Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos · Portugal
Surfing Coxos
A right point/reef in Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos, Portugal, for advanced and pro surfers.
- TypeRight Point/Reef
- LevelAdvanced / Pro
- Size3-10 ft
- Best monthsOct-Mar
- Crowd4/5
The wave
Coxos is a right reef and point just north of Ribeira d'Ilhas, and many surfers would put it among the best waves in Europe. It has a hollow takeoff followed by long, fast walls down the reef.
It needs a solid north-west groundswell and light offshore wind, so it only really works on proper swells, mostly from autumn to spring. The reef is shallow, the paddle-out takes local knowledge, and the crowd is skilled and tight-knit.
It's for advanced surfers only. Watch it from the cliff first and see where the locals sit and how they get in and out.
38.99, -9.43 · Big NW swell, offshore wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Coxos
Coxos is at its best from October to March. Conditions it likes: Big NW swell, offshore 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 Coxos
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| São Lourenço | Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos | Right Rivermouth | Advanced / Pro | under 1 km |
| Ribeira d'Ilhas | Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced / Pro | under 1 km |
| Crazy Left | Ericeira Town & South | Left Reef | Advanced / Pro | 3 km |
| Reef (Pedra Branca) | Ericeira Town & South | Left Reef | Intermediate / Advanced | 3 km |
| Foz do Lizandro | Ericeira Town & South | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 6 km |
| Praia das Maçãs | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 23 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos surf guide →
A week here costs from about $287 with flights from Europe, or around $871 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Coxos: common questions
When is the best time to surf Coxos?
Coxos works best from October to March. Ideal conditions: Big NW swell, offshore wind.
Is Coxos good for beginners?
No. Coxos is a wave for advanced and pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Foz do Lizandro in Ericeira Town & South, about 6 km away.
How crowded is Coxos?
Coxos is usually busy: 4 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Coxos?
Coxos is in Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos, in the Ericeira region of Portugal (38.99, -9.43). The nearest wave we cover is São Lourenço, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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