Overview
Pedra Branca, or White Rock, is one of the most famous and most visible breaks around Ericeira, peeling along a flat slab reef off the headland opposite the campsite. It's a short, sharp left that offers a fun if shallow wall on smaller days, then transforms when bigger autumn swells lunge out of deep water onto the ledge, throwing square barrels up to double overhead. On its day it can be world class. There's also a right in the Praia de Pedra Branca bay just to the south, a long, fun wall peeling over sand and reef that caters for all abilities.
When It Works
The left draws swell from southwest through north, with southwest (SW) swell the best match. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, breaking from around shoulder high up to double overhead. Autumn, winter, and spring are the seasons to aim for, with September to May the prime window. It doesn't break at its best that often, but when everything lines up it's a regional classic with long, fast, hollow barrels reeling over the reef.
Local Tips
This is an expert wave: heavy, hollow, and breaking over a shallow ledge with a carpet of spiky sea urchins. Shortboards and bodyboards are the tools of choice. Expect a busy lineup when it works, since the small take-off zone concentrates the pack, though the atmosphere in the water stays friendly. The paddle out is easy once you're off the sharp, urchin-covered rocks.
Wind and Tide
Look for an east (E) offshore wind. The break sits out on the headland, exposed to both swell and wind. It can break through the whole tide on both rising and falling tides, with low tide generally the pick.
Access
Pedra Branca is visible from town, with access via the piste road opposite the campsite and free roadside parking right by the break. The main campground is across the road, and there's a surf school and a surf shop in the area.
