Ericeira and Lisbon surf forecast

Surfing in Ericeira and Lisbon

Lisbon surfers have a choice of coasts within about an hour of the city, and each reacts differently to the same swell and wind. Ericeira, around 40 minutes north, sits on an exposed west-facing coast of reefs and points and is a designated World Surfing Reserve. Ribeira d'Ilhas is its best known wave, a consistent right-hand point that works on most tides, is often best around mid tide and suits a wide range of abilities. The Ericeira town breaks and nearby Coxos are mostly over rock and reef, with Coxos a heavy right for experienced surfers only. Easterly winds are offshore here, and the coast picks up swell from the north-west round to the south-west.

The Cascais coast west of Lisbon faces two ways. Praia do Guincho is open to the west and picks up plenty of swell, but it is famous for strong northerly winds in summer and has side currents, so it is better known to windsurfers and kitesurfers on many days. Carcavelos faces south-west into the mouth of the Tagus, needs a decent west swell to break and is usually flat in summer, but it is a lively city beach on good days.

South of the river, Costa da Caparica is a long run of sandy beach breaks, generally the easiest place near Lisbon to learn, with more space than Carcavelos. Winter brings the most consistent swell, though onshore winds can spoil it, so locals often rate spring and autumn highly.

Across the area, September to May is the main season. In summer the northerly nortada often picks up in the afternoon, so mornings tend to be cleaner. The reefs bring shallow rock and currents, while the city beaches can be busy at peak times.