ericeira portugal travel guide

Visiting Ericeira: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

Also known as “Onde O Mar É Mais Azul’ ‘ [ the place where the sea is the most blue ], this small beach town has everything you need including beautiful beaches, epic landscapes, heavenly gastronomy, animated nightlife, rich Portuguese culture, and its biggest attraction: unforgettable surf conditions.

In 2011 Ericeira was named as an official World Surfing Reserve by the Save the Waves coalition. By then , it was only the second World Surfing Reserve in the world, and until today still the only one in Europe. It was chosen because of its high quality and consistent waves, special environmental characteristics, and the town’s significant culture and surf history.

In this ultimate guide to Ericeira, prepare to get all the information you need to spend an epic time in this little surf town. We cover restaurants, accommodation, bars and of course beaches and the best surf spots.

First things first, a little historical background knowledge is in order:

• The history of Ericeira dates back to around 1000 BC . Its first charter date of 1229 was granted by the then Grand Master of the Order of Aviz, Dom Frei Fernão Rodrigues Monteiro, who thus instituted the county of Ericeira.
• Legend has it that the name Ericeira originally means “ land of sea urchins ” due to the numerous sea urchins that abounded on its beaches. However, more recent investigations point to the hedgehog and not the sea urchin as an inspirer of the name. This animal is a small, spiny mammal of the subfamily of Erinaceanie .  “Ouriçio-caixeiro” is its Portuguese name and is associated with the Phoenician Goddess Astarte.
• Ericeira was such a famous spot for bathing thanks to the saying that it was a focus of major concentration of iodine on the Portuguese coast. The beaches were frequented by the Queen herself Maria Pia of Savoy and the Royal Family in the 1800s . The bishop of Coimbra took regular baths in Ericeira as well.
• Dom Manuel II, the last king of Portugal, and the Portuguese Royal Family escaped the October 5th, 1910 revolution by fleeing on the royal yacht Amélia IV that was docked at the Praia Dos Pescadors in Ericeira. The monarch was only 20 years old and accompanied by Queen Amélie of Orleans and Queen Mother Maria Pia. He lived the rest of his life in exile in England .
• At the end of the 19th century, E riceira had exponential economic growth due to its popularity with Lisbon’s local aristocracy, who began to build their vacation houses in and around this fisherman’s town.
• The development of the commercial port also had a big impact on Ericeira’s economy. It became one of the most important ports in the country—exporting principally wines and spirits. However, due to the inauguration of the western railway and the popularity of land transportation, the port lost its strategic edge and returned to being a fisherman’s harbor. 

Ericeira is a small village , and everything is pretty close, making it easy to walk and enjoy the views. If you prefer taking Uber for traveling to the town, the prices are really cheap, no more than 6 euros from one side to the town to the other, and the service works perfectly 24 hours.

HOW TO GET TO ERICEIRA

• Take a Bus → take the bus from the Campo Grande terminal, located near the Lisbon airport. It takes 1 hour 47 min and costs around 5 to 8 euros. Buses run every 90 minutes from 8 am to 11 pm.
• Rent a car → Renting a car at Lisbon airport is the most comfortable way to travel to Ericeira if you bring luggage and a surfboard. If you want to discover the surrounding area and little villages near Ericeira, renting a car is your best option . You can go all along the coast to the south and visit Cascais or to the north to visit Peniche (another surf town). 
• Take a Taxi → a taxi ride takes around 50 min and costs approximately 75-95 euros.
• Uber → Taking an UBER is also 50 min and costs around 40 euros with the regular size car and the UberXL is around 60 euros.
• Take a private transfer → Consider taking a private transfer from Lisbon airport with a professional and qualified. Book your private transfer here or here .

BEST TIME TO VISIT

May – June; September – November if you want to surf (obviously, you can visit during other seasons)

Ericeira is located next to the Atlantic Coast and has its own microclimate . The region is about 5 degrees colder than Lisbon and windier than most regions in Portugal. This means that it doesn’t get too hot in Ericeira, but the weather can change suddenly. The weather in Ericeira is highly unpredictable. The nights are also cooler, so it is important to pack long pants and a sweater for those chillier nights.

The best time to visit Ericeira is between May and  October. July and August are the real high season. Lots of sunshine, lots of daylight hours, lots of north/west winds, and lots of foggy mornings. If you are looking to surf, the best months are September to November. These months are, in general, good for surfing, and the weather can still be warm and sunny. Sunsets can be spectacular. Then there is the winter, which isn’t too bad, but don’t expect many sunny days. Winters in Ericeira are humid, cold, and can be rainy.

WHAT TO WEAR

Our biggest advice when it comes to this lovely town is always to have a sweater and pants packed even if it’s summer season. Also, make sure to always have some cash on hand as some delicious locals establishments only accept Portuguese cards. 

may // june

This is the spring season in Ericeira. All the flowers are blooming, and the views from the cliffs are amazing, perfect for doing some hiking and biking tours. In these months it can rain a lot but when the sun comes just looking at the views is totally worth it. What should you pack then?

• Sportive clothes and comfortable shoes perfect for those hikes
• Pants and sweaters for the chilly nights
• Shorts and light clothes for the hottest days
• A swimsuit is always a must in Ericeira
• Your favorite shirts and t-shirts
• Hat and sunglasses and all those accessories you prefer for protecting yourself from the sun
• And some cash, remember some locals don’t accept international cards.

july // august

The summer season is also the high season in Ericeira . Summertime means a lot of sunlight, a beach, people, and a lot of fun. It is by far the best season if you like to meet new friends, go surfing, and enjoy the party vibe and all that this town has to offer. Make sure that you pack:

• Swimsuit, glasses, sandals, hats, sunscreen, wetsuit, and your board for enjoying the beach days the most
• Light sweaters for the nights
• Water, you will need it (trust me)
• Nice summer dresses and for guys nice shirts for the night and day parties 
• Money (again)

September // October

The days start to become shorter as Autumn arrives in Ericeira, and the temperatures start to drop. Make sure you pack:

• Beach items, still amazing days for going to the beach, and the waves are more beginners friendly 
• Sweaters, jackets, and warm clothes
• Comfortable shoes 
• Light clothes such as shorts and t-shirts because there are still a lot of summer days to enjoy
• Money 

DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE

Ericeira has a fast-growing digital nomad community. So what makes this surf town so special for remote workers? Let’s look at the main reasons:

