Surfing Ericeira for Beginners (2026 Guide)

Thinking about surfing Ericeira?

I spent a week here last summer as part of a month-long surf trip around Portugal, and I’m already planning my trip back.

There’s just something about it. The coastline is wild, the waves are consistent, and the whole place feels like it’s built around surfing without trying too hard. You’ve got everything from beginner-friendly breaks to some of the best waves in Europe, all within a relatively small stretch of coast.

It’s also one of those places that’s just easy to settle into. Good food, good coffee, a mix of locals and surfers passing through. I imagine you could come for a few days and end up staying a lot longer than planned.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before you go, from when to visit, to where to stay, to what to expect once you’re in the water.

Is Ericeira Good for Beginners?

Yes, it is. Just don’t expect it to feel easy straight away.

Ericeira is known for its more advanced waves, and you’ll see that pretty quickly once you’re there. It’s a proper surf town, and some of the breaks are fast, powerful, and not very forgiving.

But that’s only part of the picture.

There are also plenty of beginner-friendly beaches, especially just south of town, where you can learn without feeling completely out of your depth. And because there’s almost always some kind of wave, you get a lot of time in the water, which is what actually helps you improve.

I went as someone still figuring things out, and it worked really well. Some sessions felt easy, some didn’t, but overall it felt like a place where you could actually progress, not just stand up once and call it a day.

The Best Time of Year for Surfing Ericeira

You can surf Ericeira year-round, but the conditions change a lot depending on when you go.

I was there in July, and for me, it was pretty much ideal.

The waves had enough push to feel like proper surfing, but they weren’t intimidating. As someone who’s still very much a beginner (posing as an intermediate), it was that perfect middle ground where you can actually work on things without constantly ending up in the washing machine.

In terms of surf seasons, here’s how it generally plays out in Ericeira:

• Summer (June to August): Smaller, more manageable waves. Still plenty of surf, but a lot more forgiving. This is the best time if you’re learning or building confidence.

• Autumn (September to November): This is when things start to turn on. The swell picks up, conditions get more consistent, and you’ll get some really good days. A great time if you’re a bit more comfortable on a board.

• Winter (December to February): Bigger, more powerful surf. This is when Ericeira shows what it’s really capable of. I don’t recommend it if you’re still figuring things out.

• Spring (March to May): A bit of a mix. You’ll still get decent swell, but with more calm days in between. Kind of a transition period.

If you’re anything like me and still finding your feet, summer is a really good window. You get enough wave to progress, without it feeling like survival mode.

How to Get to Ericeira

Ericeira is about 45 minutes north of Lisbon, which makes it one of the easiest surf towns in Europe to get to.

I flew into Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, which is the closest major airport, and from there it’s pretty straightforward.

My surf camp (Salty Surf & Yoga) organised a private transfer for me. It cost €65, and after a travel day, it was honestly the best decision. You walk out of the airport, get in the car, and you’re in Ericeira about 40 minutes later.

If your accommodation doesn’t offer this, you can easily book your own taxi. I found one on Viator here for €43.

If you’re trying to keep costs down, you can do it with public transport, it will just take quite a bit more effort.

From the airport, you take the metro (red line) to Alameda, switch to the green line, and head to Campo Grande. The bus terminal is right outside. From there, you’ll need a Carris Metropolitana bus to Ericeira.

The main one to aim for is the 2803, which takes about an hour and is one of the more reliable options. There are a few others (like the 2801, which is faster but doesn’t run as often), but realistically, you’ll just take whatever lines up with your timing.

Tickets are €6.40 and you buy them directly from the driver. The bus drops you at the main terminal in Ericeira, which is about a 10–15 minute walk from the centre and the beaches.

If you’re travelling light, it’s doable. But if you’ve got a board bag or luggage, I’d personally just organise a private transfer with you accommodation or book a taxi and keep it easy.

Where to Stay in Ericeira

Where you stay in Ericeira will shape your trip more than you’d expect.

There are a few different ways to do it, depending on how you want your trip to feel. You can go all-in with a surf camp, or keep it more flexible with a hostel.

I’ll run through a few options so you can figure out what suits you best.

Surf Camps in Ericeira

If you’re looking for the easiest way to surf Ericeira, surf camps are it.

I spent a week with Salty Surf & Yoga, and I loved it. It’s definitely one of the more premium surf camp experiences I’ve done. Even staying in a dorm still felt really luxury. Everything’s well thought through, the space is beautiful, you’ve got your surf sessions, yoga, good food, and a really nice flow to the days without it ever feeling too structured.

One thing I personally enjoyed was how many solo female travellers were there. It made the whole experience feel a lot less intimidating, especially when you’re a beginner. Big plus for the girls planning on travelling solo.

If you’re looking at other options, I’ve heard really good things about Moka Surfhouse. It’s a slightly more laid-back vibe, with a focus on yoga and meditation.

And if you want something more budget-friendly, Hostel & Surfcamp 55 is a solid option.

If you want a full breakdown of the different options and what they’re actually like, you can also check out my guide to the best surf camps in Ericeira for beginners.

Hostels in Ericeira

If you want to keep costs down and do things a bit more independently, hostels are a great option.

You won’t get the same structure as a surf camp, but that’s kind of the point. You can rent a board, surf when you want, and just figure things out at your own pace. It’s also one of the easiest ways to meet people and find surf buddies to head out with.

