Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos · Portugal
Surfing São Lourenço
A right rivermouth in Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos, Portugal, for advanced and pro surfers.
- TypeRight Rivermouth
- LevelAdvanced / Pro
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsOct-Mar
- Crowd3/5
The wave
São Lourenço is a short, heavy right just north of Ribeira d'Ilhas. It's fast, thick and shallow, with a steep takeoff and a barrel section on its best days.
It only lines up on the right swell and tide, and doesn't stay clean for long. The lineup is small and territorial. It's for experienced surfers only: watch a full set from the point before you decide to paddle out.
38.99, -9.435 · NW-W swell, low-mid tide · Open in Google Maps
When to surf São Lourenço
São Lourenço is at its best from October to March. Conditions it likes: NW-W swell, low-mid tide. 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 São Lourenço
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coxos | Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos | Right Point/Reef | Advanced / Pro | under 1 km |
| Ribeira d'Ilhas | Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced / Pro | 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 | 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 →
São Lourenço: common questions
When is the best time to surf São Lourenço?
São Lourenço works best from October to March. Ideal conditions: NW-W swell, low-mid tide.
Is São Lourenço good for beginners?
No. São Lourenço 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 São Lourenço?
São Lourenço is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is São Lourenço?
São Lourenço is in Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos, in the Ericeira region of Portugal (38.99, -9.435). 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.
One strange surf spot a week
The Lineup: one strange surf spot each week, from hippos on the beach in Gabon to lefts under the volcanoes of Kamchatka. Free, and nothing else lands in your inbox.