• Relaxed beach vibe
• English is widely spoken. Even if you don’t know any Portuguese, everyone speaks English . The town is full of ex-pats and friendly tourists and an already thriving.
• Locals are friendly and open to tourism.
• Ericeira is full of activities such as surfing, yoga, hiking, mountain biking, and volleyball . There is always an outdoor hobby you can do.
• The town is known for hosting multiple events like markets, networking sessions, parties, beach cleanings, meditations, skate events, and more. 
• Fast internet connection, the average speed in Ericeira is 36 Mbps . Internet service providers: Nos, Meo, Claranet, Vodafone, and Artelecom.
• Sunago Coliving & Coworking (Estrada casa nova romeirão 11)  
• Outside Ericeira (R. Prudêncio Franco da Trindade 6, 2655-299) 
• Salt studio Co-work Ericeira (Tv. do Jogo da Bola 1, 2655-297) 
• OneWorld Business Building (Largo Pocinhos 2,2655-333) → Coworking
• 58 Surf Shop (Nacional 247, 2655-483)  → Quiet and perfect to work 
• Dear Rose Cafe (R. de santo António 12A) 
• Ribeira d’ilhas Surf Restaurant & Bar (Estrada Nacional 247) →  Sea View
• Sunset Bamboo Ericeira (Travessa do Jogo da Bola, 3)
• Pu.ro (Rua central 16, Ribamar) → Next village 10 min from Ericeira beautiful to relax and change views
• 7 desejos (Tv. Mar de Sargaços 1, 2655-319)
• Brunch me (Rua 5 de outubro, 22)

ACCOMMODATIONS

This town is one of the most affordable places to live or spend a couple of days/weeks on vacation. The town has many co-living spaces, hostels, long-term apartments, and Airbnb options. The majority of the places truly consider the surf culture with their interior design.

Long-term Renting

If you want to rent something long-term, the prices can vary depending on whether it is high or low season . Be aware that some landlords rent apartments either in the high season or low season —but not both. For example, they’ll rent an apartment from December to May, but once the high season starts they’d rather rent out the property weekly or daily. This is simply because they can make more money during the summer months.

These are some places where can find the perfect house or apartment:

• Airbnb  
• Holiday Lettings
• The group on Facebook: Expats in Ericeira , is a way to go if you want to get involved with the community and find long-term accommodation
• Ericeira Real Estate
• Inmovirtual
• Custo Justo  

💻 Looking for a middle to long-term renting option in Ericeitra ? I recommend Flatio . Flatio is a platform for monthly rentals with hand-picked, deposit-free, and reasonably priced listings in over 300 destinations, mainly in Europe.

Hotels and hostels

Ericeira has plenty of options in terms of hostels, beautiful hotels, apartments, and even beach houses, these are some of our favorites options:

• You and the sea (R. das silvas 2) → beautiful luxury hotel with a view and pool. This hotel has one of the best restaurants in Ericeira: Jangada. They rent out apartments as well.
• FLH Hotels Ericeira (Calçada da baleia 10)
• Selina Boavista Ericeira & Surf School → has a pool, beautiful rooms, and a Mexican restaurant called El Chilito. 
• Laneez Ericeira Surf House (Rua Dr. Eduardo Burnay 5) → sea view and gorgeous design
• Villa Ana Margarida Hotel (Rua 5 de Outubro 22) → In the center of Ericeira with a brunch restaurant downstairs. This hotel is perfect for coworking and is close to all the main attractions.
• Ericeira Soul Guesthouse (Rua de Santo Antonio n. 18 A)
• Sandh i House (Largo Santa Marta 14B) → famous for its yoga classes and relaxing atmosphere.
• Aktion Ericeira Surf Hostel (Rua das Lombas 37)
• Ocean House (Estrada Nacional 247) → also has a natural wine shop and close to the beach Ribeira D’ilhas
• Amar Hostel & Suites (Rua Prudencio Franco da Trindade n. 1)
• T he Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat (Tv. Dos moinhos 10)
• Ericeira Chill Hill & Private Rooms (Rua Coronel Bento Roma, N. 25) → interesting fact, it is home to a peach garden  

WHERE TO SURF

Surf, Surf, and more surf. Surfing is one of the major attractions of this town. Ericeira is a surf town through and through. When walking through town, for example, you’ll notice how much surf really influences the town.

As mentioned previously, Ericeira is home to some of the best surf spots in Europe. And whether you are a beginner or an expert surfer, there is something there for you. In fact, there are over 65 surf spots located in Ericeira!

If you are thinking of coming to surf, remember that the sea in Portugal is cold. So make sure to pack, buy or rent a 4/3mm wetsuit for the winter months or a 3/2mm wetsuit for the spring and summer months. It is also important that you have special surfing shoes because the sea has some sharp rocks. Last but certainly not least, ALWAYS use sun protection (and make sure it’s reef-friendly). We recommend Swox , which is locally produced in Portugal with the surfer in mind.

Now that we’ve covered that, let’s look at some surf spots depending on your level:

Beginners  

• Foz do lizandro → One of the most beautiful surf beaches around. It’s also the perfect location if you fancy eating something delicious or having cocktails in one of the many bar restaurants are a long day of surfing. The beach itself has a lot of peaks with both lefts and rights. It also has sand bottom so is recommended to go in mid-tide. The exit point of the Rio Lizandro is where you’ll find some of the best waves for beginners in Ericeira
• Sao Juliao → Long sandy beach where you can find a wave even when most of the beaches are flat. It is truly a beginner’s jewel.
• Praia do sul → This beach is recommended for beginners with some surf lessons already under their belt. The waves are easy but strong.

Intermediate

• Matadouro → This beach is located right in front of one of the biggest surf shops in Ericeira, 58. It offers left-hand rides and has many peaks. It is a fun place to surf.
• Ribeira D’ilhas → One of the most famous and recommended beaches, Ribeira D’ilhas is always full of tourists and life. Even if you don’t surf, make sure to come to check it out as the sunset and food a 10/10.
• Sao Lourenco → Reef break with multiple peaks but the most consistent is a right hand on the right of the beach. It is a big wave  spot with huge swells. It can hold up to 5 meters, more than any other break in Ericeira. Not for beginners. It is also located in the north of Ericeira next to the town of Ribamar.
• Coxos → The wave at  Coxos  comes from deep water, resulting in a powerful wave that unloads on a series of rocky shelves. It is indeed a legendary beach. Coxos  is a right-hand point break and is not for the faint of heart.
• Cave → A right hand reef break only for the most experienced surfers 
• Praia da Empa → Famous for breathtaking tubes and powerful waves 

Another beach recommendation for spending the day and just relaxing: 

• Praia Pescadores → Perfect for going with small kids as it is the flattest and central beach in Ericeira.

