Ericeira became a World Surfing Reserve on October 14, 2011, after being consecrated by the international organization Save the Waves Coalition. It is the 2nd Reserve distinguished globally, remaining the only one in Europe until today.

The criteria that led to its official recognition were the quality and consistency of the waves, the historical and cultural importance of local surfing, the wealth and environmental sensitivity of the area and, also, the strong mobilization of the community.

The Ericeira World Surf Reserve is part of the municipality of Mafra, extending between the beaches of Empa and São Lourenço, on a coastal strip that concentrates seven world-class waves in a space of just four kilometers: Pedra Branca, Reef, Ribeira d’Ilhas, Cave, Crazy Left, Coxos and São Lourenço.