Praia da Empa

Ericeira, Portugal, Portugal

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Praia da Empa is a small, rocky beach just north of the town of Ericeira on the central‑west coast of Portugal, reached by a short walk from the town center and situated across the road from the Ericeira Camping site.

It has very little sand and is mostly made up of stone and rock pools, which fill with clear water at low tide and create a wild, natural setting that attracts surfers and bodyboarders rather than sunbathers. The beach is part of Ericeira’s World Surfing Reserve, hosting two well‑known waves called Pedra Branca and Reef that offer consistent, high‑quality rides, especially in winter.

There are no permanent facilities, bars, or lifeguards, but portable toilets are available in the bathing season, and the area around it feels quiet and off‑the‑beaten‑track, making it a favorite with experienced wave‑riders and visitors who enjoy a rugged, uncrowded coastal cove.