SURF SCHOOLS

• Surfriders (R. do Carmo n. 33 A) → +351 936 427 955
• Ericeira Surf School (Praia do Matadouro Estrada Nacional 247) → +351 914 761 874
• Surf Lessons Ericeira (Rua 5 De Outubro n. 19) → +351 914 949 686
• Blue Ocean Ericeira Surf School & Rentals (Estr. de Ribeira D’ilhas) → +351 925 062 008
• Ericeira Waves (Praia de Ribeira D’ilhas) → +351 916 000 123

OTHER ACTIVITIES

If you don’t surf, then don’t worry; there are plenty of other activities that you can do in Ericeira. Here are just a couple of options:

• 2h Sunset BTT tour : riding a mountain bike at sunset in Ericeira, is there anything better?
• Cliff Top Ride : guided small group bike ride along the coastline and cliffs of Ericeira.
• Rent a scooter : This is a great option if you like scooting around town.
• Ceramic Studio → a ceramic workshop that is a unique experience in Ericeira.
• Beach Volleyball → Beachvolley Ericeira is a group that plays at Praia do Pescadores and Praia Foz de Lizandro. They play every Thursday at 18h00 and Saturday at 11h00
• Ericeira SUP offers a variety of experiences, including river, ocean, or harbor experiences.
• Hiking → Is a must. Ericeira is full of natural paths all over the coast. Our favorite one is the Coxos trail that ends at Ribeira D’ilhas beach.
• Yoga → Besides surfing, yoga is the second most popular activity in town. You will find in every corner! There are a lot of schools and hostels that offer a variety of different yoga classes.
• Padel  → A little similar to tennis, padel is easier to play and learn.
• Skateboarding →  When there is no surf, but you still want to ride something, go skateboarding! Outside the Quiksilver store -with bar and terrace- there’s a big concrete skatepark open for everyone. You can even check the waves at Matadouro and enjoy the sunset from here.
• Visit the Mafra’s National Palace → Built in the 17th century and classified by UNESCO as a  World Heritage Site  in 2019, the Palace stretches over 40,000 m2 in the center of Mafra. 

FOOD & DRINKS

Ericeira is a fisherman’s town, so seafood is one of the more popular options in most restaurants. The seafood here is not only delicious, but it is fresh. Make sure to order shrimp, fish, or mussels and pair it with a good glass of local wine. Perfection. The gastronomy of this town is full of surprises, including a range of exquisite local and international restaurants. Here are some options: 

B r e a k f a s t // B r u n c h 

• GiG – Green is good (Tv. Misericordia 16) → is a healthy breakfast concept 
• Brunch me  (R. 5 de Outubro 22) → Nutella crepes, and a cappuccino is a must
• Sunset Bamboo (Tv. Do Jogo da bola 3) → Try the avocado with poached eggs toast
• Dear Rose Cafe (R. De San Antonio 12A) → Best coffee in town
• Pão da vila (Praça da República 12) → located on the main street making it perfect for breakfast
• Kayak bar (Praia dos Pescadores, 2655) → Beach bar with chill music 

L u n c h // D i n n e r

Low budget restaurants ($ – $$).

• Lebre Escondidinho (Rua da Misericórdia 3) →  Prego lebre (meat sandwich) with a beer is the perfect combination.
• Calavera – Mexican Food & Tequila bar (R. dos Ferreiros 2) →  Nachos and the Pollo Loco taco 10/10
• Lucky Star (Largo da Fonte do Cabo n.11) →  Chinese and sushi buffet 
• Tasquinha do Joy (Largo das Ribas n. 34) →  Delicious seafood

Mid-Range ($$$)

• Tik-Tapas (R. do ericeira 15) →  Famous tourist restaurant with meat and seafood options
• Adega bar (R. Alves crespo 3) → Tapas restaurant, try the cheese with honey, flaming sausage and pica-pau (meat with vegetables) 
• Cervejaria 7 janelas (R. 5 de Outubro 11 rc) →  Try the filet mignon with beer sauce 
• Cucina 37 (R. Prudencio Franco da Trindade 18) → Small Italian restaurant
• UniSushi (R. da fonte do cabo 44A) → Central sushi restaurant
• Pepe Verde Pizzeria (R. Mendes Leal n.22) →  Order the Burrata and Portofino pizza
• Barbatana (Rua do Passadiço, bar 2) → Sea view
• Maika’i (Av. São Sebastião n.36 – B) → Live music and the menu is delicious

Expensive ($$$$)

• Mar de latas (R. Cap.Joao Lopes 24A) → The meat and seafood is just a dream 
• Avó (R. dos Ferreiros n.6) → Typical portuguese 
• PRIM (R. 5 de Outubro 12) → Meat and portuguese 
• Casa Portuguesa (R. 5 de Outubro 8) → Typical portuguese 
• El Chilito (R. da Boa Vista 3) → The restaurant of the hostel Selina, Mexican food and amazing drinks
• Jangada (R. das Silvas, 2655-431) → You and the sea restaurant 
• Pedra dura (R. Dr. Eduardo Burnay 36A) → Trying the meat is a obligation
• Ti Matilde (R. Dr. Manuel Arriaga 29) → One of the best seafood restaurant with a seaview
• Miyabi Sushi by Rodrigo Mattos (R. Dr. Miguel Bombarda) → The best sushi chef in town 
• Golfinho Azul (R. das Ribas 24) → Seafood with a beautiful view
• Indigo (R. Dos Ombros) → Live music and the view from Praia Foz de Lizandro 
• Predio (R. Do Caldeira n.62) → Rooftop 

B a r s // N i g h t l i f e

The nightlife in Ericeira is amazing. All the tourists and local people get together to appreciate the live music, drinks, and spectacular food. Here are some of the best bars to

• Jolly Good Fellow (Rua dos Ferreiros 5) → Small bar frequented mostly by locals
• Tubo Ericeira Bar (Tv. da Esperança 3) → Outside tables
• Oh la la (R. Dr. Eduardo Burnay n.32) → Instagrammable bar  
• Jukebox (R. Dr. Miguel Bombarda) 
• Barzinho (R. Sao Joao 18) → Located in Ribamar, 15 min away from Ericeira. Live music and very good local tapas.
• Boardriders (Largo Sao Sebastiao 36A) → Friday, after a surf session, enjoy live music at the biggest surf shop in town
• Ouriço   (Tv. Do Caminho Novo 7) → The oldest nightclub in Portugal

Ericeira is full of small local stores that sell second-hand clothes, surf gear, kombucha, vegan food, art, and much more. This little surf town and its small and winding streets, painted in blue and white colors, make shopping even more enjoyable. There is nothing better than getting lost and stumbling upon a quaint little shop filled with local trinkets. So make sure that you get lost and explore! We promise you won’t regret it.

Make sure to check out Mercado Municipal, which is a three-story building located close to the main square. The market is not very big, but they have everything from flowers, fruits, and vegetables to meat and fish. On the second floor, there are a couple of handicraft stores. 

// Hope this guide is helpful for you, and the last thing to do is pack and start the trip to Ericeira.

Boa Viagem!

