Beach break · Ericeira, Silver Coast
Sao Juliao
A big open beach break between Ericeira and the Sintra coast, known as the area swell magnet -- it has waves when the reserve reefs are flat. Beginner-friendly on a small mid tide, dangerous on size.
Sao Juliao is a wide, sand-bottomed beach a few kilometres south of Ericeira, on the line between the Mafra and Sintra coasts. It is the most exposed beach in the area and picks up more swell than almost anywhere nearby, so it is the reliable option when the reserve reefs are too small to break.
On a small day at mid tide the peaks are soft and there are usually several surf schools working the sand; it is one of the two main learner beaches for Ericeira, along with Foz do Lizandro. As the swell builds it turns into a powerful, shifting beach break with heavy rips, and it stops being a beginner wave quickly.
Left and right peaks, best on a west swell with an offshore easterly. There is a car park and a beach cafe; it fills on a good summer day.
Schools & rentals near here
Ericeira Waves
A surf school that teaches only at Ribeira d'Ilhas, the long, forgiving right at the heart of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve, with Portuguese Surf Federation instructors.
Surf
Rapture Surfcamps Ericeira
A surf camp in a Portuguese villa a few metres from Foz do Lizandro, a mellow beach break that suits lessons, with easy reach of the reserve's other spots.
Surf
Blue Ocean Ericeira Surf School
A surf school based right on Ribeira d'Ilhas beach, inside the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve, running lessons and multi-day courses for every level with equipment included.
SurfFrom EUR 40 / lessonEvents here
Alto Pro Am
A surf contest that does not take itself seriously: competitors draw a random secondhand board before every heat, so style and adaptability beat power surfing.
15 September 2026 – 20 September 2026Ericeira, around the town beaches
EDP Ericeira Pro
A WSL Challenger Series event at Ribeira d'Ilhas, the reef at the heart of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve.
6 October 2026 – 12 October 2026Praia de Ribeira d'IlhasNearby
Foz do Lizandro
The beach break at the mouth of the Lizandro river, just south of Ericeira. A wide, forgiving sandy beach that is the town's main learner wave and home to most of its surf schools.
BeginnersYear-round; summer is smallest and best for learningPedra Branca
A fast, shallow left-hand reef on the north side of Ericeira town, rated the best lefthander in the reserve. Expert only -- the take-off is straight onto dry rock.
Experts onlyAutumn to springCoxos
The best wave in the Ericeira reserve and one of the finest right-hand points in Europe: long, thick, fast walls that barrel on the take-off and race down the reef. Advanced surfers only.
Advanced surfersOctober to AprilCommon questions
- What kind of wave is Sao Juliao?
- Sao Juliao is a beach break. It wants W swell; catches more than anywhere nearby swell and works best with offshore from the e / se wind.
- Is Sao Juliao good for beginners?
- Yes — it's rated all levels and works for people who are learning.
- When's the best time for Sao Juliao?
- Year-round; biggest and cleanest autumn to winter.
- What should I watch out for at Sao Juliao?
- Strong rips on any size; fast-shifting peaks; busy with schools on small days