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 offers beautiful and clean beaches. One of them is Ribeira D’ilhas. It’s located in between Ericeira and Ribamar, and it’s at 3.5 km/2 mi north of the village’s center. It’s one of the best surfing spots in Europe. The ASP (WQS) World’s Surf Championships is being hosted in this spot since 1985.
The regional classic wave is very consistent for 150 days/year, providing with excellent conditions for all levels of surfers. The wave is point break and has a great right. The power varies according to the weather conditions and the swell, so you might find it powerful, powerless or just fun!
The bottom is full of flat rocks. The length varies from normal of 50 to 150 m/164 to 492 ft long to very long of 300 to 500 m/984.3 to 1640 ft long. The swell in its best comes from the northwest and west.
In summer, the waves swell size is from 1.3-2 m (4-6.5 ft) and the wind blows offshore at 7%. In autumn, the wind blows offshore at 27% and the waves swell size is from 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft) most of the time. In winter, the waves swell size is from 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft) and at 26% of the time the swell size is >3 m (10 ft) and the wind blows offshore at 33%. In spring, the wind blows offshore at 22% and the waves swell size is from 1.3-2 m (4-6.5 ft) to 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft).
The spot works perfectly for mid tides with movements of rising and falling tides. The atmosphere is amazing but it gets really crowded. It is a very good spot that creates great waves.
The beach is appropriate for all surfers, no matter the experience they have. If you need help or want to learn how to surf, there are local schools that will make it happen. In the parking area, there is a descent bar so after a nice session, you can relax and drink something while watching others riding the waves. When you are not breaking the waves, you can visit the cultural center (Casa de Cultura Jaime Lobo E Silva) or the municipal library (Biblioteca Municipal da Ericeira), in case you need to brush up your history knowledge.
