Ericeira · World Surfing Reserve · Summer 2026
Summer in Ericeira isn’t just about the beach and perfect waves. It’s a series of parties, surf competitions, festivals, outdoor concerts, and celebrations that transform the town into one of Portugal’s most well-rounded summer experiences. In 2026, the calendar is more packed than ever—in a year when Ericeira holds the presidency of the World Surf Cities Network and cements its place on the global map of surfing and quality tourism.
If you're planning a visit to Ericeira this summer, this guide is for you.
June: Popular Saints, Elite Surfing Competitions, and the First Nights of the Arraial Festival
Summer in Ericeira begins in June—and it kicks off with a party.
The Popular Saints Festival returns to Largo de São Pedro from June 3 to 27, featuring ten nights of folk entertainment, grilled sardines, dancing, marches, and all the traditions of a Portuguese village festival. It’s the event that best captures the authentic character of Ericeira: a town that knows how to celebrate without losing its soul.
At the same time, Ericeira will host some of the country’s best young surfers for the CN Surf Esperanças / Rip Curl GromSearch 2026, which takes place June 4–7 in Ribeira d’Ilhas. A total of 140 athletes in the Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16 divisions will compete for national titles and a spot in the Rip Curl GromSearch European Final. For anyone who loves surfing—or simply wants to witness something extraordinary with the ocean as a backdrop—it’s a spectacle not to be missed.
July: Waves, Live Music, and Summer in Full Swing
July is the month when Ericeira really gets into the summer swing of things.
The 2026 Billabong Ericeira Groms Circuit by Native Açaí kicks off on July 4 and 5 at Empa or Ribeira d'Ilhas beaches, featuring the best of the new generation of Portuguese surfers in action. As part of the celebrations marking Ericeira’s presidency of the World Surf Cities Network, the event reinforces the town’s role as a European hub for youth surfing.
From mid-July through September, the Summer Festival organized by the Municipality of Mafra also begins—a program of free outdoor concerts held at Santa Marta Park and Praça da República (the famous “Jogo da Bola”). Tribute shows, world music, fado, Portuguese folk music—every night is different, and admission is always free. A program designed for residents and visitors alike, it transforms the town’s nights into an open-air stage.
August: The Patron Saint's Festival and the Height of Summer
The busiest month of summer in Ericeira has one highlight: the Festivals in Honor of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, which take place from August 7 to 16. It is the town’s biggest festival—a celebration deeply rooted in Ericeira’s fishing and maritime heritage, featuring processions, lively festivities, and a unique energy that only those who have been here can truly describe.
The Summer Festival is in full swing, with concerts taking place at various venues throughout the town. August nights in Ericeira offer a unique experience: an Atlantic breeze, live music, and that mix of locals and travelers from all over the world that only great surf cities can create.
September: Summer Lingers On
In September, the fun doesn't stop—it just keeps going. The Summer Festival runs through the middle of the month, the sea remains in excellent condition, and Ericeira returns to that more laid-back pace that many prefer: fewer crowds, more authenticity.
The Wander Yogi Festival, dedicated to wellness and holistic therapies, also takes place in September, adding another dimension to the town’s cultural offerings and experiences.
Ericeira in 2026: A Special Year
This is a particularly significant summer for Ericeira. The town currently holds the presidency of the World Surf Cities Network, the global network of surf cities, which brings greater international visibility, more events, and more reasons to visit Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve.
With beaches such as Ribeira d'Ilhas, Pedra Branca, Reef, Coxos, and Praia dos Pescadores, Ericeira offers conditions for all skill levels—from experienced surfers to beginners looking to catch their first wave.
Where to Stay in the Heart of It All
To make the most of all this, your choice of accommodations makes all the difference. The Ericeira Surf Hostel Social by WOTELS puts you right in the heart of town, just a few steps from the beaches, restaurants, and all the summer excitement.
A place designed for those who want to experience Ericeira to the fullest: community, surfing, unforgettable nights, and a comfortable base from which to explore everything this World Surfing Reserve has to offer. The kind of place where you arrive as a guest and leave as a local.
Book your stay at WOT Ericeira Surf Social now and experience the best summer in Ericeira.