I’m actually planning to do this on my next trip to Ericeira. I’ll just rent a board and spend as much time in the water as possible.

At the cheaper end, WOT Ericeira Surf Social is hard to beat. You can get a bed here for €10 a night.

If you want something a bit more low-key and well-reviewed, The 70’s Hostel comes highly recommended. It’s small, cosy, and a bed will set you back €20 a night.

And if you’re happy to spend a bit more for a nicer setup, try Selina Boavista. This is where I’m planning on staying this year. It’s more expensive at €37 a night, but, personally, I like having a bit more comfort. I’ll also be working while I’m there, so the co-working space is a big plus.

For a full breakdown of the best options and what they’re actually like, you can also check out my guide to the best surf hostels in Ericeira.

Surf Lessons in Ericeira

If you’re not doing a surf camp and you’re a beginner, just get a lesson.

Honestly, it’s the one thing worth spending money on, even if you’re trying to keep costs down. It’ll save you a lot of time and a lot of frustration.

I’d recommend booking a 2-hour lesson to start with. It’s enough to get the basics down, understand what you’re actually trying to do, and get a feel for being in the water. From there, you can decide if you’re happy practicing on your own or if you want to take another lesson.

In terms of who to book with, Sea Krew is, by far, the top-rated surf school in Ericeira. They charge around €55 for a 2-hour lesson and come highly recommended.

Ericeira Waves is another solid choice, and if you’re looking for something a bit more personal, Wave Finder offers smaller group sessions which can make a big difference when you’re starting out.

If you want a deeper breakdown, I go into more detail on each of these in my guide to the best surf schools in Ericeira. And if you do decide to go it alone after a lesson, I’ve also put together a guide to the best surf spots for beginners in Ericeira so you know exactly where to go (and where to avoid).

Surfboard Rentals in Ericeira

You won’t have any trouble finding a surfboard in Ericeira.

Just walking around the old town, you’ll pass loads of places offering rentals. It’s actually worth taking 10–15 minutes to have a wander and compare prices rather than booking in advance.

You’ll also find rental spots near most of the main beaches, especially the more beginner-friendly ones. Foz do Lizandro and Ribeira d’Ilhas both have places right by the beach where you can grab a board and a wetsuit. São Julião is a bit more remote, so it’s better to sort your board before you head down there.

In terms of pricing, it’s not too bad. You’re looking at around €15 for a soft top with a wetsuit, and €20 if you want a hard board.

Ericeira Surf Spots

Once you get to Ericeira, you’ll realise pretty quickly why people rate it so highly.

There are waves everywhere. Different setups, different moods, all within a pretty short stretch of coastline. You can surf here for a week and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.

It’s also a World Surfing Reserve, which tells you everything you need to know about the quality of waves here. It’s not just hype, it’s genuinely one of the best surf destinations in Europe.

Beginner Surf Spots in Ericeira

Ericeira can be better known for its more advanced waves, but there are still plenty of places to learn, especially just south of the main town.

• Foz do Lizandro is probably the easiest place to start. It’s a wide beach with lots of space, multiple peaks, and a more forgiving setup most of the time. If you’re learning or just want a less intense session, this is where you’ll likely end up.

• São Julião is another good option. It’s more exposed, so it gets consistent swell, but there’s plenty of room and a mix of waves that can work for different levels depending on the day.

• Praia do Sul sits right by the town and is a nice, easy option when conditions line up. It’s not always perfect, but when it works, it’s a good place to get comfortable.

• Ribeira d’Ilhas is one of the more well-known spots in Ericeira. It’s super consistent and a really fun wave, especially as you start to improve. Not strictly beginner, but definitely somewhere you’ll want to work up to.

Surf Spots in Ericeira For Experienced Surfers

Once you start heading north, things step up pretty quickly.

This is where Ericeira really shows off. Proper, world-class waves that people travel here specifically to surf.

• Coxos is probably the most famous. A long, powerful right-hander that, when it’s on, looks almost perfect. Definitely not a beginner wave, but amazing to watch even if you’re not surfing it.

• São Lourenço sits further north and can get big and heavy. It’s one of those waves that demands respect.

• Crazy Left is exactly what it sounds like. Fast, technical, and not somewhere you want to end up unless you really know what you’re doing.

• Cave has a reputation for a reason. Heavy, shallow, and intense. This is expert territory.

Travel Insurance for Surfing Ericeira

Travel insurance is one of those things you don’t think about, until you really need it.

I’m currently writing this with a broken foot in the Caribbean, which pretty much says it all.

Surfing looks fun and relaxed on the surface, but things can go wrong quickly. It doesn’t have to be anything dramatic, just one bad step, one awkward fall, and suddenly you’re dealing with something you didn’t plan for.

That’s why I always sort travel insurance before I go.

I personally use SafetyWing. It’s simple, flexible, and designed for this kind of trip where you’re moving around and doing things like surfing.

It’s not the most exciting part of planning your trip, but it’s one of the few things that actually matters if something goes wrong.

Surfing Ericeira for Beginners

Thanks for reading my beginner’s guide to surfing Ericeira, I hope it’s been genuinely useful.

If you’re still planning your trip, these guides will help:

• Best Surf Camps in Ericeira For Beginners (2026 Guide)
• Best Surf Hostels in Ericeira (2026 Guide)
• Best Surf Schools in Ericeira (2026 Guide)
• Best Surf Spots for Beginners in Ericeira (2026 Guide)