
Foz do Lizandro Beach Ericeira
A stunning beach where a gentle river meets the Atlantic, offering surf for beginners and a safe haven for families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters & fewer crowds

Foz do Lizandro Beach Ericeira
Best Time
Calm waters & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning beach where a gentle river meets the Atlantic, offering surf for beginners and a safe haven for families.
"The perfect beach. Clean beach with shallow parts where the river meets - perfect for kids to play/paddle."

🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, with overflow lots higher up on the bluff.
🏄♀️ Surf Lessons Available
Rent boards or take lessons; great for beginners!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Dual River and Ocean Experience
Where the river meets the sea
Enjoy the best of both worlds: calm river waters for kids and gentle ocean waves for surfers.

Beginner-Friendly Surf Spots
Ocean side
Catch your first waves! This beach is known for its forgiving surf, perfect for learning.

Scenic Coastal Walks
Cliffs overlooking the beach
Explore stunning cliffside paths offering breathtaking views of the coastline.

Vibrant Beachfront Cafes
Along the boardwalk
Relax and refuel at one of the many bars and cafes with ocean views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waves: Surf's Up in Ericeira
Family Fun by the River and Sea
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, with overflow lots higher up on the bluff.
🏄♀️ Surf Lessons Available
Rent boards or take lessons; great for beginners!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly River
Shallow river section perfect for little ones to paddle and play safely.
🚶♀️ Scenic Cliff Walks
Enjoy beautiful coastal views on walks between Foz do Lizandro and São Julião.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, with overflow lots higher up on the bluff.
🏄♀️ Surf Lessons Available
Rent boards or take lessons; great for beginners!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly River
Shallow river section perfect for little ones to paddle and play safely.
🚶♀️ Scenic Cliff Walks
Enjoy beautiful coastal views on walks between Foz do Lizandro and São Julião.
🍹 Beachfront Dining
Several bars and cafes offer food and drinks with stunning ocean vistas.
🚫 Smoke-Free Sand
Bars prohibit tobacco sales, leading to cleaner beaches.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Foz do Lizandro Beach is widely praised as a perfect beach, offering a unique dual experience of river and ocean. Visitors love the ample parking, family-friendly shallow river, and great surf conditions for beginners. Some find it can get crowded during peak season, but the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive.
"Superb and largest beach in Mafra. Its unique feature is that the Lizandro River flows through it, offering a warmer alternative for those who prefer not to swim in the colder, more unpredictable waters.
It's also an excellent surfing spot with a surf shop where you can rent boards and book surf lessons ..."
Enjoy life
"The perfect beach. 3 bar/cafe.....we went to thr surf one which was amazing. Clean toilets. No steps. Clean beach with shallow parts where the river meets- perfect for kids to play/paddle. Free parking."
Nicola
"Great beach! Lots of space and restaurants to buu food and drinks! Also a place to rent board or take lesson to learn how to surf. Also possible to rent (or just use) the shade from the umbrellas!"
Jelle Kalshoven
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Foz do Lizandro Beach from Lisbon by car in about 35-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Ericeira and then a local bus or taxi to the beach.
Yes, there is ample free parking available directly at the beach. If the main lot is full, there's additional parking higher up on the bluff with stairs leading down.
While it's a bit of a walk (around 8.5 km), you can walk along the coast from Ericeira to Foz do Lizandro Beach, or take a local bus.
Renting a car offers the most flexibility for a day trip, allowing you to explore Ericeira and surrounding areas easily. Public transport is also feasible but requires more planning.
Yes, you can take a bus from Lisbon to Ericeira, and then a local bus or taxi to Foz do Lizandro Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Foz do Lizandro Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the sand and sea for free.
The beach is accessible year-round during daylight hours. Lifeguards are typically on duty during the summer season.
For general beach access, no booking is required. However, if you plan to take surf lessons or rent equipment, it's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of waste and keep the beach clean.
Regulations regarding pets on beaches can vary by season and local ordinances. It's best to check local signage or inquire with local authorities for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can surf, swim, sunbathe, take long walks along the shore, enjoy water sports, or simply relax by the river or ocean. Bouldering is also popular here.
Yes, Foz do Lizandro is highly recommended for beginner surfers due to its gentler waves. Surf schools and board rentals are readily available.
Yes, the beach is lifeguarded, especially during the summer months, ensuring a safer experience for swimmers.
The river forms a shallow, calm pool perfect for young children and paddling, while the ocean offers waves suitable for surfing and swimming.
Absolutely! Bouldering is a popular activity here, with limestone boulders located between Foz do Lizandro and São Julião beaches.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several bars and cafes located along the boardwalk offering food, drinks, and great views of the ocean.
You can find a variety of options, from snacks and light meals to more substantial dishes, often with a focus on fresh seafood and local Portuguese cuisine.
While specific menus aren't detailed, most Portuguese cafes offer some vegetarian options. It's best to ask directly at the establishment.
Interestingly, tobacco cannot be bought at the bars here, which contributes to a cleaner beach environment.
Prices are generally considered reasonable for a beachside location, offering good value for the experience and views.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the coastline, dramatic cliffs, surfers catching waves, the river meeting the sea, and the golden hour sunsets.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful soft light, ideal for landscape and portrait photography. Golden hour sunsets are particularly spectacular.
The cliff tops offer panoramic views, and the area where the river meets the ocean provides unique photographic compositions.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. Always check for any restrictions before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and coastline, while a telephoto lens can be useful for action shots of surfers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With lifeguards on duty during summer and easy access to amenities like clean toilets and cafes, it's a stress-free environment. The gentle ocean waves are also great for older kids wanting to try bodyboarding or beginner surfing lessons.
🏄♀️ Surfers (Beginner to Intermediate)
Ericeira's status as a World Surfing Reserve means you're in a prime location. Even intermediate surfers will find enjoyable conditions, particularly on days with a good swell. The vibrant surf community adds to the overall experience.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Beyond the walk, consider the unique opportunity for bouldering on the nearby limestone formations. It's a fantastic way to combine your love for the outdoors with a physical challenge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing Paradise: Waves for Everyone
For those seeking a bit more challenge, the waves can pick up, especially further out or on days with more swell. The consistent conditions make it a popular spot year-round, though summer months often bring calmer seas ideal for learning. The presence of lifeguards adds an extra layer of safety, allowing surfers to focus on enjoying the ocean.
Beyond surfing, the beach is also a hub for other water activities. You might see people enjoying bodyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and even beach volleyball. The vibrant surf culture here is palpable, with a friendly and encouraging atmosphere for all water enthusiasts.
A Family Haven: River Meets Ocean
Parents can relax knowing their little ones are in a secure environment, while still being close to the main beach activities. The main beach itself also has areas with gentler waves suitable for older children to swim or try bodyboarding. The convenience of having both the river and the ocean in one location makes it an ideal spot for a family day out, catering to a wide range of ages and preferences.
Amenities like clean toilets and easy access from the boardwalk further enhance the family-friendly nature of the beach. The presence of multiple cafes also means easy access to snacks and refreshments, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Beyond the Beach: Coastal Exploration and Activities
For the more adventurous, Foz do Lizandro Beach is also a known spot for bouldering. The limestone boulders found between Foz do Lizandro and São Julião beaches attract climbers looking for a unique outdoor challenge with a view. It's an excellent way to combine a love for the sea with the thrill of rock climbing.
Additionally, the beach often hosts community events and sports activities, such as beach rugby and footvolley, adding a lively atmosphere, especially during the summer. Checking local event listings can reveal opportunities to participate or spectate these fun gatherings.






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