Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos · Portugal
Surfing Ribeira d'Ilhas
A right point in Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos, Portugal, for intermediate, advanced and pro surfers.
- TypeRight Point
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced / Pro
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsSep-Apr
- Crowd5/5
The wave
Ribeira d'Ilhas is a long right point over a flat reef just north of Ericeira, and the main reason the area became a World Surfing Reserve. It breaks in fast sections, and international contests are often held here.
There are different takeoff spots depending on the size: an easier inside section near the beach and a longer, stronger outside peak for when the swell is up. It works from waist high to well overhead.
It's best on a north-west or west groundswell with light offshore wind. It's consistent most of the year, so on good days the lineup is crowded and very competitive. Watch the reef at low tide.
38.9825, -9.4239 · NW swell, offshore E wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Ribeira d'Ilhas
Ribeira d'Ilhas is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: NW swell, offshore E 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 Ribeira d'Ilhas
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coxos | Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos | Right Point/Reef | Advanced / Pro | under 1 km |
| São Lourenço | Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos | Right Rivermouth | Advanced / Pro | 1 km |
| Crazy Left | Ericeira Town & South | Left Reef | Advanced / Pro | 2 km |
| Reef (Pedra Branca) | Ericeira Town & South | Left Reef | Intermediate / Advanced | 2 km |
| Foz do Lizandro | Ericeira Town & South | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 5 km |
| Praia das Maçãs | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 22 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 →
Ribeira d'Ilhas: common questions
When is the best time to surf Ribeira d'Ilhas?
Ribeira d'Ilhas works best from September to April. Ideal conditions: NW swell, offshore E wind.
Is Ribeira d'Ilhas good for beginners?
No. Ribeira d'Ilhas is a wave for intermediate, advanced and pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Foz do Lizandro in Ericeira Town & South, about 5 km away.
How crowded is Ribeira d'Ilhas?
Ribeira d'Ilhas is usually packed: 5 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Ribeira d'Ilhas?
Ribeira d'Ilhas is in Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos, in the Ericeira region of Portugal (38.9825, -9.4239). The nearest wave we cover is Coxos, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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