Ericeira Town & South · Portugal
Surfing Reef (Pedra Branca)
A left reef in Ericeira Town & South, Portugal, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeLeft Reef
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsSep-Apr
- Crowd4/5
The wave
Right in front of Ericeira's old town, Reef is the wave locals grew up on: a punchy left-hand reef break that gives the town its year-round surfing identity. Breaking a short paddle from the harbour wall, it throws a workable, wally left that holds a good amount of size and rewards a surfer who likes to hit the lip.
It is more forgiving than the region's famous right points but still a proper reef wave, breaking over rock ledges that shallow up fast at low tide. On a clean NW or W swell with light wind, Reef turns into a satisfying, punchy left that's rarely empty, since it sits directly below the cliffside cafés where half the town watches the swell come in.
Expect a strong, settled local crowd who surf it daily and know every quirk of the reef. It's a good step up from the beginner beaches once you're comfortable in real Atlantic conditions, and you can walk to it from town.
38.964, -9.419 · NW-W swell, light wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Reef (Pedra Branca)
Reef (Pedra Branca) is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: NW-W swell, light wind. This is how the year looks across Ericeira:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| October to February | Prime | Biggest, most consistent NW/W groundswell, cold but firing |
| March to April | Good | Reliable swell, milder water, shoulder-season crowds |
| May to June | Quiet | Smaller and patchier, pleasant weather |
| July to August | Avoid | Small summer swell, packed beaches, high season prices |
In season: January · February · October · November · December
Waves near Reef (Pedra Branca)
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crazy Left | Ericeira Town & South | Left Reef | Advanced / Pro | under 1 km |
| Ribeira d'Ilhas | Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced / Pro | 2 km |
| Coxos | Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos | Right Point/Reef | Advanced / Pro | 3 km |
| São Lourenço | Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos | Right Rivermouth | Advanced / Pro | 3 km |
| Foz do Lizandro | Ericeira Town & South | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 3 km |
| Praia das Maçãs | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 20 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Ericeira Town & South
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Ericeira Town & South surf guide →
A week here costs from about $287 with flights from Europe, or around $871 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Reef (Pedra Branca): common questions
When is the best time to surf Reef (Pedra Branca)?
Reef (Pedra Branca) works best from September to April. Ideal conditions: NW-W swell, light wind.
Is Reef (Pedra Branca) good for beginners?
No. Reef (Pedra Branca) is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Foz do Lizandro in Ericeira Town & South, about 3 km away.
How crowded is Reef (Pedra Branca)?
Reef (Pedra Branca) is usually busy: 4 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Reef (Pedra Branca)?
Reef (Pedra Branca) is in Ericeira Town & South, in the Ericeira region of Portugal (38.964, -9.419). The nearest wave we cover is Crazy Left, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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