Praia do Sul, also known as “Praia da Baleia” (beach of the whale, since many decades ago a wale beached on the bay), offers waves for intermediate to advanced surfers. However, it does not work with small swells, so you can be sure that in summer months it will be a completely flat spot. But if you are visiting Ericeira during fall/winter/spring and you are a seasoned surfer, then Praia do Sul might give you some fun sessions.
Main peaks at Praia do Sul
There are three main peaks at Praia do Sul or Praia da Baleia:
- Furnas is located in the north side of the bay, in front of the old green roof hotel Vila Galé. This peak offers a beautiful fat right handed wave that breaks a few meters in front of the rock pool. The bigger the swell, the most far away will break the wave.
- Papucos is located in the south side of the bay, next to the breakwater built there. This wave breaks on a rock bottom (reef) so when the tide goes down it can get really shallow. This wave is hollow and fast, so only advanced surfers will manage to get on it.
- Pico do futuro is located outside of the north side of the bay, on the right side (looking from the shore) from Furnas. This peak only works on very big swells, and only very experienced surfers can manage it: one mistake and you are taken to the rocks.
Access to the spot
The bay it’s located almost in the city center of Ericeira town, so access can be done on foot without a problem through the short ramp on the north side on the beach. There are many accesses to the water through stairs.
On the south side of the bay you have another access that allows you to park the car, but there’s a gauge (clearance) limit and caravans and high vans might not be able to pass through.
Services in the spot
You have a few cafes and restaurants at Praia do Sul, along with with showers to quick clean the board and the wetsuit after your session.
