How to Surf in Ericeira- Europe’s One and Only Surf Reserve!

Surfing will teach you lessons you may have forgotten. Like how to appreciate nature and to try something new. And definitely patience. Patience with yourself as you learn, and also with your surroundings as you wait for the right conditions to ride that one wave. In Portugal you can learn to surf in Ericeira, the only European spot to earn the Surf Reserve designation.

We chose Ericeira because I always search for surfing spots when traveling. And after researching beaches near Lisbon, Ericeira seemed a bit less touristy and developed than nearby spots like Cascais.

Read on to find out how you can visit and surf in Ericeira.

(Note: This is an article on my favorite thing to to in Ericeira. Read our complete guide to visiting the town here.)

Surf in Ericeira- How I Did It

Getting There

Getting to Ericeira was remarkably easy. From Sintra you can take a private car or bus. The bus is unsurprisingly cheaper (EUR 4.50) and only takes 45 minutes. The company Malfrense provides regular service from both Sintra and Lisbon.

We actually booked our hotel ahead of time. We chose a small local chain, Vila Ana Margarida. And we could not have done better. Vila Ana has an original aesthetic that speaks to Ericeira’s history as a fishing town, plus excellent food and a helpful staff.

Not to mention high water pressure, which I really appreciated during my hot shower after surfing in the cold Atlantic!

The Experience

It was just as easy to find a surf class as it was to arrive. One morning I simply strolled down the street and signed up for the next day’s beginner class. There are several surf schools where you can do this.

We all met the following morning at 8. Then we walked for about 10 minutes across the town plaza to a parking lot adjacent to one of the beaches. Every day instructors choose a different beach, using class size, experience level, and ocean conditions as criteria.

We put the wetsuits on and walked down to the shore, where a 15-minute lesson on surf technique, terminology and etiquette was given. Then we grabbed our boards and went in!

I hadn’t expected the water to be so cold, despite my mid-Atlantic roots. And the waves were a bit choppy. But I got in a couple decent rides and overall had a good time.

Cost

The group lesson I took cost EUR 40 per person. The whole experience was 2 hours long.

Surfing schools offer private lessons for EUR 100 plus camps and surf schools at varying costs (depending on length and number of participants).

Tips Before You Go

• You don’t need any experience in surfing to ride a wave! It was fairly easy, and your instructor will help. Everyone in my group got in at least one wave.
• Take a private lesson for more time on the waves and to learn faster.
• The water was chilly. Def have a warm shower available!
• The water was rather rough for a beginner class. At risk of sounding obvious, make sure you are comfortable swimming in the ocean before taking a surf lesson.
• Embrace surf culture and take a few days to explore and find your perfect wave. Although you CAN take a day trip from Lisbon for this experience, I recommend spending some time in Ericeira. It’s a cool, pretty town, and just jetting in to catch a quick wave cheapens the experience.

Conclusion

There is a modern problem with the commodification of everything related to surfing- from the clothes to the literal making of waves.

Conversely, there is something romantic and irreplaceable to the experience of waiting for the perfect wave, including taking time to know the people and way of life adjacent to the sea.

So stay in Ericeira for a bit, and take the time to learn surfing and the patience it involves if you’re interested.