with the sport.

Tips for Summer Surfing

• Light Gear: With the water temperature warming up to around 18-20°C, a 2mm shorty or even just boardshorts and a rash guard will be enough on most days.
• Crowd Management: Summer is peak tourist season in Ericeira, and the lineups can get crowded. Early morning or late afternoon sessions are your best bet for avoiding the busiest times.

Summer in Ericeira is all about accessibility and fun. It’s a time to enjoy the beach lifestyle, refine your skills on smaller waves, and just enjoy being in the ocean.

Autumn Opportunities

Autumn is often considered the best season for surfing in Ericeira, and for good reason. The crowds start to thin as the summer tourists leave, the water remains relatively warm, and the Atlantic kicks up some of the most consistent swells of the year. The combination of favorable winds and solid swells makes it an incredible season for surfers of all skill levels.

Best Spots for Autumn

• Ribeira d’Ilhas: Ribeira d’Ilhas works fantastically in autumn as well. The wave becomes more accessible with fewer crowds and steady swells that are ideal for both intermediate and advanced surfers. The right-handers are crisp, offering long rides that are perfect for practicing maneuvers.
• Coxos: Coxos is the crown jewel of Ericeira. During autumn, it can deliver some of the best waves in all of Portugal. It’s a powerful right-hand reef break, known for its long walls and hollow sections. Advanced surfers will relish the challenge of navigating its fast, punchy rides, which provide plenty of opportunities for deep barrels and powerful turns. Coxos demands respect—it’s not a place for beginners—but for those with the skill, it’s one of the best waves around.

Tips for Autumn Surfing

• Optimal Gear: A 3/2 wetsuit should suffice through most of autumn, but keep a thicker one handy for later in the season as the temperature starts to dip.
• Timing is Key: Autumn mornings are often calm with offshore winds, so early sessions can yield some of the best conditions. Less crowded lineups compared to summer make it a great time to truly experience the magic of Ericeira’s waves.

Autumn is a sweet spot for surfing in Ericeira, balancing excellent wave quality, fewer crowds, and comfortable conditions, making it a favorite for many local and traveling surfers alike.

Conclusion

Surfing in Ericeira is a year-round adventure, with each season offering something unique for every type of surfer. Whether you’re drawn by the powerful winter swells, the balanced conditions of spring, the easy-going summer vibes, or the optimal autumn opportunities, there’s always a reason to ride the waves in this beautiful coastal town.

By understanding the seasonal shifts and knowing which spots to hit and when, you can maximize your surfing experience and find the perfect conditions for your skill level. From challenging yourself during winter at Cave, to enjoying the mellow waves of São Julião in summer, there’s always a new thrill waiting to be discovered in Ericeira.

Ready to plan your surf trip? Choose your season, pack your gear, and get ready to make unforgettable memories riding the waves in one of Europe’s most iconic surfing destinations.