• ABOUT THE SPOT

Surfing in Pedra Branca, Ericeira, Lisbon and Coast Portugal

Direction of the wave:
Left
Type of the wave:
Reef rocky
Level:
Experienced
Maximum swell size:
2-3 m (6.5-10 ft)
Wind blow:
offshore
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.

On your way from Ericeira to Ribeira d’Ilhas, you will meet Pedra Branca, a beach that has to offer a totally epic wave quality to experienced surfers who visit the spot. Pedra Branca, as one of the few lefthanders in Ericeira and when it starts working, hosts one of the best waves in Portugal. Although the access is instant, you will need a car to get there. The spot is kind of easy to find, but if you ask, everybody knows Pedra Branca. The wave breaks regularly and is reef rocky, hollow, fast and powerful. The bottom is reef with corals, sharp rocks etc.

In normal and good days, the wave length is normal and ranges between 50 and 150 m/164 and 492 ft long. The swell at its best comes from the west, southwest and south while it starts working at 1.5 – 2 m/5 – 6 ft and holds up to 3+ m/10+ ft.

In summer, the wind blows offshore at 0,3% and most of the time, there’s no swell. Only at 3% of the time, there are waves with swell size from 0.5  to 2 m (1.5-6.5 ft). In autumn, the wind blows offshore at 6% and at 7% of the time, the waves swell size is from 2 to 3 m (6.5-10 ft). In winter, at 13% of the time, the swell size is from 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft) and the wind blows offshore at 12%. In spring, the wind blows offshore at 6% and at 11% of the time the waves swell size is from 1.3-2 m (4-6.5 ft).

The wind at its best form blows from the southeast, east and northeast. The place works for both mid and high tides with best movement rising tides. Weekly only a few surfers try their luck at the amazing waters of Pedra Branca, but in weekends, it is ultra crowded. Dangers are few like rocks and urchins. It is a place where experience is necessary though so if you have any problems, the local surfing schools are there to help you. Pedra Branca rocks and totally worth a visit.

When you don’t break the waves, you can visit the municipal library (Biblioteca Municipal da Ericeira) and the cultural center (Casa de Cultura Jaime Lobo E Silva), or learn more about history and the ancient art at the Sta. Casa da Misericórdia da Ericeira museum. The hospitality of the village, the fresh fish and the nightlife of Ericeira will keep you company for as long as your stay. There are other activities that you can do on your spare time and a variety of accommodations.