Photos in the articles were taken by: Bruna Click Photography & Marina Rosa

Originally from Venezuela, Kendra is an enthusiastic person who loves the outdoors. She is currently living the dream in Ericeira and is in love with the food, the parties, and the views that this city gives her every day.

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The Seaside Town of Ericeira

Ericeira is popular for its fresh fish and seafood

Perched on a high cliff facing the Atlantic, just 10 km west of Mafra , the pretty fishing town of Ericeira metamorphoses into a lively holiday resort during the summer months, with numerous cafés, restaurants and bars opening up alongside its long, sandy beach.

Besides being famous for its lobsters, which are kept in nurseries in the rocks, it was the scene of an important moment in Portugal’s long and chequered history when the last monarch, King Manuel II , hurriedly left his palace at Mafra and sailed off into exile with his family on the night of the 5th of October, 1910 as his country was being declared a republic.

Travelling via Gibraltar under the protection of the British Navy, the banished king later settled in Twickenham, in south-west London, where he died in 1932.

One of the few natural harbours between Cascais and Peniche, Ericeira was once a thriving port from where large ocean-going vessels left to trade with countries as far and wide as Scotland and Brazil.

A maze of narrow, cobbled streets winding between whitewashed cottages and townhouses trimmed with blue and yellow, the unspoilt old town is mostly centred around the main square – Praça da República – typically portraying the freshness and cleanliness to be found in the many seaside resorts along this part of the Estremadura coastline.

The town’s Misericordia church has interesting 17th and 18th century paintings and gilded baroque woodwork, while the adjoining museum provides an insight into the town’s history with a large collection of model boats, a variety of fishing equipment and a fine collection of old paintings.

Many people from Lisbon and its environs head for Ericeira on warm days to soak up the sun and enjoy some of the best fish and seafood in the whole of Portugal . Local delicacies include açorda de marisco , a bread-based seafood dish, and caldeirada de peixe , a kind of fish casserole.

They also come to relax on Ericeira’s excellent beaches, comprising Praia do Sul (the town’s main beach), Praia do Norte and Praia do São Sebastião, the latter being particularly popular with the local surfing community.

On the northern edge of town, the little mosque-like chapel of São Sebastião stands alone in front of the vast, sandy Atlantic coastline that stretches all the way up to the great headland of Peniche, with the medieval walled town of Óbidos close by.

The drive north runs along the clifftops, affording spectacular views of the ocean crashing into the rocks below. The road also passes a number of windmills, a trademark of the Estremadura region, many of which are in perfect working order and open to visitors.

9 km inland, and rivalling Spain’s Escorial in grandeur, the imposing national palace and convent of Mafra took 50,000 workmen and over a thousand oxen 13 years to build between 1717 and 1730. Today it stands as one of Europe’s finest examples of Italianate architecture with 880 halls and rooms, 4,500 doors and windows and a façade some 220 metres (722 feet) in length.

With its lush, green forests, exotic flowers and elaborate royal palaces, the fairytale village of Sintra is also within easy striking distance of Ericeira. And once there, you’ll want to visit Cabo da Roca , Continental Europe’s most westerly point, where the ‘land ends and the sea begins’ just 15 km to the west.

Need more inspiration for your next visit? Why not listen to or download the Portugal Travel Show, the podcast for people planning a trip to sunny Portugal…

MyPortugalHoliday.com

The best independent guide to Ericeira

Obidos – Nazaré - Ericeira - Batalha - Tomar - Peniche - Alcobaça – Mafra - Berlengas Islands

Ericeira, Portugal in 2024: an independent and expert travel guide

Ericeira is a delightful fishing town which is also the premier surfing destination in Portugal.

The region's magnificent coastline faces the might of the Atlantic Ocean, and the huge waves that roll onto Ericeira's beaches have led to the town's transformation into Portugal's go-to destination for surfing and surf culture.

Found among Ericeira's cobbled streets and traditional whitewashed houses are surf schools, trendy restaurants and hostels packed with surfers of all nationalities and ages. Ericeira has readily embraced surf culture, and is welcoming and relaxed, while also being a popular centre for yoga, creatives and artisans of all styles.

This evolution of Ericeira into a world-class surfing destination has been harmonious with the character and heritage of the town. The town still retains its charming town centre, where surf-inspired bars sit next to traditional Portuguese cafes, and locals and visitors can be found strolling the cliff-tops at sunset.

Ericeira fishing harbour and the Praia dos Pescadores beach

For a holiday, there is a lot to love about Ericeira. In addition to its renowned beaches, surfing and chilled ambience, the town also offers unspoilt countryside, a vibrant food scene, along with day trips to Sintra or Mafra.

Ericeira is also highly recommended for a day trip if you are on holiday to Lisbon or Sintra. An enjoyable day can be spent exploring the characterful historic centre of Ericeira, seeing the beautiful beaches and watching the skilled surfers in action. The town may not be as popular for a day trip as Sintra, Cascais or Setubal, but it is equally as good. This article will provide an introduction to Ericeira and help you get the most from your day trip to holiday to the town.

Highlights of Ericeira

Highlights for a day trip to Ericeira are: • Strolling along the Largo das Ribas with its stunning cliff-top views over the fishing harbour and Praia dos Pescadores beach. • Watching experienced surfers ride the huge Atlantic waves of the Ribeira d'Ilhas beach from the Ribeira d'Ilhas viewpoint. • Embracing surf culture in one of the many excellent restaurants or cafes on the Largo do Jogo da Bola. • Relaxing on the beautiful Praia do Sul beach.

The highlights for a holiday to Ericeira are: • Learning to surf on Europe's finest waves while being taught by some of Portugal's best surfers. • Spending a day on the glorious Praia da Foz do Lizandro beach. • Taking a day trip to Sintra, with its many splendid palaces and castles. • Hiking along rugged and dramatic coastlines, which are completely free from tourists.

The Largo das Ribas as it skirts the cliff tops above the Praia dos Pescadores beach

Heading for an evening surf at the Praia da Foz do Lizandro

Ericeira for a day trip

Ericeira is a fantastic destination for a day trip, especially in the summer when the likes of Sintra or Cascais are overcrowded with tourists. An enjoyable day can be spent exploring the town centre then walking the cliff-top trails to either the Ribeira d'Ilhas beach (to the north) or the Foz do Lizandro beach (to the south).

Ericeira doesn't have the same attention-grabbing sights as other popular day trip destinations, but its appeal comes from its quaint historic centre and the dramatic natural scenery surrounding the town. A day trip to Ericeira could be regarded as a calmer version of Cascais and comparable to Sesimbra .

For your day trip to Ericeira, there are direct bus services from Lisbon (80 – 110 mins) and Sintra (55 mins) - details are found later in this guide. Frequently, a trip to Ericeira is combined with a visit to the Palácio Nacional Mafra . or this day trip, it is suggest visiting Mafra in the morning, and then head to Ericeira for lunch and the afternoon.

