Santo Isidoro Beaches

Overview

Welcome to the stunning coastline of Santo Isidoro, part of the wider Ericeira area – renowned as Europe's only World Surfing Reserve. While world-class waves attract surfers globally, this stretch of the Lisbon District offers much more. Dramatic cliffs meet golden sands, creating breathtaking scenery perfect for relaxing walks and soaking up the sun, proving it's a fantastic destination even if you don't surf.

Discover beaches catering to every taste. Experience the legendary surf at Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas, a global hub for wave riders. For sheer natural beauty, the dramatic cliffs framing Praia de São Lourenço are unmissable. In the heart of Ericeira town, Praia dos Pescadores offers a sheltered spot buzzing with local life, ideal for families. Further south, Praia Foz do Lizandro provides a vast expanse where the river meets the sea, popular with learners and sunbathers alike.

Beyond our top picks, the coastline hides more gems. While the Atlantic waters are consistently refreshing, perfect for a quick dip on warm days, many find spots like the beginner-friendly waves at Praia de São Julião appealing. Whether you seek powerful surf breaks or calmer shores, remember that conditions vary. Explore our full guide to find even more beaches dotted along this remarkable coast.

The unique charm of Santo Isidoro and Ericeira lies in this blend of raw natural beauty and a vibrant, yet relaxed, surf culture. From watching expert surfers carve waves at legendary breaks to simply enjoying fresh seafood with ocean views, the area offers an authentic Portuguese coastal experience. Prepare to be captivated by the energy and scenery of this special seaside escape.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is the Ericeira area (including Santo Isidoro) good for a beach holiday if I don't surf?

Yes, while Ericeira is famous as a World Surfing Reserve, its coastline offers more than just waves. Many beaches have beautiful scenery, cliffs, rock pools, and sandy areas perfect for sunbathing, relaxing, and walking. Beaches like Praia dos Pescadores in Ericeira town or the southern part of Foz do Lizandro are more sheltered and suitable for non-surfers and families. You can enjoy the coastal paths, fresh seafood restaurants, and the general relaxed atmosphere even without surfing.

Praia dos Pescadores

Praia Foz do Lizandro

Is Ericeira / Santo Isidoro suitable for families with young children?

Yes, it can be, but choose your beach carefully. While many beaches are geared towards surfing with strong waves, Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen's Beach) in central Ericeira is very sheltered and popular with families. Praia do Sul (South Beach) and Foz do Lizandro (especially by the river mouth) also offer calmer areas and amenities. Some surf beaches have strong currents, so always check conditions and lifeguard presence.

Praia dos Pescadores

Praia do Sul

Praia Foz do Lizandro

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

The Atlantic water here is consistently cold, typically ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) even in summer. While many people do swim, especially on hot days, it's usually a quick, refreshing dip rather than long leisurely swims for most. Wetsuits are very common, not just for surfing but also for swimming or bodyboarding if you plan to spend extended time in the water. Some beaches are more sheltered, making swimming slightly more comfortable.

Which beach near Santo Isidoro is best for beginner surfers?

Praia de São Julião (just south of Ericeira/Santo Isidoro) and the southern end of Praia da Foz do Lizandro are generally considered the most suitable for beginners. They often have smaller, more manageable waves compared to expert spots like Coxos. Many surf schools operate at Foz do Lizandro due to its accessibility and conditions suitable for learning.

Praia de São Julião

Praia Foz do Lizandro

What's the best area to stay in Ericeira to be close to beaches like Ribeira d'Ilhas or São Lourenço?

To be closest to the northern World Surfing Reserve beaches like Ribeira d'Ilhas, Coxos, and São Lourenço (which are in or near Santo Isidoro parish), look for accommodation directly in Santo Isidoro or the northern outskirts of Ericeira town. Staying in Ericeira town itself provides more amenities and access to town beaches like Pescadores and Sul, but requires a short drive, bike ride, or bus journey to the main surf breaks further north.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas

Praia dos Coxos

Praia de São Lourenço

Praia dos Pescadores

Do I need a wetsuit to surf or swim near Santo Isidoro / Ericeira?

Yes, a wetsuit is highly recommended year-round for surfing due to the cold water temperatures. For swimming, it depends on your tolerance, but most people find the water too cold for comfortable swimming for long periods without one, especially outside the peak summer months. Even in August, a wetsuit (like a 3/2mm) makes surfing or extended water activities much more enjoyable.

What are the 'World Surfing Reserve' beaches near Santo Isidoro actually like?

