Coxos is Ericeira’s signature spot and one of Europe’s best right-hand reef breaks. The peak serves up a long, hollow, tubular wave on a very shallow volcanic reef, 3 km north of Ericeira. This is a wave for advanced and expert surfers only, not a learning ground. If you are looking to surf serious waves in Portugal, this is where you come, with the level and caution that come with it.
Coxos is one of the most consistent reef breaks on Portugal’s west coast. The hollow right, committed take-off and tubular sections make it a signature wave for advanced and expert surfers. Paddle out is from the rocks at the cliff edge : a feature that naturally filters the line-up. A classic of demanding surf in Portugal, requiring solid level and a low-profile attitude at the line-up.
“Coxos is best watched from the cliff for 15 to 20 minutes before paddling out. Locals run the rotation: only a few surfers sit on the peak at the same time, and priority is strictly codified. On a well-aligned set, the right can hold for 200 metres down to the inside where the reef gets shallow.”
Forecast and webcam Coxos
Before heading down to the spot, two useful tools to check the day’s conditions:
- Surfline forecast Coxos : swell, wind, tide forecast and embedded webcam where available.
- Windy weather map (38.9856, -9.4197) : graphic view of swell, wind and real-time weather conditions.
Coxos spot characteristics
Coxos sits 3 km north of Ericeira, past Ribeira d’Ilhas, accessible via a path from the cliff-top parking. The wave breaks on a shallow volcanic reef that shapes a long, hollow, tubular right as soon as the north-west swell aligns. One of the most consistent and high-quality waves in Europe when conditions line up: size, period, offshore wind. The rocky bottom leaves zero margin for error on the take-off.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wave type | Reef break on shallow rocky bottom |
| Wave direction | Long hollow right (right-hand point/reef) |
| Ideal tide | Mid to high tide (less reef exposure) |
| Swell direction | North to north-west (10 to 15 second period) |
| Ideal wind | East, south-east (offshore in the morning) |
| Important info | Very shallow reef : real injury risk on a wipeout. Heavy localism, line-up structured by locals. Strong current between sets. Never surf alone. |
| Best level | Advanced to expert |
| Wave size | 1.5 to 4 m+ (sweet spot 2 to 3 m) |
| Water temp | 14 to 19 °C depending on season |
| Crowd | Moderate to high : locals priority, peaks on classic days |
Sources: Surfline : Coxos surf report & spot guide, Surf-Forecast.com : Coxos and Ericeira World Surfing Reserve : official Coxos profile.
Coxos in session : NobodySurf (right-hand point break).
When to surf Coxos
The best window: October to March. The spot needs a north to north-west swell with a minimum 10-15 second period to align on the reef. October-November is the quality peak (size + offshore + still-mild water). December to February: it gets big and committed : sessions for experts only. Summer: the spot barely ever works, swell is too southerly.
Coxos surf calendar: intensity by month
To plan your overall season, see also our guide on intermediate surf in Portugal: the best spots to progress.
Coxos: which surf level is it for?
Beginners: stay on Foz do Lizandro
The shallow reef and wave power are incompatible with a beginner level. You will get seriously injured in two sessions. To learn in Ericeira, head to Foz do Lizandro.
Intermediates: Ribeira d’Ilhas is the better fit
Coxos is not the wave to push past intermediate. The committed take-off, fast lip and reef are out of reasonable range. If you are coming out of intermediate lessons, go surf Ribeira d’Ilhas 1 km south : comparable wave quality, far more forgiving.
Experienced advanced surfers: yes, if you play by the rules
If you are an experienced advanced or expert surfer, Coxos is a key session of your Ericeira trip. Long right, hollow lip, tubular sections on aligned days. A European surf classic. Take your time to read the line-up, respect the locals, pick your waves. A well-placed session at Coxos is worth a week of average surf elsewhere.
How to get to Coxos
From Ericeira centre, take the coastal road heading north. After 3 km, past the Ribeira d’Ilhas sign, continue 500 m and park on the cliff-top lot (low-key signposting, ask locals if unsure). A path leads to the cliff in 5 minutes. No direct beach access: you launch from the rocks, mind your entry and exit.
On site: zero amenities, no shower, no restaurant. Bring everything you need. No board rental nearby : come with your shortboard and wetsuit from Ericeira centre, or use your surf camp’s gear pack.
The art of getting out of the water at Coxos
The exit is probably the moment that requires the most attention at Coxos. The reef gets slippery from algae, and the edge rocks leave little margin for error. Better to wait for a lull between sets than rush. On a first session here, allow a few minutes of observation before looking for the way out : even surfers who know the coast do the same. Once on the rocks, keep the board overhead until you reach the stable platform.
Spot location
GPS coordinates: 38.9856° N, -9.4197° W. 3 km north of Ericeira centre, just past Ribeira d’Ilhas.
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Which surf camp to surf Coxos?
All surf camps in Ericeira take their advanced students to Coxos when conditions align. The two outfits whose guides know this reef best:
- Riders Surf’n Stay: the local reference, advanced week package 680-980 € with Coxos sessions when the swell window opens. Local guides who know how to position you in the line-up.
- Boardrider Surf Camp Ericeira: 580-780 €, Coxos sessions depending on conditions, supervised by experienced instructors.
Where to stay near Coxos
No accommodation directly at the spot. Most surfers stay in Ericeira centre (10 minutes by van) or Ribamar (5 minutes). Interactive map below to compare availability.
What else to do near Coxos?
When the sea goes flat or you want some variety: Ericeira village stroll (10 min), Mafra and its baroque palace (15 min), Sintra (30 min). On the surf side, pair with Ribeira d’Ilhas right next door for more accessible sessions, or head down to Foz do Lizandro for chill.
Coxos FAQ
No. The shallow reef, wave power and committed take-off make it an exclusively advanced spot. To learn in Ericeira: Foz do Lizandro. To progress at intermediate: Ribeira d’Ilhas.
October to March for real sessions. October-November is the sweet spot (size, wind, water). In deep winter it gets big and expert-only. Summer: the spot barely ever works.
Yes, take it seriously. Very shallow volcanic reef, strong current between sets, tricky exit through the rocks. Always surf with someone, watch the line-up for 20 minutes before paddling out, and never surf above your real level.
Yes, heavy and codified. Concretely: no paddle-around (cutting around the peak to grab priority : the classic inexperienced visitor move). You wait your turn like everyone else, no matter how long it takes. Break the rule and you get warned once, twice, then politely but firmly told to leave the water. Keep a low profile when you arrive, watch the line-up rhythm and the informal hierarchy for 20 minutes, nod to the locals without overdoing it. Avoid arriving as a visible group (decked-out vans, brand new boards, mounted GoPro) : that’s the perfect cocktail to be spotted and pushed out.
4/3 mm wetsuit outside summer, gloves in winter. Solid shortboard 6’0″ to 6’4″ (the wave hits hard, go robust), 7 ft minimum leash. Helmet recommended for your first session because of the reef.
Ribeira to progress and land manoeuvres on a long forgiving wave. Coxos for signature advanced sessions with potential barrels on aligned days. If you doubt your level, go for Ribeira.
In short
Coxos is Ericeira’s signature advanced wave. Reef break on shallow rocky bottom, hollow powerful right, season window October to March. Surf only with the level and caution that come with it: one of Europe’s most consistent waves when it aligns, but also one of the most committed. To book a stay including Coxos, check our comparison of the best surf camps in Ericeira.