Pedra Branca
One of Ericeira's few lefts and, when it works, one of the best waves in Portugal.
Pedra Branca is a reef left south of central Ericeira. It doesn't work often, but when it does it's fast, hollow and considered one of the best waves in the country.
It's very popular with bodyboarders.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Left |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | W, SW, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, NE, SE |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 1.5–3 m |
| Best season | Autumn and winter |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | High |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A performance shortboard. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Pedra Branca
The water is around 14 °C in winter and 18 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonRock or urchins on the bottom: protect your feet going in and out.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
A small peak with a high level and localism. If you don't know it, watch first.
Surfing style
Hollow reef left.
Hazards
Sea urchins and shallow rocks.
Map
Shapers near Pedra Branca
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Ericeira (Mafra)
Ericeira's sand beach, at the mouth of the Lizandro river: waves for everyone.
Ericeira (Mafra)
A long, regular right over rock, an international contest venue.
Ericeira (Mafra)
Ericeira's most famous and heaviest right: barrels and powerful walls over rock.
Ericeira (Mafra)
A powerful right north of Ericeira that needs big swell.
All spots in Central Portugal →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.