Foz do Lizandro Estuary - Image 1
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Foz do Lizandro Beach Ericeira

4.6
·6k reviews·, Portugal

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 content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Foz do Lizandro Estuary - Image 1

Foz do Lizandro Beach Ericeira

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning beach where a gentle river meets the Atlantic, offering surf for beginners and a safe haven for families.

4.6
(6k reviews)

"The perfect beach. Clean beach with shallow parts where the river meets - perfect for kids to play/paddle."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Dual River and Ocean Experience

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.

Reddit
Beginner-Friendly Surf Spots

Beginner-Friendly Surf Spots

Ocean side

Catch your first waves! This beach is known for its forgiving surf, perfect for learning.

TikTokReddit
Scenic Coastal Walks

Scenic Coastal Walks

Cliffs overlooking the beach

Explore stunning cliffside paths offering breathtaking views of the coastline.

Instagram
Vibrant Beachfront Cafes

Vibrant Beachfront Cafes

Along the boardwalk

Relax and refuel at one of the many bars and cafes with ocean views.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Waves: Surf's Up in Ericeira

Ericeira is a world-renowned surf destination, and Foz do Lizandro Beach is a prime spot for catching waves, especially for beginners. Consider booking surf lessons in advance, as popular schools fill up quickly, particularly during peak season. TikTok

Family Fun by the River and Sea

This beach offers a unique dual experience with both the ocean and a shallow river, making it ideal for families with young children. The river provides a safe, calm area for paddling and playing, while the ocean waves are great for beginner surfers. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Calm waters & fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Beat the weekend rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Praia da Foz do Lizandro and Praia de São Julião. Protected by tall cliffs, beaches covers a long stretch of sand that begins around 8.5 kilometres from Ericeira and extends southwards deep into Sintra council, which includes its largest extent. Ideal for long walks along the shore, the strong waves breaking on São Julião Beach create very favourable conditions for surfing and bodyboarding 🇵🇹 #vi...
@alyonsoloviova
7.8K likes • 77.6K views

🚗 Ample Free Parking

Plenty of parking available, with overflow lots higher up on the bluff. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Surf Lessons Available

Rent boards or take lessons; great for beginners! TikTokReddit

One of my favorite places in the world 🌎🔓 #ericeira #travel #lisbontoericeira #lisbon #selina #wot #hostel #solotravel #whattodo
@itskayleighbabay
7K likes • 200.8K views
ERICEIRA, PORTUGAL 🇵🇹 Foz do Lizandro beach 〰️ Praia da Foz do Lizandro 🌴🍀☀️
lusideias
1.1K likes • 25.3K views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly River

Shallow river section perfect for little ones to paddle and play safely. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Cliff Walks

Enjoy beautiful coastal views on walks between Foz do Lizandro and São Julião. Instagram

Foz do Lizandro 🏝 #djimini3pro #ericeira #ericeiralovers #beach #paradise #dronevideo #drone #nature #amazing #amazingdroneposts #portugal #ocean #atlanticocean
drone_crew_aerial_imagery
16 likes • 413 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Ample Free Parking

Plenty of parking available, with overflow lots higher up on the bluff. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Surf Lessons Available

Rent boards or take lessons; great for beginners! TikTokReddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly River

Shallow river section perfect for little ones to paddle and play safely. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Cliff Walks

Enjoy beautiful coastal views on walks between Foz do Lizandro and São Julião. Instagram

🍹 Beachfront Dining

Several bars and cafes offer food and drinks with stunning ocean vistas. Reddit

🚫 Smoke-Free Sand

Bars prohibit tobacco sales, leading to cleaner beaches. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(6k reviews)

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

Family-friendly river
Beginner surf waves
Ample free parking

What People Dislike

Can be crowded in August

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Yes, you can take a bus from Lisbon to Ericeira, and then a local bus or taxi to Foz do Lizandro Beach. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

The beach is accessible year-round during daylight hours. Lifeguards are typically on duty during the summer season. Reddit

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. TikTok

There are no specific restrictions mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of waste and keep the beach clean. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. Instagram+2

Yes, Foz do Lizandro is highly recommended for beginner surfers due to its gentler waves. Surf schools and board rentals are readily available. TikTokReddit

Yes, the beach is lifeguarded, especially during the summer months, ensuring a safer experience for swimmers. Reddit

The river forms a shallow, calm pool perfect for young children and paddling, while the ocean offers waves suitable for surfing and swimming. Reddit

Absolutely! Bouldering is a popular activity here, with limestone boulders located between Foz do Lizandro and São Julião beaches. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several bars and cafes located along the boardwalk offering food, drinks, and great views of the ocean. Reddit

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. Instagram

While specific menus aren't detailed, most Portuguese cafes offer some vegetarian options. It's best to ask directly at the establishment. Instagram

Interestingly, tobacco cannot be bought at the bars here, which contributes to a cleaner beach environment. Reddit

Prices are generally considered reasonable for a beachside location, offering good value for the experience and views. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the coastline, dramatic cliffs, surfers catching waves, the river meeting the sea, and the golden hour sunsets. Instagram+1

Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful soft light, ideal for landscape and portrait photography. Golden hour sunsets are particularly spectacular. Instagram

The cliff tops offer panoramic views, and the area where the river meets the ocean provides unique photographic compositions. Instagram+1

Drone usage is subject to local regulations. Always check for any restrictions before flying. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Foz do Lizandro Beach is a dream for families! The shallow river is a major draw, offering a safe and fun play area for little ones away from the ocean waves. You'll find plenty of space for picnics and sandcastle building. Reddit

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. Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Surfers (Beginner to Intermediate)

This beach is a surfer's paradise, especially for those learning. The consistent, forgiving waves are perfect for honing your skills. You can easily rent boards and wetsuits right on the beach, and numerous surf schools offer lessons tailored to all levels. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers

For those who love to explore on foot, the coastal walk from Foz do Lizandro to Praia de São Julião is a must-do. It offers stunning panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Surfing Paradise: Waves for Everyone

Ericeira is a designated World Surfing Reserve, and Foz do Lizandro Beach is a fantastic entry point for those looking to experience the thrill of surfing. The beach's gentle, rolling waves make it particularly suitable for beginner surfers and those looking to improve their skills. Numerous surf schools operate directly on the beach, offering lessons for all levels, from first-timers to more experienced riders. You can easily rent surfboards and wetsuits here, making it convenient to just show up and ride the waves. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

A Family Haven: River Meets Ocean

Foz do Lizandro Beach offers a unique and highly appealing environment for families with children. The most striking feature is the river that flows into the ocean, creating a shallow, calm lagoon-like area. This natural pool is perfect for toddlers and young children to safely paddle, play, and build sandcastles without the concern of strong ocean currents. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Beyond the Beach: Coastal Exploration and Activities

While Foz do Lizandro Beach is a destination in itself, its location offers opportunities for further exploration. A scenic coastal walk connects Foz do Lizandro to the neighboring Praia de São Julião, allowing visitors to experience more of the stunning Ericeira coastline. This walk provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and unique rock formations. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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