Surf Guide

To view live HD surf cams in Portugal near this spot, CLICK HERE. If you don't feel like battling the crowds or the urchins at one of Ericeira's reefbreaks, or the swell is pretty small, Foz can offer up fun, little peaks that are similar to any average California beachbreak -- some days good, some days bad, depending on the shifting sandbanks. There's a rivermouth at the south end that opens up in winter and can make a damn fine left in front of the rocks. Toward the middle of the beach, there are assorted peaks that pop up as the tide, which is pretty extreme in these parts, goes in and out. The scene on the beach is pretty classic, too, as this is the closest big stretch of sand to Ericiera. There's beach volleyball, kids jumping into the river, families sun tanning religiously and a bar right there, in case all that ogling and surfing renders you a little, well, parched. It's definitely not a bad place to while away a Sunday afternoon.

Ability Level

All Abilities

BegIntAdv

beginner to advanced

Local Vibe

Welcoming

WelcomingIntimidating

Pretty mellow -- it shifts enough for everyone to get their waves.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

MellowHeavy

If the bodyboarders don't getcha, the learn-to-surf camps might.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

5

Shoulder Burn

Medium

LightExhausting

5

Water Quality

Fair

CleanDirty

4

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

short interval west-northwest

Wind

east

Surf Height

chest high to a few feet overhead

Tide

medium-low