Coxos
Coxos is arguably Portugal's best wave—a heavy, hollow right-hand reef/point break in Ericeira's World Surfing Reserve. The wave produces thick, grinding barrels over a rocky bottom, demanding commitment and skill. Entry and exit are challenging over slippery rocks, and the locals can be protective when conditions are prime. But when it's on, Coxos delivers some of Europe's most intense barrels. Portugal's hardcore crown jewel.
Coxos surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (290°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 320°
- Size range
- 1.5m - 4.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.8m - 3.8m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
- Danger below
- 0.3m
Water temp
15°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Park at the top of the cliff and walk down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Coxos?
Coxos is a reef break in Ericeira, Portugal, that mostly breaks right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Coxos?
Coxos sits on the northern edge of Ericeira, which became a World Surfing Reserve in 2011 alongside Malibu, Santa Cruz, Manly and Huanchaco.
What swell works best at Coxos?
Coxos picks up swell from the W round to the NW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the WNW. It starts working at around 1.5m and handles up to about 4.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.8 to 3.8m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Coxos?
An E wind is dead offshore at Coxos, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 7am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Coxos?
Coxos is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.5m on the local chart. Below 0.3m it gets dangerously shallow.
When is the best time of year to surf Coxos?
The most reliable run of swell at Coxos comes Oct to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Sep too. Winter months receive the most consistent NW swells.
How cold is the water at Coxos?
The water at Coxos averages around 15°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Coxos good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 8/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. It gets busy (crowd 8/10), so mind the pecking order. Difficult entry/exit over slippery rocks. Heavy localism when good.
How do I get to Coxos?
The nearest airport on our list is LIS, then it's roughly a 45-minute drive. Park at the top of the cliff and walk down.
What other surf spots are near Coxos?
The closest breaks we track are Ribeira d'Ilhas (1.7 km), Praia Grande (22 km) and Praia do Guincho (30 km), handy when Coxos isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Apr
Winter months receive the most consistent NW swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Ribeira d'Ilhas
🏆 WSL CT venue • World Surfing Reserve • Europe's premier point
Praia Grande
Sintra beach break • Consistent Atlantic exposure • Easy Lisbon access
Praia do Guincho
💨 Lisbon's windy outlet • Dual-sport beach • Sintra backdrop
Carcavelos
Lisbon beach barrels • Fast sandbanks • Crowded when good
Supertubos
🇵🇹 Portuguese Pipeline • WSL Championship venue • Europe's heaviest tubes
Baleal
🏄 Europe's surf school HQ • Beginner paradise • Peninsula consistency
Plan a trip around Coxos
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