Backdoor Surf Spot Guide, Portugal

Nestled in Ericeira's World Surfing Reserve, Backdoor delivers a powerful right-hand reef break over flat rocks mixed with sand, firing hollow and fast barrels that thrill experienced surfers. This spot's demanding take-offs and speedy sections create an intense, adrenaline-pumping vibe, perfect for those chasing high-performance waves in Portugal's premier surf zone. Paddle out expecting a raw, rewarding session amid dramatic coastal reefs.

Geography and Nature

Backdoor sits on the northern side of Praia da Empa in Ericeira, a rugged stretch of central Portugal's coastline about 50 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. The area features exposed rocky reefs flanked by cliffs and a small sandy beach at Empa, with nearby breaks like Reef and Pedra Branca sharing the bay. Remote yet accessible within the vibrant surf town, the landscape blends wild Atlantic shores with natural headlands that shape consistent swells.

Surf Setup

Backdoor is a right-hand reef break with rocky bottom sections blending into sand, known for its hollow, powerful waves that barrel on good days. It thrives on north to northwest swells and offshore winds from southeast to east, performing best at low to mid tide when the reef holds shape without getting too shallow. On a typical session, anticipate fast take-offs leading to carving sections or tubes, with rides demanding precise positioning amid the reef's contours.

Consistency and Best Time

Backdoor offers very consistent surf year-round, especially in summer when offshore winds align with northwest swells for clean conditions. Target October to March for powerful winter swells, though spring and fall provide reliable smaller days; avoid summer lulls or stormy periods with wrong-direction winds. Check forecasts closely, as it fires sometimes but rewards patient timing.

Crowd Levels

Weekdays see it mostly empty, ideal for uncrowded sessions, while weekends draw a few surfers. The mix includes locals and visitors, keeping the lineup manageable.

Who It's For

Backdoor suits experienced and advanced surfers due to its shallow reef, fast take-offs, and powerful barrels. Intermediates can handle smaller days up to 1 meter for fun rights, but bigger swells demand expert skills to manage sections and exits. Beginners should stick to gentler Ericeira beaches nearby.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for shallow flat rocks, especially at low tide, and potential sea urchins on the reef. Strong currents can pull across the lineup, so know the channels and paddle smartly.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October brings water temperatures of 18 to 20 degrees Celsius, where a 3/2mm wetsuit or shorty suffices for most sessions. Winter from December to March drops to 14 to 16 degrees Celsius, requiring a full 4/3mm wetsuit with booties for comfort. Spring and fall hover at 16 to 19 degrees Celsius, calling for a 3/2mm to 4/3mm wetsuit depending on air temps and session length.

How to Get There

Fly into Lisbon Airport (LIS), 50 kilometers south, then drive north on the A8 or coastal N247 for about 45 minutes to Ericeira. From Ericeira center, head north 4 kilometers along the coast road to Praia da Empa; park in the designated car park near the beach. It's a short walk or paddle around the point to access Backdoor—no reliable public transport directly to the spot, so renting a car is practical for surfers.

Backdoor Surf Spot Guide, Portugal

Nestled in Ericeira's World Surfing Reserve, Backdoor delivers a powerful right-hand reef break over flat rocks mixed with sand, firing hollow and fast barrels that thrill experienced surfers. This spot's demanding take-offs and speedy sections create an intense, adrenaline-pumping vibe, perfect for those chasing high-performance waves in Portugal's premier surf zone. Paddle out expecting a raw, rewarding session amid dramatic coastal reefs.

Geography and Nature

Backdoor sits on the northern side of Praia da Empa in Ericeira, a rugged stretch of central Portugal's coastline about 50 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. The area features exposed rocky reefs flanked by cliffs and a small sandy beach at Empa, with nearby breaks like Reef and Pedra Branca sharing the bay. Remote yet accessible within the vibrant surf town, the landscape blends wild Atlantic shores with natural headlands that shape consistent swells.

Surf Setup

Backdoor is a right-hand reef break with rocky bottom sections blending into sand, known for its hollow, powerful waves that barrel on good days. It thrives on north to northwest swells and offshore winds from southeast to east, performing best at low to mid tide when the reef holds shape without getting too shallow. On a typical session, anticipate fast take-offs leading to carving sections or tubes, with rides demanding precise positioning amid the reef's contours.

Consistency and Best Time

Backdoor offers very consistent surf year-round, especially in summer when offshore winds align with northwest swells for clean conditions. Target October to March for powerful winter swells, though spring and fall provide reliable smaller days; avoid summer lulls or stormy periods with wrong-direction winds. Check forecasts closely, as it fires sometimes but rewards patient timing.

Crowd Levels

Weekdays see it mostly empty, ideal for uncrowded sessions, while weekends draw a few surfers. The mix includes locals and visitors, keeping the lineup manageable.

Who It's For

Backdoor suits experienced and advanced surfers due to its shallow reef, fast take-offs, and powerful barrels. Intermediates can handle smaller days up to 1 meter for fun rights, but bigger swells demand expert skills to manage sections and exits. Beginners should stick to gentler Ericeira beaches nearby.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for shallow flat rocks, especially at low tide, and potential sea urchins on the reef. Strong currents can pull across the lineup, so know the channels and paddle smartly.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October brings water temperatures of 18 to 20 degrees Celsius, where a 3/2mm wetsuit or shorty suffices for most sessions. Winter from December to March drops to 14 to 16 degrees Celsius, requiring a full 4/3mm wetsuit with booties for comfort. Spring and fall hover at 16 to 19 degrees Celsius, calling for a 3/2mm to 4/3mm wetsuit depending on air temps and session length.

How to Get There

Fly into Lisbon Airport (LIS), 50 kilometers south, then drive north on the A8 or coastal N247 for about 45 minutes to Ericeira. From Ericeira center, head north 4 kilometers along the coast road to Praia da Empa; park in the designated car park near the beach. It's a short walk or paddle around the point to access Backdoor—no reliable public transport directly to the spot, so renting a car is practical for surfers.