The World Surfing Reserve stretches along 8km of coastline north of Ericeira town, including beaches within or bordering Santo Isidoro like Ribeira d'Ilhas, Coxos, and São Lourenço. These beaches are known for their consistent and high-quality waves, often rocky points or reef breaks, set against dramatic cliffs. They attract experienced surfers from around the world. While stunningly beautiful, they often have powerful waves and currents, making them less suitable for casual swimming or beginners.

Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas

Praia dos Coxos

Praia de São Lourenço

Are there any quieter, less crowded beaches near Santo Isidoro / Ericeira?

While the main surf spots like Ribeira d'Ilhas can get busy, especially in summer and during surf competitions, you can find quieter stretches. Consider exploring Praia de São Lourenço further north, which is large and can feel less crowded, or smaller coves like Praia da Calada. Heading slightly south towards São Julião can also offer more space. Weekdays outside of August will generally be less crowded.

Praia de São Lourenço

Praia da Calada

Praia de São Julião

People Also Ask

How do I get to the beaches around Santo Isidoro / Ericeira from Lisbon?

The easiest way is by car, taking the A8 and A21 motorways (around 45-60 minutes). This gives you flexibility to explore different beaches. Alternatively, regular buses run from Lisbon's Campo Grande terminal to Ericeira town centre. From Ericeira, you might need local buses, taxis, ride-sharing services, or bikes (especially e-bikes for the hills) to reach specific beaches like Ribeira d'Ilhas or São Lourenço, though some are within walking distance from town.

Praia de São Lourenço

Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas

Is it easy to park near the beaches in the Santo Isidoro / Ericeira area?

Parking can be challenging, especially during peak summer months (July/August) and weekends at popular beaches like Ribeira d'Ilhas, Foz do Lizandro, and near Ericeira town. Many beaches have dedicated parking lots, but they fill up quickly. Some smaller beaches have very limited roadside parking. Arriving early or using alternative transport like bikes or local buses is advisable during busy periods. Some parking areas may require payment.

Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas

Praia Foz do Lizandro

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

Ribeira d'Ilhas, north of Ericeira near Santo Isidoro, is a world-renowned surf spot (reef/point break) primarily for intermediate to advanced surfers, set in a valley with good facilities but often powerful waves. Foz do Lizandro, south of town, is a large sandy beach break with a river mouth, generally better for beginners and intermediate surfers, swimmers, and families. It has ample space, multiple beach bars/restaurants, and surf schools.

Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas

Praia Foz do Lizandro

When is the best time to visit the beaches near Santo Isidoro / Ericeira?

For warm weather and swimming, July and August are hottest but also busiest. For surfing, conditions are consistent year-round, but autumn (September-November) often brings bigger swells and good conditions with fewer crowds than summer. Spring (April-June) offers pleasant weather, blooming landscapes, and moderate crowds. Winter sees the biggest waves, attracting expert surfers, but weather can be wet and windy.

What's the vibe like at the beaches near Santo Isidoro? Is it just surfers?

The vibe is heavily influenced by surf culture – relaxed, international, and focused on the ocean. While surfers are prominent, especially at breaks like Ribeira d'Ilhas, you'll find a mix of people including families, locals, and tourists simply enjoying the sun and scenery, particularly at beaches closer to town or Foz do Lizandro. Beach bars often have a laid-back, surfy atmosphere. It's generally casual and outdoorsy.

Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas

Praia Foz do Lizandro

Are there beach bars or restaurants right on the beaches near Santo Isidoro / Ericeira?

Yes, several beaches have bars, cafes, or restaurants directly on or overlooking the sand. Foz do Lizandro is well-known for having multiple options. Ribeira d'Ilhas has a large support facility with food and drink. Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Sul in Ericeira town also have adjacent restaurants and cafes. Some smaller or more remote beaches might have limited or no facilities.

Praia Foz do Lizandro

Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas

Praia dos Pescadores

Praia do Sul

Are the beaches near Santo Isidoro / Ericeira safe? Are there lifeguards?

During the official bathing season (typically June to September), major beaches like Ribeira d'Ilhas, Foz do Lizandro, and the town beaches usually have lifeguard surveillance. However, conditions can be dangerous with strong currents, rips, and powerful waves, especially at the surf-focused beaches. Always check the flag warnings (green, yellow, red) and be aware of the ocean conditions, particularly if swimming or surfing at less supervised spots or outside the main season.

Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas

Praia Foz do Lizandro