Insight: The sunsets at Ericeira are amazing, and it is worth staying in the town (if you have the energy) until the early evening.

The interactive map below shows the sights of Ericeira (green markers), the beaches (yellow markers) and a suggested tour of the town. The tour begins at the bus station, which is inconveniently located on the far eastern side of Ericeira. The red line is the coastal walk to the Ribeira d'Ilhas viewpoint, which you may want to add to the day ( Note: zoom out to see all of the points)

Sights of Ericeira: 1) Largo do Jogo da Bola 2) Capela da Boa Viagem 3) Fishing harbour (Doca Pesca) 4) Ermida de São Sebastião 5) Igreja de Santa Marta 6) The Furnas da Ericeira 7) Skate Park Boardriders 8) Miradouro Ribeira d'Ilhas viewpoint Beaches of Ericeira: 9) Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas 10) Praia de São Sebastião 11) Praia do Norte 12) Praia dos Pescadores 13) Praia do Sul 14) Praia da Foz do Lizandro 15) Praia de São Julião

The ‘Furnas’ where a series of natural saltwater pools in the rocky headland that would store the freshly caught fish until it sold.

The Miradouro Sala das Visitas viewpoint overlooking the Praia do Sul and Vila Galé hotel

Ericeira’s fishing fleet in the Porto de Pesca

Why have a holiday to Ericeira?

Ericeira is a fantastic, if slightly alternative, holiday destination. The town tends to attract surfers, as well as visitors who seek authenticity and culture over conventional mass tourism. Even with the increased popularity of Lisbon and its coastline, Ericeira has been overlooked - and its style of visitor has barely changed. That said, Ericeira will be packed during the summer with an equal mix of Portuguese holidaymakers, foreigners and long-stay residents. The surf culture of Ericeira does give the impression of attracting younger visitors, but in reality, the town attracts people of all ages.

Ericeira is a wonderful holiday destination if you are an outdoor person, who appreciates nature's raw beauty and wishes to embrace Portuguese culture. Ericeira benefits from being close to Lisbon and its airport (43km away) and is surrounded by many interesting towns and villages to discover (such as Praia das Maçãs, Mafra, Sintra, and Azenhas do Mar).

Generally, any visitor who has sought to find out how good Ericeira is will adore their time here.

The Rio Lizandro and the unspoilt countryside south of Ericeira

How many days do you need for Ericeira?

Ericeira is one of those destinations where you can spend as long as you like – and many people have chosen to make it their full-time home!

The main sights of the town can be easily seen within 3 hours of sightseeing, which could be extended to a whole day if you include visiting the beaches.

If you are planning to include Ericeira as part of a touring holiday of Portugal, you would want to spend at least two nights here, giving a whole day to explore the town. If you wish to surf (which most visitors do), include a further two or three days.

For a longer 1-week holiday a suggested itinerary could be: • Day 1 – Explore Ericeira town • Day 2 – A beach day (either relaxing or surfing) at Praia da Foz do Lizandro • Day 3 – A day trip to Sintra • Day 4 – A coastal hike to the Praia de São Julião • Day 5 – A day trip to Mafra • Day 6 – A day trip to Azenhas do Mar and Praia das Maçãs* • Day 7 – A relaxing beach day on the Praia do Sul *A car is needed for this day

As with anywhere in Portugal, if you are planning a holiday to Ericeira, always book accommodation well in advance. The map below shows the location of hotels and rental rooms in Ericeira. By altering the date to your holiday, the map will display current prices:

Ericeira for families

Ericeira is also a great destination for a family holiday. The town has a calm and welcoming atmosphere and is ideal for children of all ages.

The Praia dos Pescadores beach is sheltered from the region's strong currents and powerful waves by the harbour wall, and its waters are clean for swimming. For older children, there are the skate ramps at the Boardriders Quiksilver, while many of the surf schools are suitable for children.

Just outside of Mafra is the Aldeia Típica José Franco, a rural museum and traditional village made out of clay by the artist José Franco.

The clay model buildings at Aldeia Típica José Franco

Have you considered a small group tour to Ericeira? The standard of tours in Portugal is very high, with knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, and tours that are designed for modern tourists. An organised tours provides the opportunity to fit so much sightseeing into a single day, while removing the hassle of public transport. We have worked with GetYourGuide for the previous five years, and some of their best tours which include Ericeira are: • Ericeira, Mafra rural beach and wine tour (€95) • Mafra and Ericeira private tour • Coastal villages and Mafra Palace (€70)

Surfing at Ericeira

The majority of visitors to Ericeira come here for surfing, which is some of the best in Portugal - if not the whole of Europe.

The entire 2.5km coastline of Ericeira has been designated as a World Surf Reserve (WSR). The region offers every type of wave conceivable, from beginner-friendly deep breaks over sand, through to challenging reef breaks over flat rock ridges.

The two most popular surfing beaches are the Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas and the Praia da Foz do Lizandro, found at either end of Ericeira. The Praia de São Julião is another fantastic beach for experienced surfers, which lies to the south of the town.

For a surfing holiday, Ericeira boasts outstanding facilities, including numerous hostels, inexpensive eateries and cool bars.

Ericeira is also a popular location for learning to surf, with a variety of surf schools providing excellent tuition. Lessons for beginners start from €40 for a half-day tuition, or you can join week-long surf camps. Some of the best surf schools in Ericeira include: Ericeira Surf school: http://ericeirasurfschool.pt/ Surf Riders: https://www.surfriders.pt/ Extra Surf School: https://www.extrasurfschool.com/

If you wish to just hire a board for half a day, it will cost €15, but you will definitely need to hire a wetsuit (€15) for the year-round chilly water. Warning: There are strong rip tides along the coastline. When choosing a location to surf, always follow local advice.

Ericeira also has many excellent beaches if you wish to relax rather than surf. These include the Praia dos Pescadores or the Praia do Sul. If you are on a holiday where one person wants to surf and another doesn't, then the Praia da Foz do Lizandro is the best choice of beach – it has great waves, but is also sheltered from the winds and contains many great beach restaurants and cafes. Related articles: Ericeira beach guide

Eating out in Ericeira

Ericeira has no shortage of excellent restaurants catering to all budgets and styles. Being a fishing town, the specialities of Ericeira tend to be freshly-cooked fish or seafood-based dishes.

For traditional Portuguese food, Tasquinha do Joy is always highly regarded, while O Gafanhoto is a favourite with the locals of Ericeira.

For somewhere a bit more special, try the excellent Mar das Latas or the Esplanada Furnas, which offers the best dining view in Ericeira. If you fancy non-Portuguese food, there is the excellent Uni Sushi or the ever-so-popular Tik Tapas.

