ERICEIRA

With approximately 12,000 inhabitants and located just 35 km from Lisbon, the capital, Ericeira is a fishing village with centuries of history, where the connection to the sea shapes the culture, gastronomy, and identity of the community. This same relationship with the ocean has made the village of Ericeira a unique place for surfing , which today profoundly marks local life and attracts athletes and visitors from all over the world. This trajectory has been valued and promoted by the Mafra Municipal Council, whose strategic vision allowed it to recognize early on the potential of surfing as an economic, cultural, and tourist engine, supporting the preservation of the coast, the application for various projects, and the international projection of Ericeira as a benchmark destination.

It was in this village that surfing found one of its most remarkable stages, culminating in its recognition on October 14, 2011, as the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe – and the second in the world – acknowledging not only the quality of the waves, but also its cultural, touristic, and environmental value. This designation encompasses approximately 4km of coastline, where seven internationally renowned waves stand out (Pedra Branca, Reef, Ribeira d'ilhas, Cave, Crazy Left, Coxos, and São Lourenço), offering excellent conditions for all levels, from beginner to professional.

Founded in 1993, the Ericeira Surf Club has been a pillar in establishing the town as a world reference in surfing. In 1995, it created the first local surf school and since then has developed various activities such as athlete training, organizing regional and national competitions, and promoting projects related to sustainability, education, innovation, culture, inclusion, and coastal protection. Among its major initiatives, the “EriceiraWSR+10” project stands out, which assessed the impact of the World Surfing Reserve over a decade, along with many other actions that consolidate the club as one of the leading players in surfing in Ericeira .

Ericeira 's journey , marked by its historical connection to the sea, the exceptional quality of its waves, the work of the surrounding institutions, and the support of the community, has led to its recognition as a World Surf City . Being part of this project means being among territories where surfing is a driving force of the economy, reinforces the culture, and develops sustainable development models. In Ericeira , this identity is felt through job creation and training opportunities, attracting visitors from all continents, boosting innovation, and strengthening community ties. At the same time, it reinforces an environmental awareness that guarantees the protection of the coast and waves for future generations.