Ericeira is a seaside resort and fishing community, belonging to the municipality of Mafra and situated on the western coast of Portugal. The resort is a popular destination for many surfers since the area hosts more than 40 beaches, offering excellent surfing conditions.
Ericeira, as a worldwide surfing destination, counts numerous beaches, thus confusing the surfers who don’t know which one to choose! Coxos beach is one of them and it is pretty popular as it can provide with a totally epic wave quality. The beach is situated in the middle of the bay on the right side of the channel.
The atmosphere is kind of spooky and is hard to get in as there are jagged rocks. The creepy feelings exist at all times, making surfing even more exciting! The spot is in the city, it is not very hard to find but you still need a car. Be very cautious though and bring strictly the necessary without leaving any objects in your car.
The spot breaks regularly and is appropriate for experienced surfers only. The type of the wave is reef rocky and it comes from the right. On the bottom of the sea you will meet flat rocks.
The wave is hollow, powerful and fast and on normal days its length is normal of 50 to 150 m/164 to 492 ft, while in good days, it can reach up to 150 to 300 m/492 to 984 ft long.
The swell size starts working at 1.5-2 m /5-6 ft and holds up to 5 m / 16 ft and over. In spring, the wind blows offshore at 18% and the waves swell size is from 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft) most of the time.
In summer, the waves swell size is from 1.3-2 m (4-6.5 ft) and at 23% of the time the swell size is from 2 to 3 m (6.5-10 ft), and the wind blows offshore at 7%. In autumn, the wind blows offshore at 25% and we have waves with swell size from 1.3 to 3 m (4-10 ft). In winter, the waves swell size is from 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft) most of the time and >3 m (10 ft) at 22% of the time and the wind blows offshore at 28%.
The northwest, west and southwest swell direction is the best. The southeast, east and northeast direction is the best for the wind. Rising and falling are the best tide movement.
The beach is appropriate for experienced surfers, however there are surf schools whose their experts are at your disposal if you are a beginner. Because of the strong currents in the south side, it’s considered to be dangerous for bathers.
The place is absolutely enjoyable. Don’t be afraid of the locals especially in weekends where the place is crowded. In week days, you will only meet a few surfers. Dangers besides the waves are localism. The spot is excellent but very crowded. The best time to go there is in the morning on week days where sometimes you can surf alone. In weekends just forget it!!
Watch out, this is a surf zone. Danger is eminent, surfing is an addictive spot. You think that your board will protect you, but it’s a lie. Once you try surf in Coxos beach, you automatically become a surf junkie. So, if you are a desperado surfer, you should try this beach.
