Ericeira World Surfing Reserve

Ericeira was designated a World Surfing Reserve in 2011, the first in Europe, covering about four kilometres of coast holding seven named breaks - Pedra Branca, Reef, Ribeira d'Ilhas, Cave, Crazy Left, Coxos and São Lourenço - most of them reef, all working on the same north-west swell but at different sizes and tides. Coxos is the one surfers name first: a long right-hander over shallow rock that holds size, and a wave with a serious reputation. Ribeira d'Ilhas is the contest venue and the most accessible. The designation was a conservation measure as much as a sporting one, driven by local surfers against coastal development, and it commits the municipality to protecting the reefs and water quality. The town above is a working fishing port turned surf and holiday town, whitewashed with blue trim, busy in summer and steady the rest of the year.

What you actually see

• The seven breaks - reef waves along four kilometres of protected coast.
• Coxos - the long right-hander with the heaviest reputation.
• Ribeira d'Ilhas - the accessible contest beach with parking and a café.
• The 2011 designation - Europe's first World Surfing Reserve, driven locally.

When to go

September to April for the biggest and most consistent swell; summer is smaller and much busier. A day to look, longer to surf.

Honest expectations

These are reef breaks over shallow rock and several are not for intermediates - Coxos in particular injures people. Water is cold and a wetsuit is needed year-round. Parking at the breaks fills early. The town is packed in August.

Nearby

Mafra and its palace are inland; Sintra is south-east.