São Julião Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Best on NW swell and light E wind, but still surfable with W swell and variable winds under 10 kt.
Wind
E/NE.
Surf Height
Waist high to overhead.
Tide
Mid tide is the sweet spot, but higher tides can produce fun bowls on the inside.
São Julião Surf Guide
A big, open beach that catches more swell than almost anywhere in the region. Powerful and rippy, with lots of peaks that shift quickly. It’s great for scoring waves during small swell spells, when other Ericeira spots become unrideable or below exciting. Beautiful scenic cliffs surround the beach for a dramatic backdrop.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate to advanced.
Local Vibe
Doable
Vibe is watchful but fair — spread out and don’t paddle straight to the main peak.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Mostly light crowds, but news of steady high-quality sandbars usually spread fast.
Spot Rating
Fun
Hollow beachbreak with swell consistency.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Can be challenging at size.
Water Quality
Clean
Very clean. A regular EU Blue Flag recipient.
Hazards
Rip currents, heavy shorebreak.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Bodyboard
Access
Cliff parking and beach ramp.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
September to April but works year-round.
Do you have local knowledge about São Julião?
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