Ericeira Surf Coast

The Ericeira surf coast is the stretch of shore in Mafra that was classified as a World Surfing Reserve in 2011, the first in Europe. It runs for about eight kilometres, from Empa to São Lourenço, and holds a series of reef breaks that work through the year.

Surfing shapes the life of the village of Ericeira, with its schools, board shops and competitions.

The waves of the Ericeira coast

• Ribeira d'Ilhas: the best-known break, a long right-hander that has hosted national, European and world championships.
• Coxos: a powerful right-hand reef break for experienced surfers, over rocks.
• Pedra Branca and Cave: heavy waves over reef, for experienced surfers only.
• São Lourenço: a big-wave spot at the north end of the reserve.
• Foz do Lizandro: a wide sandy beach at the river mouth, the usual choice for beginners and families.
• Norte and Sul: the beaches of the village itself, watched in the bathing season.

Beaches of the Mafra coast

Visiting the Ericeira surf coast

• Surf schools: the village has surf schools, board shops and camps, and lessons are given mainly at Foz do Lizandro and the village beaches.
• Safety: most of the breaks are over rock, with currents, so the reef spots are not for beginners.
• Season: the reefs work best with the autumn and winter swells, and summer is the calmer season.

Places to visit in Mafra

Mafra, Portugal

Royal Building of Mafra – Palace, Basilica, Convent & Hunting Park

Royal Building of Mafra – Palace, Basilica, Convent & Hunting Park

Tapada de Mafra

Tapada de Mafra

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Ericeira Surf Coast

Ericeira

Iberian Wolf Recovery Centre

Iberian Wolf Recovery Centre

History of Mafra

History of Mafra

Visiting Mafra

Visiting Mafra