Illustration — no photo of this spot yet
Cave
Ericeira’s heaviest wave and one of the most serious in Europe — a short, square, ledging right that breaks below the level of the reef. Both sources call it experts-only, and the lineup is usually empty with an audience on the rocks. Sources disagree on tide: WannaSurf says mid and high, the local guide says low.
Surf outlook
We don't have a forecast outlook for Cave yet. The seasonal guidance below is based on long-run averages, not on this week.
Live conditions
We don't have a current forecast for Cave. The seasonal guidance below is based on long-run averages, not on today.
Surf Snapshot
Estimated seasonal guidance — not a live forecast.
When to surf Cave, month by month
Estimated from our authored seasonality — not a live forecast.
Peak season: Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec (All-time).
| Month | Surf consistency | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| Janpeak | All-time | 4/3 fullsuit |
| Febpeak | All-time | 4/3 fullsuit |
| Mar | High | 3/2 fullsuit |
| Apr | Inconsistent | 3/2 fullsuit |
| May | Rare | Spring suit |
| Jun | Rare | Spring suit |
| July | Rare | Boardshorts |
| Aug | Rare | Boardshorts |
| Sept | Inconsistent | Spring suit |
| Oct | High | 3/2 fullsuit |
| Novpeak | All-time | 3/2 fullsuit |
| Decpeak | All-time | 4/3 fullsuit |
Does this wave fit your level?
Rated for Level 7 · Best at Level 7.
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Find my Level →Beginner notes
Do not paddle out here. This is a Level 7 wave with no forgiving section — the take-off is below reef level over flat rock in very shallow water, and one mistake has serious consequences. Watch from the cliff; Ribeira d’Ilhas is 3 km south for anything under Level 6.
Hazards
- rocks
- very shallow reef
- heavy barrel
- breaks below reef level
Nearby spots
The closest graded spots to Cave, straight-line distance.
- Pedra Branca~1 km · Levels 5-7
- Coxos~1 km · Levels 4-7
- Reef~2 km · Levels 6-7
- São Lourenço~2 km · Levels 5-7
- Matadouro~3 km · Levels 3-5
Best months to surf here
In-season months for Portugal, from our editors’ season calendar.
How this spot is sourced
Cross-checked against 4 sources from 2 independent lineages, last checked August 2026.
Sources disagree on wave type, best tide and bottom. Treat those figures as unsettled — we would rather say so than pick one and sound certain.
Two or more independent sources agree on best swell direction, best wind direction, typical size and which way it breaks.