Ribeira d'Ilhas
Ribeira d'Ilhas is the crown jewel of Europe's first World Surfing Reserve—a long, reeling right-hand point break that has hosted Championship Tour events and produced countless magazine covers. Set against the dramatic cliffs of Ericeira, Portugal, this wave wraps around a rocky headland and offers linking sections that seem to go forever on the right swell. The WSL venue status means crowds can be intense, but the wave's quality justifies the attention. When Atlantic groundswells light up the coast, Ribeira d'Ilhas is European surfing at its absolute finest.
Ribeira d'Ilhas surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (300°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 330°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
7/10
👥 Summer Holidays (Jun 20 – Sep 13) — expect extra crowds
Access: Beach access from village.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Ribeira d'Ilhas?
The Ribeira d'Ilhas profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.5m and 2m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Ribeira d'Ilhas?
The Ribeira d'Ilhas profile uses wind from E (90°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 45° to 135°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Ribeira d'Ilhas?
The Ribeira d'Ilhas scoring profile favors swell from WNW (270° to 330°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 3m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Ribeira d'Ilhas?
The main season at Ribeira d'Ilhas is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. A secondary window runs May, Jun. September-April Atlantic swells. Summer can be small.
How do I get to Ribeira d'Ilhas?
The spot profile lists LIS as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 45 minutes. Beach access from village.
What kind of wave is Ribeira d'Ilhas?
Ribeira d'Ilhas is a point break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Secondary: May, Jun
September-April Atlantic swells. Summer can be small.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Coxos
🇵🇹 Portugal's best • Heavy hollow right • Ericeira's crown jewel
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 Ribeira d'Ilhas
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