Is Ribamar a good destination for a typical relaxing beach holiday?
Ribamar is more renowned as a world-class surfing destination within the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve rather than a typical 'lie-on-the-sand-and-swim' beach holiday spot. While it has stunning coastal scenery and beaches, they are often rugged, exposed to Atlantic winds, and feature powerful waves and cooler water temperatures. It's ideal for surf enthusiasts and those who appreciate dramatic coastlines, but less so for those seeking calm, warm waters for casual swimming and sunbathing like in the Algarve.
What kind of traveler is Ribamar best suited for? Families, surfers, couples?
Ribamar primarily attracts surfers due to its famous breaks like Coxos and proximity to Ribeira d'Ilhas. It's excellent for experienced surfers and those passionate about surf culture. It can also appeal to couples seeking a quieter base near Ericeira, focused on nature, coastal walks, and seafood. While families do visit, the powerful waves and cooler water at the main surf beaches might be less ideal for young children compared to more sheltered beaches found elsewhere.
Can you actually swim at the beaches near Ribamar, or is it just for surfing?
Swimming is possible at some beaches near Ribamar, particularly during calmer conditions and lower tides, but it's often challenging. The Atlantic water is consistently cool (around 15-19°C even in summer), and many beaches have strong currents and waves, making them primarily suited for surfing. Beaches like São Lourenço or Praia dos Pescadores in Ericeira (a short drive away) might offer slightly more sheltered conditions at times, but caution is always advised.
How cold is the water at Ribamar beaches? Do I need a wetsuit?
The Atlantic water near Ribamar is cold year-round. Summer water temperatures typically range from 17-19°C (63-66°F), while in winter they drop lower. For swimming, it will feel bracing. For surfing or spending any extended time in the water, a wetsuit is highly recommended, even in summer, to stay comfortable and prevent hypothermia. Most surfers use a 3/2mm wetsuit in summer and a 4/3mm or thicker in winter.
What are the main differences between staying in Ribamar versus Ericeira for beach access?
Ribamar offers direct access to northern Ericeira World Surfing Reserve beaches like Coxos and São Lourenço, often quieter and more rugged. It has a more local, village feel. Ericeira town provides easier access to a wider variety of beaches, including more central ones like Praia dos Pescadores and Ribeira d'Ilhas (south end), plus more amenities, restaurants, surf schools, and nightlife. Choosing depends on whether you prioritize proximity to specific northern breaks and quietness (Ribamar) or variety and town amenities (Ericeira).
Are the beaches near Ribamar suitable for beginner surfers?
While Ribamar is famous for advanced waves like Coxos, the wider Ericeira area, easily accessible from Ribamar, offers options for beginners. Beaches like Foz do Lizandro or São Julião (south of Ericeira) typically have more manageable waves suitable for learning. It's best for beginners to take lessons from local surf schools based in Ericeira, who know the best spots based on daily conditions.
Which beach near Ribamar is best for families with children?
Directly in Ribamar, the beaches are quite exposed and wavy. For families, it's usually better to head south towards Ericeira town. Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen's Beach) in Ericeira is the most sheltered, located within the harbour wall, offering calmer waters suitable for children. Foz do Lizandro, south of Ericeira, also has a river mouth creating lagoon-like areas at low tide, which can be good for paddling, alongside beach cafes and facilities.
Do I need a car to get to the beaches around Ribamar?
Having a car is highly recommended for exploring the beaches around Ribamar and Ericeira effectively. While some beaches like Coxos or São Lourenço might be walkable depending on your exact accommodation location in Ribamar, a car provides flexibility to reach different surf spots based on conditions, access beaches further south like Foz do Lizandro, and travel easily between Ribamar and Ericeira town for amenities and other beaches.
Are there surf schools or board rentals directly in Ribamar?
Ribamar itself is small and primarily residential with restaurants. While some accommodations might offer rentals or arrange lessons, the main concentration of dedicated surf schools, rental shops, and surf camps is located in the nearby town of Ericeira (a few kilometers south). Most visitors based in Ribamar travel to Ericeira for lessons and comprehensive rental options.
What's the vibe like at Ribamar beaches compared to Algarve beaches?
Ribamar beaches, and the Ericeira coast in general, have a much more rugged, wild, and surf-centric vibe compared to the Algarve. Expect dramatic cliffs, powerful Atlantic waves, cooler temperatures, and a crowd focused on surfing or appreciating natural beauty. The Algarve typically offers warmer waters, calmer seas (especially on the central/eastern coast), extensive sandy stretches, and a more traditional 'sun-and-sea' tourist infrastructure.
Are the beaches near Ribamar lifeguarded?
During the official bathing season (typically June to September), some of the main beaches in the Ericeira area, such as Ribeira d'Ilhas, Foz do Lizandro, and Praia dos Pescadores, usually have lifeguard surveillance. However, more rugged or remote spots like Coxos might not always be supervised. It's crucial to check for lifeguard presence and warning flags (green, yellow, red) before entering the water, especially given the strong currents and waves.
Besides surfing, what else is there to do at the beaches near Ribamar?
Beyond surfing, the beaches and coastline around Ribamar are great for coastal walks and hiking along the cliffs, offering stunning views. Photography is popular due to the dramatic scenery. Sunbathing is possible on less windy days, though the Atlantic breeze is common. Some enjoy exploring tide pools at low tide. The area is also famous for its excellent seafood restaurants, often located with sea views in Ribamar and Ericeira.
What is Praia dos Coxos known for?
Praia dos Coxos is internationally famous as one of Europe's best and most challenging right-hand point break waves, strictly for experienced surfers. The beach itself is small, rocky, and difficult to access, primarily serving as an entry/exit point for surfers tackling the powerful wave. It's not suitable for swimming or casual beach activities.
Is it windy on the beaches near Ribamar?
Yes, the beaches around Ribamar and Ericeira are frequently windy, exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. The prevailing wind is often from the north/northwest (the 'Nortada'), especially noticeable in the afternoons during summer. While wind conditions are essential for surfing, they can make sunbathing less comfortable at times. Sheltered spots can sometimes be found, but visitors should generally expect some wind.
What's the best time of year to visit Ribamar for beaches and surfing?
For surfing, Ribamar offers waves year-round. Autumn and winter (September to April) generally see larger, more consistent swells, attracting experienced surfers. Spring and summer (May to August) tend to have smaller waves, better for intermediates or learning (at appropriate spots), and warmer air temperatures for beach time. For a balance of pleasant weather for being on the beach (though water remains cool) and potential for surfing, late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) are often ideal.
