• ABOUT THE SPOT

Surfing in Praia do Norte, Ericeira, Lisbon and Coast Portugal

Direction of the wave:
Right and left
Type of the wave:
Reef rocky
Level:
Experienced
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.

One awesome spot in Ericeira situated between the city and the campsite, is Praia do Norte. The beach is extremely popular worldwide as the world’s highest wave was ridden there.

The place is in the city and requires a short walk of 5 to 15 minutes in order to reach it. The normal wave quality that breaks regularly is perfect for experienced surfers. The parking place is right up on the cliff and when you park your car, you can check the amazing wave. The reef rocky wave has excellent right and left and in its power is of pure fun.

In normal and good days, wave’s length is normal and ranges between 50 and 150 m/164 and 492 ft long. The swell, in its best, comes from the north, northwest and west while it starts working at 1 – 1.5 m/ 3 – 5 ft. The wind in its best blows from the southeast and east.

In summer, the wind blows offshore at 7% and the waves swell size is from 1.3-2 m (4-6.5 ft) most of the times. In autumn, the waves swell size is from 1.3 to 3 m (4-10 ft) and the wind blows offshore at 30%. In winter, the wind blows offshore at 37% and we have waves with swell size from 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft) and at 25% of the time the swell size is >3 m (10 ft). In spring, the wind blows offshore at 24% and the waves swell size is from 1.3-3 m (4-10 ft).

The spot works for both low and mid tides with best tide movements of rising and falling tides. During the week and in  weekends, the spot is empty, leaving the place for your enjoyment. This spot can be a good alternative when the swell is nice and when othes popular spots nearby are ultra crowded.

The only thing you need to watch out are urchins and rocks as they can submerge at times, depending on the tide and its movements. It is a cool place to chill and just surf when you had enough of the insane crowd elsewhere.

The spot is appropriate for experienced surfers, but if you are not a pro, it doesn’t matter because the surf schools are at your disposal, in case you need an expert. If you feel hungry, you can taste the good fresh fish in the seafood restaurants. In Ericeira, there is a museum, the Sta. Casa da Misericórdia da Ericeira, in which you can see how the history and the ancient art could seduce you. The cultural center (Casa de Cultura Jaime Lobo E Silva) and the municipal library (Biblioteca Municipal da Ericeira), are the treasures of Ericeira.