Matadouro Beach Ericeira
Ericeira's vibrant Matadouro Beach, a top surf spot perfect for lessons and enjoying the Atlantic's powerful waves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for learning
Matadouro Beach Ericeira
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for learning
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ericeira's vibrant Matadouro Beach, a top surf spot perfect for lessons and enjoying the Atlantic's powerful waves.
"Great place to learn surf but on high season can be quite crowded."
🩴 Wear Swim Shoes
The beach bottom is rocky; swim shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
🏄♀️ Learn to Surf Here
Matadouro is a prime spot for surf lessons, with many schools operating daily.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Matadouro Beach Waves
Ericeira
Iconic surf spot with consistent waves, perfect for learning and experienced surfers alike.
Surf School Hub
In front of Quiksilver
Numerous surf schools gather here, creating a vibrant atmosphere for learners.
Scenic Boardwalk
Along the beach
Enjoy a beautiful walk with stunning ocean views, ideal for a relaxed stroll.
Sunset Views
Clifftop path
Find a quiet spot on the clifftop path for breathtaking sunset vistas over the Atlantic.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Surf's Up: Best Time to Catch Waves
Beach Essentials: What to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🩴 Wear Swim Shoes
The beach bottom is rocky; swim shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
🏄♀️ Learn to Surf Here
Matadouro is a prime spot for surf lessons, with many schools operating daily.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy scenic walks along the beach and boardwalk with beautiful ocean views.
🚗 Parking is Available
Convenient parking is located near the surfing spot, making access easy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🩴 Wear Swim Shoes
The beach bottom is rocky; swim shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
🏄♀️ Learn to Surf Here
Matadouro is a prime spot for surf lessons, with many schools operating daily.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy scenic walks along the beach and boardwalk with beautiful ocean views.
🚗 Parking is Available
Convenient parking is located near the surfing spot, making access easy.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Spot
Matadouro Beach is listed as a summer dog-friendly beach in Ericeira.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Matadouro Beach is a highly-rated surf spot in Ericeira, praised for its consistent waves and suitability for surf lessons. Visitors appreciate the scenic boardwalk and available amenities like food trucks and showers. However, the rocky seabed requires caution and swim shoes, and the beach can become crowded during peak season due to its popularity with surf schools.
"Another magnificent surf spot nestled between majestic cliffs and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where you shouldn't be put off by the name, even though Matadouro means "slaughterhouse" in Portuguese!
It's a friendly beach known for its vibrant surf culture, ideal for beginners and experienced surfers alike. You'll find plenty of surf schools, numerous beach breaks and reef breaks, offering both lefts and rights. So, watch your step when you come out of the water...
The beach is characterized by its sandy shore and is suitable for surfing at both low and high tide. Its natural beauty is enhanced by the breathtaking sunsets it offers."
Enjoy life
"Rocky beach where many surf schools will go for classes. Good at low to high tide. It’s just in front of Quicksilver (with big store and cafe inside) and skate park."
Julia
"You have a drop food truck, toilets, shower, beautiful spot, but for swimmer you better have swim shoes"
Laetitia “Lilly” Allaire
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ericeira is about a 45-minute drive north of Lisbon. You can rent a car or take a bus from Lisbon to Ericeira. Matadouro Beach is easily accessible within Ericeira, often within walking distance from the town center or with short taxi rides.
Yes, there is parking available near Matadouro Beach, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, Matadouro Beach is located close to the town of Ericeira, and many visitors find it walkable from the central areas.
Buses run regularly from Lisbon to Ericeira, making it an accessible destination without a car.
Matadouro Beach is a well-known surf spot in Ericeira and is generally easy to locate, especially with GPS or by following signs for surf schools.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Matadouro Beach is a public beach, so there is no entry fee to access it.
Beaches in Portugal are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. Specific facilities like cafes or surf schools will have their own operating hours.
While some surf schools might allow walk-ins, it's highly recommended to book surf lessons in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
During high season, Matadouro Beach can get quite crowded with surf schools and visitors. Visiting on weekdays or during off-peak times can offer a less crowded experience.
Matadouro Beach is listed as a dog-friendly beach during the summer, but it's always good to check local regulations for any specific time restrictions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Matadouro Beach offers amenities such as food trucks, toilets, and showers for visitors.
While it's a great surf spot, the rocky bottom means swim shoes are recommended for swimmers. The waves can also be strong.
The primary activity is surfing, with many schools offering lessons. You can also enjoy walking along the beach and boardwalk, or simply relax and watch the surfers.
Yes, most surf schools operating at Matadouro Beach offer surfboard rentals as part of their lessons or for independent surfers.
The bottom of Matadouro Beach is rocky, which is why wearing swim shoes is advised for comfort and safety.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are food trucks directly at the beach, and the Quiksilver store nearby often has a cafe. Ericeira town also offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
Yes, there are food trucks available at the beach where you can purchase food and drinks.
You can find typical beachside snacks and meals from the food trucks. Ericeira town offers fresh seafood and Portuguese cuisine.
Food trucks offer more budget-friendly options. Dining in Ericeira town can range from casual to more upscale, depending on the restaurant.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, you can bring your own food and find a spot on the beach or boardwalk to enjoy a picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dynamic surf action, the scenic boardwalk views, and the stunning sunsets. The rocky coastline also offers dramatic shots.
Yes, drone footage of Matadouro Beach shows beautiful top-down views of the surf and coastline, making it great for aerial photography.
Early mornings offer calm seas and soft light, while late afternoons provide dramatic sunset colors. Midday captures the vibrant surf school activity.
Absolutely! Matadouro Beach is a hub for surfers, offering plenty of opportunities to photograph them catching waves.
The clifftop path offers elevated views of the beach and the surrounding coastline, perfect for panoramic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄♂️ Surfers & Surf Enthusiasts
+1 Experienced surfers will appreciate the Atlantic swells, while beginners can benefit from the structured learning environment. Remember to check the tide times as the beach is good at both low and high tide. 🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Lisbon
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing at Matadouro Beach
+1While the beach is great for surfing year-round, the bottom is rocky, so wearing swim shoes is highly recommended for comfort and safety, especially when paddling out or walking in the water.
For those interested in longboarding, November can bring larger swells, so relative beginners should assess conditions carefully.
Exploring Ericeira's Coastal Charm
Beyond Matadouro Beach, Ericeira boasts a magnificent coastline with several other beaches, each offering unique characteristics. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the boardwalks that hug the cliffs, providing breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The town is also known for its relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect escape for those seeking a blend of adventure and tranquility. Don't miss the opportunity to experience a sunset from the clifftop paths near Matadouro Beach; the views are often described as inspiring and serene, perfect for reflection or artistic endeavors.
Whether you're there to surf, explore, or simply soak in the coastal ambiance, Ericeira offers a memorable Portuguese experience. Practicalities for Your Visit
Parking is generally available near the beach, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
Ericeira is a popular destination, and Matadouro Beach, being a prime surf spot, can get crowded, especially during peak season. Visiting during weekdays can significantly reduce the crowds, allowing for a more enjoyable experience, whether you're learning to surf or simply relaxing by the sea.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit