Surfing Ribeira d'Ilhas

Ribeira d'Ilhas is a long right point over a flat reef just north of Ericeira, and the main reason the area became a World Surfing Reserve. It breaks in fast sections, and international contests are often held here.

There are different takeoff spots depending on the size: an easier inside section near the beach and a longer, stronger outside peak for when the swell is up. It works from waist high to well overhead.

It's best on a north-west or west groundswell with light offshore wind. It's consistent most of the year, so on good days the lineup is crowded and very competitive. Watch the reef at low tide.