Ericeira became a World Surfing Reserve on 14 October 2011, when this was declared by the international organisation Save the Waves Coalition. It was only the 2nd Reserve to be distinguished worldwide, and remains the only one in Europe until today.

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The criteria which led to its official recognition were the quality and consistency of the waves, the historical and cultural importance of local surfing, the area’s environmental wealth and sensitivity, as well as the community’s strong mobilisation.

The Ericeira World Surfing Reserve is part of the Mafra Municipality, extending between the Empa and São Lourenço beaches, on a coastal belt that covers seven world-class waves in a space of only 4 km: Pedra Branca, Reef, Ribeira d’Ilhas, Cave, Crazy Left, Coxos and São Lourenço.

“The few kilometres covered by the Ericeira Reserve are a true heritage of humanity.”
SOS – Save Our Surf Movement...

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