Ribeira d’Ilhas is the most famous and iconic beach of the world surfing reserve of Ericeira. In recent years it has been the scene of national and international events and competitions of high prestige as the Challenger Series of the World Surf League.
The name of Ribeira d’Ilhas sounds in the ears of any surfer coming to Portugal (or thinking in coming) and is the spot that without doubt pops-up as Top-5 in any surf spot list of Portugal.
Spot description
Ribeira d’Ilhas may look like a river beach when you see it from up the cliff, but in reality it is a reef that offers long right handed waves.
If you are an advanced surfer that is able to pump the board and avoid other surfers (and you are lucky enough to not being dropped-in by other surfer) Ribeira d’Ilhas can offer you a long right handed that is up to 200 meters long, at the same time is very fun, and offers a good wall for maneuvering and turning.
Ribeira d’Ilhas is one of the most consistent waves in Portugal and works with any tide and almost any swell direction and offers surf all year long. The only days that can be totally flat is during the most quiet days of summer, but usually not for long. The best conditions happen with west, northwest and north swells together with east winds.
It is considered a world-class wave affordable for surfers of many levels, from intermediate and total begginers to advanced and professional surfers. Such a popular and high quality wave has a main disadvantage: overcrowding. However, the wave is so long and consistent that it is always possible to catch something and enjoy a nice session.
Video: surf at Ribeira d’Ilhas
Check this drone footage about surfing at Ribeira d’Ilhas:
Access to the spot
Ribeira d’Ilhas is located north and outside of Ericeira town, only a couple kilometers from the city center. You can arrive walking in around 30 minutes or less (depending on which area of the city you are staying) and also by car.
If you arrive by car be aware of the clearance limit to access the parking (caravans and very high vans are not allowed to enter) and bear in mind that the parking lot can get full quickly. When this happens people start to park in the fields around the parking and on the other side of the road.
Services in the area
Ribeira d’Ilhas and its surroundings went through a big renovation a few years ago and they built, along with the aforementioned parking, a restaurant, a surf school, a big deck, and wooden walkways to access the beach. Ribeira d’Ilhas has also showers, and lifeguard service during summer season.