The Esplanada Furnas

Ericeira Nightlife

The nightlife of Ericeira is the perfect blend of relaxed and social – ideal after a day of surfing. It's much calmer than the nightlife in other destinations such as Lisbon or Cascais, as visitors come to Ericeira for the surfing or chilled ambience rather than to party all night long.

The town still offers plenty of night-time fun, with the trendy bars of Tubo, Lebre and Adega Bar 1987, or the craft beer taproom of 5 e Meio. For a decent sports bar with pool tables, there is Tiro Taco, or for a late night there is Ouriço, the oldest nightclub in Portugal that has entertained revellers for over 60 years. Insight: Sunsets in Ericeira are magical. Just before sunset, perch yourself on one of the cliff-top benches with a beer or wine, and watch as the sun descends over the ocean.

Sunset watched from the Furnas da Ericeira

Travel from Lisbon

Lisbon is connected to Ericeira by a regular bus service that departs from the Campo Grande bus station in Lisbon. A single ticket costs €4.50 and the journey can take anything from 80 minutes through to 110 minutes, depending on the service. The latest timetables can be seen on the Carris Metropolitana websites: www. carris metropolitana .pt/ In Ericeira, the bus station is poorly located on the far eastern side of the town ( GPS: 38.968253, -9.405161 ) and is a 1.5km walk to the historic centre. This is a very demanding uphill walk when returning back to the bus station.

Ericeira has no railway station, and there are few intercity bus services. As annoying as it is, for any onward travel to or from Ericeira, it is best to head into Lisbon first. The one exception is the 1633 bus service that connects Sintra to Ericeira (45 minutes, €2.60), which makes visiting Sintra as a day trip possible. Related articles: Lisbon to Ericeira

The Carris Metropolitana bus to Ericeira in Campo Grande bus station

The beaches of Ericeira

Ericeira has four sandy beaches within the town itself, two great surfing beaches slightly further out, and a selection of additional, more challenging surfing beaches within the WSR (World Surf Reserve) coastline.

Pescadores beach is the central beach of Ericeira and is very scenic, overlooking the fishing harbour and surrounded by sheer cliffs. The beach is popular with families and sunbathers as it is sheltered from the strong regional winds that often buffer the coastline.

The Pescadores beach, at the centre of Ericeira

Ribeira d'Ilhas is considered as the best surfing beach of Ericeira and is 2km north of the town. The Ribeira d'Ilhas provides consistent and powerful waves, and is where most surfers head for a day in the water.

The Ribeira d'Ilhas on the only day in the year when there were poor waves and few surfers!

Lizandro beach is another fantastic location for surfing, but is a great alternative to Ribeira d'Ilhas. It lies at the mouth of the Lizandro river, 3km south of Ericeira, and is the largest sandy beach of the region.

Lizandro is a huge beach, but a little way out of town

Just a short walk from the town centre is South Beach (Praia de Sul), Ericeira's most popular beach, which offers golden sands and clean bathing waters.

Beautiful Praia de Sul, ideal for a relaxing day on the beach

Sao Sebastiao beach has a beautiful natural setting and moderate waves. It is again close to the town centre of Ericeira, making it popular with a range of visitors.

The pristine beach of Sao Sebastiao is less than a 5-minute walk from central Ericeira

Praia do Algodio is the smallest beach of Ericeira, and is ideal for a day relaxing on the beach.

The Praia do Algodio

If you are spending extended periods in the sea, you will need a decent wetsuit, as the sea temperatures are always cold. The water temperature is regulated by the Atlantic Ocean, meaning there is little seasonal variation, rising to just 21C in the height of the summer, while only dropping to 18C in winter. Related articles: Ericeira beach guide

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A complete list of all of our guides to central Portugal

• Obidos Introduction
• Things to See in Obidos
• Obidos day trip
• Lisbon to Obidos
• Tomar Introduction
• Things to see in Tomar
• Lisbon to Tomar
• Evora Introduction
• Evora Things to See
• Day Trip to Evora
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• Capela dos Ossos
• Evora or Sintra?
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• Fatima introduction
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• Ericeira beaches

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Ericeira in Portugal: The Beautiful Seaside Town Full of Things To Do

There’s a little seaside town not far from Lisbon that you must visit.

Why? Because this little town has it all: typical Portuguese streets, food, history, culture and of course, some of the best beaches in the area.

Ideal for families, holidays and surfers, Ericeira is truly something special.

Visiting Ericeira in Portugal

Take a 40 minutes’ drive away from Lisbon and you will find Ericeira. Apart from being a surfing mecca, it is also a great place for enjoying sandy beaches of Portugal and spending time with friends or family.

Ericeira is a lovely Portuguese fishing town which offers a number of things to do for everyone, both day and night. It is one of the most beautiful seaside resorts on the coast.

Of course we are going to talk about surfing in Ericeira a lot. But this town is not only about surfing. It’s a very nice place for a day trip or a holiday.

Ericeira is a multicultural town with much to offer in terms of food and culture. Before becoming a famous surfing spot, Ericeira was very popular because of its restaurants and in particular, seafood .

Today, the local cafés are part of the joy you will experience in this town. You can sit on the terrace with a cup of coffee feeling the ocean breeze on a warm afternoon and do absolutely nothing. A calm and relaxing atmosphere is everywhere here.

The Portuguese themselves enjoy this town very much and often choose it for their weekend escape or summer vacation.

Ericeira offers both a chilled daytime scene and a lively nightlife, along with excellent accommodation options and top-rated tourist facilities.

Personally, I’m not a surfing fan, but this picturesque and peaceful fishing town has stolen my heart and maybe that’s the magic of this place, which attracts more and more tourists every year.

If you want something to do besides relaxing on the beach, there are beautiful local churches, chapels and typical little streets to explore. You can also take a quick trip to Mafra to see the famous Baroque palace or drive out to  Sintra , one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.

Some more things to do in Ericeira

Paddle boarding in the river or the sea.

A lot of schools offer paddle boards to hire, private or group lessons and excursions on the boards. The Lizandro River flows into Foz do Lizandro Beach and is the perfect place for stand up paddling.

This school will give you a two-hour lesson and includes board hire, a wetsuit and insurance so you can get started without any worries at all.

Once you get the hang of it (believe me it’s really easy and a lot of fun), why not hire a board for the rest of the afternoon and cruise up the peaceful river? The idea is to enter the beach and follow the river upstream, which takes you past the farmlands on the shores.

Do a nature walk or ride a bike

Ericeira is surrounded by hills and valleys that are worth discovering on a walk or by bike. Near the shoreline, you can find trails that lead you through a natural landscape.

If you’re a serious hiker, here are some maps you can follow for some spectacular walks.

