Ericeira Surf Reserve: Review with a New Surfing Buddy

Ericeira, this special spot north of Lisbon, is more than just another seaside spot, is that it holds the very special title of being a World Surf Reserve, a designation only given to places with really amazing waves, an important surf culture, and a focus on looking after the environment. So, I found myself there not that long ago, board in tow, and ready to explore what makes this coastline so special. I wasn’t going it alone, that, I’d managed to convince a friend, also pretty stoked on surfing, to come along for the adventure. Now, planning any trip can be tricky, is that getting everything right from accommodation to knowing the best spots can sometimes feel like a mission. Hopefully, this review is helpful if you’re thinking of heading there yourself, maybe.

First Impressions: Getting to Know Ericeira

The initial feeling I got as we arrived was really genuine. Ericeira isn’t like some resorts, very flashy or built up just for tourists; instead, it feels very much like a real, working seaside town. The people there were genuinely friendly, there, ready with a smile and helpful advice. The town is beautiful with those classic Portuguese houses, blue and white against the landscape, all sitting above the Atlantic. Finding our way around was easy enough, too it’s almost that we spent the afternoon walking along the coastline, getting a feel for the different surf spots. We could tell immediately that Ericeira has this deep connection to the ocean, the air just tastes like salt and the rhythms of the sea dominates your attention.

Our goal when planning this trip was that we really wanted to experience the area fully, is that meant more than just catching a few waves. I wanted to dig below the surface of just doing what every tourist does and find the places with something a bit special about them, there might be places that only people who live there know about. To make our planning much easier, we started doing research online, checking out surf reports, and seeing which beaches suited us best. Reading blogs and surf forums, there is so much helpful advice for the Ericeira area. We found a great guesthouse a little outside of the center of town and booking was really simple, basically done with just a couple of clicks.

Surfing Spots: A Surfer’s Dream Come True

So, the coastline around Ericeira is really stunning with something for pretty much all skill levels, that could be you, like your ability or like someone totally amazing on a surfboard. This area is very special because of the variety of waves and different kinds of breaks it offers. Take Coxos, is that really known for its really strong right-hand point break? It draws experienced surfers from everywhere. Then you’ve got spots like Foz do Lizandro, this beach is great for learners, as a matter of fact, a wave breaks there so that people who want to try out surfing for the very first time have a much easier go of it. I spent most of my time at Ribeira d’Ilhas, it’s known as one of the very best spots for surfing and also it hosts quite a few competitions. The vibe at Ribeira d’Ilhas was quite special, seeing really skilled surfers taking on waves was almost mesmerizing. Plus, there are enough places nearby to get gear, there might even be places that hire boards and offer lessons which is helpful.

That’s right, getting to these different spots was straightforward. We relied mainly on a combination of local buses and occasionally taxis, that made things easy for us. Renting a vehicle might give you a bit more freedom to explore, yet the public transportation options worked just fine for us. A great recommendation I have if you visit, is that you should go to a couple of different spots just to see the differences; it can give you an entirely different feel for what this coastline is all about.

Meeting New People: Friendship on the Waves

You know, some of the very best moments of any trip are not about places, these special moments happen with the people you meet along the way, so too it’s almost that my trip to Ericeira was memorable, due to me making a brand new surfing friend. Meeting him by chance at a surf shop was one of the nicest parts of my trip; he actually offered to show us a couple of the hidden gems in the area that most tourists wouldn’t see. This, getting a look at hidden spots was quite the gift. He was an experienced local surfer, so, he knew every wave intimately and the little spots around the coastline. One evening, we all gathered on the cliffs overlooking the sea, there, and shared stories as the sun dropped below the horizon – just amazing!

That local’s help completely transformed the whole visit to the region, right, he knew exactly where to go depending on the time of day and what we wanted. More importantly, he showed us that the Ericeira surf culture is warm and it’s quite open, he was a guy who was really ready to bring in new people. I am sure that that’s the best kind of travel, as a matter of fact it is that you can engage with locals, understand their perspective, and make what are most of the time more real travel experiences. You end up with memories of times that can’t be found in guidebooks or online.

Food and Culture: More Than Just Surfing

So, although surfing may be a huge draw, to be honest, the culture and food that Ericeira brings really shouldn’t be missed, that will make your entire travel more complete. The town provides this great mixture of surf vibe, with this old Portuguese appeal. The seafood is some of the best I’ve ever tasted; there are quite a few restaurants dotted about offering the day’s catch cooked with easy flavors, clearly, the grilled fish was quite lovely. You know what? It’s nice to sit down for a bit to eat outside, there you can feel the pulse of the town as you watch people walking down the street, and it gives you a few moments to actually pause and think about what you’re seeing and doing.

Exploring what the town has to offer outside of the waves can also bring a few things to the forefront of your mind, in fact, like the local markets or a hike up the coast where the view will make your head spin. Exploring the simple joy of wandering the old lanes and seeing old buildings can give you, basically, a feeling of connection to something bigger and, to be honest, older, and what Ericeira provides to its visitors. Don’t forget that just diving into that mix, that mixture of sights, of flavors, and activities helps make a visit unforgettable and richer.

Accommodation and Practicalities: Plan Smart

You know what? If your experience there should be relaxing and straightforward, there needs to be careful consideration of things such as somewhere to sleep and knowing about the practical details. A broad spectrum of choices are on offer with respect to the local accommodation, anything from cool guesthouses to apartment rentals, even a boutique hotel can be sourced depending on budget. I chose a spot a little further from the town, so I had some peace and quiet yet I was within quick reach of everything Ericeira has to offer.

You know, just thinking ahead can greatly change your whole stay. Doing research and reading reviews is always a smart move before deciding where to stop. Getting to the town or area from Lisbon Airport’s pretty easy. Transfers can be organised ahead or alternatively you might just choose a ride on local transport, is that might prove to be quite cost-effective. When there, taking a wander down to the local information spots should allow you to pick up any info regarding surf lessons or renting equipment plus what events might just be coming up while there, yet you might get any info at all. Getting those arrangements organized basically removes much potential pressure and offers lots more opportunity to spend your precious time unwinding.