Mafra Beaches

Overview

Mafra's coastline is synonymous with Ericeira, a vibrant seaside town celebrated globally as a World Surfing Reserve. While Mafra town itself lies slightly inland, a short trip brings you to this stunning stretch of Atlantic coast famed for its beaches. Whether you're drawn by the allure of world-class waves or the charm of a Portuguese fishing town, the Mafra region offers a memorable beach experience, though it's worth noting the Atlantic waters are refreshingly cool year-round.

The beaches here cater to diverse tastes. At the heart of the surfing scene is Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas, renowned worldwide for its consistent breaks. For a completely different vibe, Praia dos Pescadores sits right in the centre of Ericeira, offering a sheltered spot beside the harbour, perfect for soaking up the town's atmosphere. Families often gravitate towards the spacious sands of Praia Foz do Lizandro, located just south of town, where the Lizandro river meets the sea, creating areas suitable for paddling.

Further south, Praia de São Julião captivates visitors with its dramatic cliffs framing a vast sandy expanse, offering breathtaking scenery. While surfing is a major draw across Ericeira, attracting experts to spots like Ribeira, beaches such as Praia dos Pescadores and Praia Foz do Lizandro also provide calmer conditions suitable for swimming and families. The Atlantic breeze, often appreciated by surfers, is a common feature along this coast.

These highlights offer just a glimpse of what Mafra's coast has to offer. From legendary surf breaks to family-friendly shores and scenic retreats, there's a beach for everyone. Explore our full guide to discover even more beaches dotting this remarkable shoreline.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Mafra a good place for a beach holiday?

While Mafra town itself is inland, the municipality of Mafra includes the coastline of Ericeira, a world-renowned surf destination with numerous beaches. So, yes, the Mafra region, specifically Ericeira, is excellent for a beach holiday, especially if you enjoy surfing or a vibrant coastal town atmosphere. If you stay in Mafra town, you'll need transport to reach the coast.

Is Ericeira (Mafra coast) better for families or surfers?

Ericeira is famous as a World Surfing Reserve, attracting surfers of all levels. However, it's also very family-friendly. Beaches like Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen's Beach) right in town or Foz do Lizandro just south offer calmer areas, rock pools, and amenities suitable for children. While some beaches are expert-level surf spots, others cater well to families and beginner surfers.

Praia dos Pescadores

Praia Foz do Lizandro

Can you actually swim at the beaches near Mafra/Ericeira, or is the water too cold?

Yes, you can swim, but the Atlantic water here is consistently cold, typically ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) even in summer. Many people enjoy refreshing dips, especially on hot days, and children often play in the shallows. Wetsuits are commonly used for longer water activities like surfing or bodyboarding.

How do you get to the beaches from Mafra town? Do I need a car?

Mafra town is about 8-10 km inland from the coast (Ericeira). There are local buses connecting Mafra town to Ericeira, but schedules might be infrequent. Having a car offers the most flexibility for exploring different beaches along the coast. Taxis or ride-sharing services are also options, but can be more expensive.

Should I stay in Mafra town or Ericeira for a beach holiday?

If your priority is easy beach access, surfing, and a lively coastal atmosphere, staying in Ericeira is recommended. If you prefer a quieter base, are interested in visiting the Mafra National Palace, and don't mind travelling a short distance to the coast, staying in Mafra town is a good option. Your choice depends on your holiday priorities.

What are the best beaches in Ericeira for beginners learning to surf?

Praia do Sul (South Beach) and Foz do Lizandro are often recommended for beginner surfers. They tend to have gentler waves compared to some other spots, and numerous surf schools operate lessons there. São Julião, further south, can also be suitable depending on conditions.

Praia do Sul

Praia Foz do Lizandro

Praia de São Julião

Are there any calmer beaches near Mafra/Ericeira suitable for relaxing and swimming, not just surfing?

Yes, Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen's Beach) in the centre of Ericeira is sheltered by the harbour wall, making it the calmest and often preferred for swimming and families with young children. Praia do Sul can also be relatively calm, especially at lower tides. Foz do Lizandro has a river mouth area that can be calmer for paddling.

Praia dos Pescadores

Praia do Sul

Praia Foz do Lizandro

How far are the main beaches from Ericeira town centre?

Several beaches are within walking distance of Ericeira town centre. Praia dos Pescadores is right in the middle. Praia do Norte and Praia do Sul are adjacent to the town centre. Ribeira d'Ilhas is about 3.5 km north, and Foz do Lizandro is about 2.5 km south, easily reachable by car, bike, or sometimes a local bus/shuttle.

Praia dos Pescadores

Praia do Norte

Praia do Sul

Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas

Are the beaches in Ericeira/Mafra very windy?

Yes, the Atlantic coast here can be quite windy, especially in the afternoons. This is great for surfing but can sometimes make sunbathing less comfortable. Some beaches offer more shelter than others depending on wind direction. Locals often use windbreaks ('para-vento').

What's the difference between Ribeira d'Ilhas and Foz do Lizandro?

Ribeira d'Ilhas, north of Ericeira, is one of the most famous surfing beaches, known for its consistent waves and hosting competitions; it's primarily a surf spot with dramatic cliffs. Foz do Lizandro, south of town, is a larger sandy beach where the Lizandro river meets the sea, popular with families, surfers (including beginners), and offering more space and amenities like cafes right on the sand.

Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas

Praia Foz do Lizandro

How crowded do the beaches in Ericeira get in the summer?

Ericeira is a popular destination, so beaches, especially those closest to town like Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Sul, can get very crowded during July and August. Beaches slightly further out like São Julião or Ribeira d'Ilhas might feel less packed, although surf spots will be busy with surfers. Visiting on weekdays or outside peak season offers a quieter experience.

Praia dos Pescadores

Praia do Sul

Praia de São Julião

Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas

Do the beaches near Mafra have good facilities like toilets, cafes, and lifeguards?

Most of the main beaches in Ericeira, such as Praia dos Pescadores, Praia do Sul, Foz do Lizandro, and Ribeira d'Ilhas, have good facilities during the main bathing season (typically June to September). This usually includes cafes or restaurants, toilets, and lifeguard surveillance. Smaller or more remote beaches may have limited or no facilities.

Praia dos Pescadores

Praia do Sul

Praia Foz do Lizandro

Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas

Are there any less crowded or 'secret' beaches near Ericeira/Mafra?

While Ericeira is popular, you might find slightly fewer crowds at beaches like São Julião (further south) or Praia da Calada (further north). Exploring the coastline between the main named beaches can sometimes reveal smaller coves, though access might be more difficult and facilities non-existent. True 'secret' beaches are rare in such a well-known area.

Praia de São Julião