Praia dos Pescadores is the beach in front of the fishermen dry port of the town of Ericeira. The beach was formed when they built the breakwater that protects the entrance to the port from the big northern winter swells that ravage the portuguese coast in winter.
Description of Praia dos Pescadores
Praia dos Pescadores (translated as beach of the fishermen) is the bay in front of the dry port of Ericeira. The spot only works when big north or northwest swells crush against the breakwater and create a wave that turns left into the bay, forming a mid-quality and acceptable left shoulder that can arrive almost till the shore. However, if swell is too big or if it’s entering directly from west of southwest, then waves at Pescadores will be only a wall of white wash or the spot will be very bumpy and poor quality. It works only when there are big winter swells (October till March) and best around low tide.
Entry and exit, and hazards
To entry you should do it next to the breakwater, on the right side, since the channel that will take you to the middle of the bay is formed there. As a hazard we would like to point out that you need to be careful to go left into the middle of the bay and exit the channel on time or you will be taken too far outside. Remember that Pescadores only works with big swells, and big swells mean big currents in the bay.
Crowds
Crowds are a bit of an issue at Praia dos Pescadores. The main reason is that since this spot is only working when big swells devastate the coast all over Ericeira, people can’t surf anywhere but here, so everyone comes to Pescadores. The amount of people, along with the variety of surfing levels you can find on Pescadores if the spot is working makes it sometimes tricky or even impossible to cath a wave alone or without anyone in front of you and paddling out.
Historical anecdotes of this spot
From the beach of Praia dos Pescadores of Ericeira is from where the portuguese royal family left the country and embarked to exile when the Republic arrived in year 1910. As well during the 18th century, this small port had an important custom and many of the goods arriving to Portugal by then were disembarking through this place.
Video: Praia dos Pescadores on a crowded day
Check this video of Praia dos Pescadores on a crowded day of January 2022:
Access and services
The spot is at the heart of Ericeira town, so there you have plenty of cafes, restaurants and anything you may need. If you are in town you can just simply walk down to the spot. You have two accesses: one through the north side going down to the port, and another one on the south side, walking down a ramp taking you directly to the beach.
