West Portugal

A wall of crumbly, red sandstone cliffs looks out over this huge expanse of golden sand that stretches from Baleal northeast to the Obidos Lagoon. One of the highlights is Almagreira, home to some consistent banks that work through the tides. Picks up loads of swell so super consistent, but easily blown out.

Baleal has been a big destination for traveling surfers for more than 20 years. Most of the learn-to-surf camps in Portugal are located here. With the mellow left reefbreak of Lagide just north of town, followed by miles of open beachbreak, you can have a pretty high surfer population density without too many problems.

The Reef is a little finger of lava that sticks out at the far south tip of the Ribeira Bay. North swells come in from deep water, peak up on an outside rock and fold over themselves down the line in one of the fastest, and most dangerous, tubes around. There are no cutback sections, really, and very little room for error. If you blow the drop, you're up on sharp, dry reef. But if you're able to snag one off the locals and make the ledgey drop from behind the peak, you're in for a fantastic four-second view. Just remember to avoid going for that floater on the inside section.There are a few other waves close by, if you're not in the mood for tight tubes and reef dances: Piedra Branca (White Rock) is a hollow, high-tide left about 100 yards south. There's a slightly mushy right just south of the Reef, and on bigger swells, a left breaks off the north edge. *ERICEIRA WORLD SURFING RESERVE* 
Reef sits in a protected surf ecosystem — preserving the coastline, culture, and access that keep it working. Here's why this break matters.

The cliff lined sandy bay, the reeling right hand walls that speed down the line, back off, then speed through to the finish on the inside. Part of its quality comes in its flexibility - it starts breaking at just over knee high and keeps going to double overhead or more - pumping out huge, winding faces that can run for over 200m. There is also a reef on the outside northern edge of the main break called Pontinha, a right hander that works best in medium swells. *ERICEIRA WORLD SURFING RESERVE* Ribeira D’Ilhas sits in a protected surf ecosystem — preserving the coastline, culture, and access that keep it working. Here's why this break matters. LINEUP TIPS: Etiquette | Surf Safety Basics

Europe's best right, Coxos is the crown jewel of Portugal. The wave, which is like a reef/pointbreak, breaks along a shallow rock shelf into a very small bay. Swells muscle their way in from deep water just offshore and form into fast-moving symmetrical right walls that seem to concentrate all their power into the base of the wave rather than the lip, similar to many Hawaiian waves. There's no easy entry at Coxos. You've got to paddle like mad, get to your feet and start driving, otherwise you'll get sucked over and end up on the reef. *ERICEIRA WORLD SURFING RESERVE* 
Coxos sits in a protected surf ecosystem — preserving the coastline, culture, and access that keep it working. Here's why this break matters.

Cantinho Da Baia - 'corner of the bay' is an area that comes to life in a big northerly, or medium sized northwesterly swell and offers clean waves and winds from northeast to southeast direction. Long, sometimes hollow rights can peel here. Consistent and fun, popular with beginners when small.

Supertubos is one of the best waves in Europe. There's one main peak with a super-fast (though makeable) left, and a somewhat shorter right, and one other peak down the beach that's not quite as perfect but still way better than your average day at most beachbreaks. LINEUP TIPS: Etiquette | Surf Safety Basics

Pedra Branca, or White Rock, is not only one of the most famous breaks in the area, it is also the most prominent. It's highly visible and exposed to swell and wind. On smaller days there's a fun, if shallow lefthand wall that peels along this flat rock slab. However, when Autumn swells kick in, it can be transformed into a powerful pit. *ERICEIRA WORLD SURFING RESERVE* 
Pedro Branca sits in a protected surf ecosystem — preserving the coastline, culture, and access that keep it working. Here's why this break matters.

Furnas, in its sheltered corner, can often be the only place working in a big N or NW swell. There's a right hander that breaks out off the headland, but only wakes at a serious size, when it can produce long, rolling, double overhead walls. A powerful wave breaking in deep water. In smaller conditions there are a few peaks along the beach.

Foz can offer up fun, little peaks that are similar to any average California beachbreak. There's a rivermouth at the south end that opens up in winter and can make a good left in front of the rocks. Toward the middle of the beach, there are assorted peaks that pop up as the tide goes in and out.