Ericeira

Praia do Norte, just a short stroll from the centre of Ericeira, stands as one of the area's most dependable breaks. Its lineup blends uneven reef with patches of sand, creating a dynamic foundation that fuels a predominantly right-hand reef at the northern end. The wave can get sectioney, requiring some readjustment, while a left-hand option occasionally appears further up the beach, and additional peaks set up near the harbour wall, adding variety to the session.

Best Surf Season (October - March)

Ericeira's west-facing points and beachbreaks are in their prime when the North Atlantic storm machine spins up. From October through March, average surf heights range from 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m), and periods sit in the 11-13s range, giving the reefs and sandbars serious power. The dominant swell directions are NW and WNW, with a healthy dose of W and occasional SW wrapping into the bay. The key to great waves, however, is wind: when a high-pressure ridge sets up over Iberia, light offshore flow from the NE through ESE cleans up the lines. Those are the days Ericeira lives up to its reputation. Positive NAO phases tend to send strong lows toward Portugal, while the accompanying Atlantic fronts bring size but also westerly onshore wind; timing the post-frontal offshore flow is everything.