Coxos Beach Ericeira
A legendary surf break and a secluded paradise, Coxos Beach offers powerful waves and stunning coastal beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best surf conditions
Coxos Beach Ericeira
Best Time
Best surf conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary surf break and a secluded paradise, Coxos Beach offers powerful waves and stunning coastal beauty.
"Absolutely beautiful and secluded beach! The water is crystal clear and the surroundings absolutely stunning."
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Access involves a short walk, so comfortable footwear is a must for reaching the beach.
🚗 Parking can be tricky
Parking is available but fills up fast, especially when surf conditions are good. Arrive early!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World-Class Surf Break
The main point break
Coxos is a legendary surf spot, famous for its powerful, consistent waves that draw surfers from around the globe.
Stunning Natural Beauty
The entire beach and surrounding cliffs
Experience a secluded paradise with crystal-clear waters and breathtaking cliffside views, especially magical at sunset.
Cliffside Vistas
Cliffs overlooking the beach
Enjoy unparalleled panoramic views of the ocean and coastline, perfect for photography and soaking in the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Surf's Up: Know Before You Go
Secluded Beauty & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Access involves a short walk, so comfortable footwear is a must for reaching the beach.
🚗 Parking can be tricky
Parking is available but fills up fast, especially when surf conditions are good. Arrive early!
🏄♀️ Experienced surfers only
Coxos is known for powerful waves, best suited for experienced surfers.
📸 Capture the sunset
The views from the cliffs are spectacular at sunset, offering unique photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Access involves a short walk, so comfortable footwear is a must for reaching the beach.
🚗 Parking can be tricky
Parking is available but fills up fast, especially when surf conditions are good. Arrive early!
🏄♀️ Experienced surfers only
Coxos is known for powerful waves, best suited for experienced surfers.
📸 Capture the sunset
The views from the cliffs are spectacular at sunset, offering unique photo opportunities.
🌊 Check surf reports
Wave conditions vary greatly; check surf forecasts before you go to catch the best swells.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Coxos Beach's stunning, secluded beauty and its status as a world-class surf spot. The powerful waves and breathtaking cliffside views are major highlights. However, the challenging access and the beach's unsuitability for beginners or casual swimmers are noted drawbacks.
"This beach is an excellent point break, probably one of the best spots in Ericeira, with its hollow, powerful, and long right-hand wave reserved for experienced surfers. It's a consistent spot that works at all tide levels, located 300 meters to the left of the beach itself, where you have to watch out for sharp rocks and the crowds. Getting in and out of the water can be quite difficult during the surf season, which runs from September to May.
The Ericeira coastal region is recognized as a World Surfing Reserve. This surf reserve stretches along the Portuguese coast for over 8 kilometers and includes many world-renowned surf spots such as Ribeira d'Ilhas and São Lourenço. It's a very popular destination for surfers from all over the world, and its beaches regularly host World Surf League events. Ericeira offers a wide variety of waves for all surfers. More experienced surfers can head to Pedra Banca, Ribeira d’Ilhas, Cave, Coxos, or Sao Lourenço. Beginners, on the other hand, can learn to surf on the beaches south of Ericeira, such as Praia do Sul or Foz do Lizandro."
Enjoy life
"Lovely secluded little beach - the surf can be good here, but the direction of waves is pretty critical. You can access the beach from North or South and there is a short walk in. Not terribly accessible for access."
Murray Bell
"Absolutely beautiful and secluded beach! The water is crystal clear and the surroundings absolutely stunning. It is like you are in paradise."
Julien van der waal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coxos Beach is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. From the parking area, there's a short walk to reach the beach itself. It's located just north of Ericeira town.
Access involves a short walk from the parking area, so it's not the most accessible beach for those with mobility challenges.
While it's close to Ericeira, walking directly to Coxos Beach might be a bit of a trek depending on your starting point. Driving is generally recommended.
There is a parking area near Coxos Beach, but it can get crowded quickly, especially when the surf is good. Arriving early is advised.
Public transport directly to Coxos Beach is limited. Buses typically serve Ericeira town, from where you would need to arrange further transport or a longer walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Coxos Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy the scenery freely.
Coxos Beach is open 24/7, as it is a natural public space. Access is unrestricted, though daylight hours are best for enjoying the views and activities.
There is no entry fee for surfing at Coxos Beach. However, be aware that it's a challenging spot best suited for experienced surfers.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting Coxos Beach, other than respecting the natural environment and local surfing etiquette.
Yes, surf schools and camps operate in the Ericeira area and may offer lessons at or near Coxos Beach, particularly for experienced surfers.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour around sunrise and sunset offers stunning light for photography, highlighting the dramatic cliffs and ocean.
You can capture dramatic surf action, serene beach landscapes, unique rock formations, and breathtaking sunset views from the cliffs. 
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and guidelines before flying a drone for aerial photography at Coxos Beach.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture surfers in action. A sturdy tripod is useful for sunset shots.
The cliffs overlooking the beach offer the most iconic viewpoints for capturing the expanse of Coxos and its powerful waves.
🎫 🏄♂️ Surfing at Coxos
No, Coxos Beach is renowned for its powerful and challenging waves, making it best suited for experienced and professional surfers.
Coxos is a point break known for its fast, hollow, and powerful waves, often described as 'perfect big waves' when conditions are right.
The autumn and winter months often bring the most consistent and powerful swells to Coxos, but conditions can be good year-round.
Yes, Ericeira is a World Surfing Reserve, and numerous surf schools and camps cater to all levels, though lessons at Coxos itself are typically for advanced surfers.
Due to the powerful waves and reef bottom, surfers should be aware of the risks, including strong currents and potential for wipeouts. Always surf within your limits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you're visiting Ericeira with kids and looking for beach time, consider exploring other, more sheltered beaches in the area that offer calmer waters and safer swimming conditions. 🏄♀️ Experienced Surfers
+1 This is a spot for those who can handle challenging waves and reef breaks. Always check the surf reports and be mindful of the strong currents and potential for heavy wipeouts. 📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
+1 Capture the raw power of the ocean as surfers tackle the formidable waves, or simply find a quiet spot to admire the rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Surfing at Coxos
+1When the conditions align, Coxos can produce truly epic waves, attracting surfers from all over the world. The best swells typically arrive during the autumn and winter months, but good days can occur throughout the year. It's crucial for surfers to check surf reports diligently before heading out, as the wave's quality is highly dependent on swell direction, size, and wind.
Beyond the surf, the beach itself offers a secluded and stunning natural environment. The clear waters and dramatic cliffs create a picturesque setting, making it a beautiful place to visit even if you're not surfing. Photographers often flock here to capture the dramatic wave action and the breathtaking coastal scenery, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
+1Experiencing Coxos Beyond the Waves
The cliffs overlooking Coxos Beach provide spectacular vantage points for enjoying panoramic views. These viewpoints are particularly magical during sunset, painting the sky with vibrant colors and casting a warm glow over the ocean.
It's an ideal spot for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to simply relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery. The unique landscape and the sound of the waves create a truly immersive experience. For those looking for a more social experience, the nearby Ocean Hut Surf Camp Coxos offers a place to connect with the surf community and enjoy the magical atmosphere close to the sea.
This adds another dimension to the Coxos experience, blending the natural beauty with a welcoming community vibe. Whether you're there to ride the waves or simply admire the view, Coxos offers a memorable encounter with Portugal's stunning coastline.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit