Reef break · Ericeira, Silver Coast
Sao Lourenco
The northernmost break of the Ericeira reserve: an exposed reef with multiple peaks that works most of the year for advanced surfers and turns into a genuine big-wave wave when a large north swell hits.
Sao Lourenco sits at the northern end of the World Surfing Reserve, past Coxos, on an exposed stretch of reef. It has several peaks over a long area and holds a wide range of sizes: on a normal day it is a powerful reef wave for advanced surfers, and when a big north-west swell lines up it becomes one of the bigger waves on this part of the coast, ridden on step-ups and, on the very biggest days, towed.
It is a committing spot even at a moderate size -- a long paddle, strong current, and nothing sheltering it. Best on a north to north-west swell with an east wind and mid tide. Not a spot to learn reef surfing on.
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
Cave
A short, violent right-hand barrel over a shallow rock shelf near Ribeira d'Ilhas. All the intensity of a slab in a small package. Experts only, and only at the right tide.
Experts onlyOctober to March
Ribeira d'Ilhas
The long, forgiving right-hand reef at the centre of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve. Peels down a cobblestone point and takes almost any level on the right day. Host of regular WSL junior and qualifying events.
All levelsYear-round, best autumn 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 Lourenco?
- Sao Lourenco is a reef break. It wants N to NW swell swell and works best with offshore from the e wind.
- Is Sao Lourenco good for beginners?
- No — it's rated advanced surfers and is for experienced surfers only.
- When's the best time for Sao Lourenco?
- Autumn to spring; a tow spot on the biggest swells.
- What should I watch out for at Sao Lourenco?
- Long paddle, strong current, exposed position, becomes a big-wave spot on size