For the mountain bike enthusiast, Ericeira Bike offers some fun tours in and around Ericeira.

Skate right next to the sea

Kids (and adults) will have a great time in the fantastic Quiksilver Skate Park. You can hire and buy gear at Boardriders in Ericeira where the friendly staff will always give you the best advice.

Spas and Yoga classes

Frankly speaking I’m not a yoga fan, but I was impressed by the number of offers. Here are some of you should try in Ericeira.

Surf Yoga Portugal have packages with accommodation, surfing lessons and yoga all in one.

Elemental Yoga have lessons for all levels with different practice styles. You can even book a private lesson.

The Moka Surf House and Yoga Retreat  mixes up surfing and yoga which is ideal for a weekend away to completely get in touch with nature.

Surfing in Ericeira

Most likely the surf has to be at the top of your list of things to do in Ericeira.

Ericeira is most famously known as the surf capital of Portugal or a “Surfing Mecca”. It has been a World Surfing Reserve since 2011 and hosts an official world-class surf zone of approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) of coastline with seven breaks.

The level of difficulty for surfing the waves here is high, and you need to have some knowledge of the sport and where to go to safely ride these waves.

But, if you’ve never tried the sport, do not despair, because you can also have your first surfing experience here!

Several surf schools offer their services in Ericeira for every level of ability.

Have a look at these special offers for surf lessons and tours around Ericeira.

We’ll tell you about the best spots, schools, and camps next.

Beginner surfers

If you are a beginner, it would be advisable to come to Ericeira from May until September and choose Foz do Lizandro beach , for example, as it’s got a number of peaks and breaks over a sandy bottom which is best surfed on an incoming mid-tide.

All the amenities that you need can be found at the beach and there is a variety of cafés that serves delicious food and drinks.

Or you can choose São Julião beach , which is at the southern end of Ericeira. It is the area where you can often find a great wave when everywhere else is flat. A multitude of peaks provide great walls for beginners, and you can often find a peak all to yourself.

The local cafés offer delicious sandwiches, Portuguese custard tarts and the most delicious coffee I’ve ever tasted.

Intermediate surfers

For intermediate surfers, our advice is to come to Ericeira from June until October and have a look at Ribeira d’Ilhas beach . Many professional contests are held there due to the quality of the waves, its consistency and the high standard facilities situated nearby. The beach has a number of surf schools and a great restaurant.

Another great spot for intermediate surfers is São Lourenço which has a beautiful sandy beach with multiple peaks and one of Portugal’s heaviest and best waves. The beach has a café and Pizza Mobile restaurant .

Advanced surfers

And finally, advanced level surfers should come to Ericeira from September until January and choose Coxos  or Pedra Branca beaches. Here you will find some of the best waves in Portugal. Every experienced surfer should have these places on their bucket list.

Be warned, these beaches are best surfed by only the most experienced surfers.

You might also like:  20 Best Places to Go Surfing in Portugal: An Expert’s Guide

Surf schools and camps in Ericeira

There are a number of schools and camps with lots of offers in Ericeira. Local instructors know the best places to surf. Most of the schools have a great range of boards and wetsuits and all transport, to and from the school, is provided.

Some of the schools are right on the beach, so you have just to raise your head from the pillow to see the waves.

The price can vary too, depending on your requirements and budget. For example, you can choose a €500 camp for 8 days or a €1,500 one with more facilities.

It’s possible to book a surf camp and yoga classes at the same time. These range from three or five-day bookings.

Here are just two that I think are the better ones to try.

3 Surfers Surf School  has lots of offers with very good reviews. They cater for beginners and advanced surfers and you can also book a session with a group of friends.

Surf Riders & Co  are a little more upmarket and have a variety of packages available which includes daily yoga classes, surf sessions, meditation and healthy breakfasts. Also, you may book two to three hour surf lessons with private instructors.

What’s the weather like in Ericeira?

Ericeira has a nice climate all year round. The winter months between November and March can be around 16°C (61°F) and sunny during the day but it gets cold at night.

April, May, and June can reach up to 24°C (75°F) during the day before dropping to about 10°C (50°F) at night.

July, August, September, and October can reach up to 31°C (88°F) before dropping to 15°C (61°F) once the sun sets.

The area can get foggy and misty, especially in the mornings as the cold Atlantic breeze meets the warm heat from the dry land.

Water temperatures

The water temperature in Ericeira doesn’t vary too much, this is due to the northern winds. June to October hits highs of 18°C (64°F) in the water and between November to May, ranges from 13°C (55°F) to 16°C (61°F).

Where to stay in Ericeira

If you are not choosing a school or a camp, you’ll have a choice of other great hotels and hostels in Ericeira.

Pro tip: Practically every hotel or hostel offers a surf package which is more affordable than renting everything separately.

Top 6 hotels and hostels in Ericeira

According to TripAdvisor and booking.com, here are the top hotels and hostels in Ericeira:

1. Vila Galé Ericeira – is the top choice. It’s located in an amazing location with stunning views and this four-star hotel has a “very nice price”.

2. Pedro O Pescador Hotel – this hotel has good rooms, includes breakfast and is in an excellent location only 300 metres (984 feet) from the beach.

3. Hotel Camarão – with quiet and comfortable surroundings, friendly staff, this hotel is in walking distance to the ocean and the city centre.

4. You and the sea – this hotel and apartments are spacious and brand new with amazing views of the ocean.

5. Olive3 Hostel – this hostel has clean rooms, a good breakfast, friendly staff and a huge garden to chill out and relax in.

6. Ericeira Chill Hill Hostel & Private Rooms – a very good hostel with pleasant surroundings.

If you are looking for something a little larger for a group or family holiday, try one a house-style accommodation like Helios Beach House bungalows or Villa Ana Margarida by Nature .

Restaurants and bars in Ericeira

Ericeira offers a lot of nightlife, especially during the summer months. In the centre of the village, you’ll find the best restaurants, pastry stores, and ice-cream parlours.

Because this is a land of fishermen, don’t forget to try the seafood or the fresh fish in Mar d’Areia .

Among the best and most well-known restaurants are Tik Tak or Restaurante Prim both offering really great food and service.

There are a few bars in Ericeira, but Tubo or Lebre , right nearby, is the central meeting place for a drink and listening to music.

Travelling to Ericeira with kids

Ericeira is family friendly place. If you are planning your trip with kids, don’t worry. There are plenty of things to do for them too from individual surf lessons to bike rides.

Enjoy a wonderful surf lesson for the kids with qualified trainers by booking here .

You can rent a nice house with a private pool or spend time at one of the beaches. The water is not too warm but kids get used to that and always have a lot of fun.

Also, it’s possible to buy or rent everything you need for the kids including small wetsuits and suitable boards.

At the restaurants you can find food your kids will eat for sure or you can also ask for special meals if your children prefer something without a certain ingredient. The Portuguese love children, so you’ll see this from  the moment you arrive.

How to get to Ericeira from Lisbon

You can take a bus from Campo Grande in Lisbon city. In order to do this, take the Metro from Lisbon Airport to the bus terminal Campo Grande, which takes about 10 minutes. The actual bus stop is poorly signed so always allow enough time to locate the departure stand.

The bus service is operated by the Mafrense bus company and you can buy tickets on board. Buses run every 90 minutes and start from 8am and finish at 11pm. It takes 75 minutes to reach Ericeira and will cost you only €7.

If you want to take a taxi to Ericeira from Lisbon, it will cost you approximately €60 or €75 and will take about 40 minutes.

Private transfer

Book a private driver that will take you and two others from Lisbon Airport directly to your hotel in Ericeira for only €72!

Ericeira is undoubtedly one of the most relaxed places to visit in Portugal, where you can enjoy the beach and feel the local surfing spirit.

Did you find everything you need for your next visit to Ericeira, Portugal? Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions.

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Picturesquely draped across sandstone cliffs above the blue Atlantic, sunny, whitewashed Ericeira is popular with lisboêtas seeking a quick weekend getaway. It’s equally renowned for spectacular ocean vistas and excellent seafood restaurants, and is a mecca for surfers, who come here for the great waves and camaraderie (it is in fact a Save the Waves Coalition World Surfing Reserve). The town’s old centre is clustered around Praça da República, with the sprawl of newer development spreading south and north.

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The best things to do in Ericeira, Portugal

Updated On 1st February, 2023

Are you going to Portugal and looking for the best things to do in Ericeira? Are you embarking on a Portugal road trip itinerary and you’re looking for the best places to visit in Portugal ? Then you’re in luck, because these are the 8 best things to do and places to visit in Ericeira.

Welcome to Ericeira, or ‘the Canggu of Europe’ as some will call it. By now I expect Portugal is on everyone’s European bucket list , and if you’re looking for a sun-fuelled, wave-chasing, beach-hopping destination, then look no further than this Ericeira guide. Ericeira is one of the best places to visit in Portugal and I’ve put together the top nine best things to do in Ericeira all in one blogpost for you.

The small, coastal town of Ericeira is quickly becoming a hub for digital nomads, surfers, and beach lovers from all over the world, as it’s one of the best places to go surfing in Portugal. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Ericeira, then this Ericeira guide is for you.

I’ve just returned from a month-long trip to Ericeira, exploring everything this place has to offer, so I’m ready to share all of the best things to do in Ericeira. Think of this blog post as the ultimate Ericeira guide, including everything from the best surfing in Ericeira to the cutest bakeries and the quaintest streets. I’ll also walk you through where to stay, where to eat, what to do, and the best places to visit in Ericeira. 

It’s a popular destination for local and international travellers looking for a beach destination, especially those wanting to surf. Ericeira is home to some of the best beaches in Portugal and it’s one of the best places to surf in Portugal. Surfing in Ericeira is an absolute must as it is part of the World Surf Reserve.  The only one in Portugal I might add!

But for those who want to do more than eat, sleep, surf, repeat, this blogpost will highlight all of the other best things to do in Ericeira, as well as the best places to visit in Ericeira and the best adventures to go on. This is the blog post for you whether or not you are looking for the best beaches in Portugal, the best places to visit in Portugal , or the next destination for your Portugal road trip.

Wondering what to do in Ericeira? Keep reading and get your notepad at the ready!

Other travel guides you might find useful…

• Europe: the ultimate travel guide
• The best things to do in Lisbon
• Top tips for travelling in Europe  
• The best things to do in Portugal
• A 2-week Portugal road trip itinerary
• A guide to driving from England to Portugal
• The best things to do in Lagos, Portugal
• A guide to Lisbon, Portugal
• A guide to Nazaré, Portugal: Home to the biggest wave in the world
• Hidden gems in Europe that you must visit
• A bucket list of road trips in Europe

Where is Ericeira?

Ericeira is a small charming coastal town on the North coast of Portugal, only 45 minutes from the centre of Lisbon and close to the beautiful region of Sintra.

Ericeira is part of the World Surf Reserve, known for its waves and endless swell. So naturally, surfing in Ericeira is suitable for all levels and as such has become not only one of the best places to surf in Portugal, but one of the best places in Europe.

How to get to Ericeira…

For international travellers, your easiest route to Ericeira is from Lisbon airport. For those flying from London, there are great deals with budget airlines, like EasyJet and RyanAir, as well as national airlines, like TAP and British Airways.

Check flight deals here.

From Lisbon airport, you’ll need to either hire a car (the cheapest are usually driveonholidays.com) or take the bus from Lisbon bus station, to Ericeira. Both equally as straightforward.

To catch the bus, take the metro from the airport to Campo Grande bus terminal. This takes no more than 10 minutes – here you can purchase a ticket to Ericeira (€7). The journey time from Campo Grande to Ericeira lasts between 60-75 minutes, but they also offer an express service with fewer stops. This bus will get you to Ericeira in just under an hour. 

Whether you take the bus, hire a car or pick up a campervan, the journey to Ericeira is much the same. Hop onto the A8 highway from Lisbon until you reach the A21 which takes you all the way to Ericeira. Visiting Ericeira is a great way to do a Portugal road trip!

Where to stay in Ericeira…

Ericeira may be small but its beaches stretch beyond the centre, so you might need to be a little strategic about where you stay, especially if you don’t have a car. The core of Ericeira can be broken up as follows: Town centre, Praia do Sul (south) and Praia de São Sebastião (north) – accommodation in any of these areas is perfect, and these beaches are some of the best places to visit in Ericeira.

For those planning on surfing in Ericeira, consider looking at surf + stay packages in one of the many surf schools and guesthouses in town. Laneez House and Salty Pelican are two great options. Other surf guesthouses in the area include:

• Selina Boavista
• Amar Hostel
• Aktion Ericeira Lodge
• Blue Buddha Beach House

If surfing isn’t high on your list of priorities, then you’re best sticking with a hotel or Airbnb. There are many great apartments and small townhouses, or for those seeking more luxury then boutique hotels like You and the Sea are perfect. Their restaurant, Jangada is one of the best places to eat in Ericeira.

• Check out accommodation on booking.com here.

Wondering what to do in Ericeira? Okay let’s tuck in…

Portugal Google Map Legend

With this Google Map, you can have all my tips and recommendations at the touch of your fingertips. These are all the things I wish I knew and spent a lot of time researching before my Portugal adventures.  This Google Map Legend includes:

• Best walks, hikes, viewpoints and activities
• Best waterfalls, beaches and coves to visit
• Road trip tips (campsites, laundrettes, lunch spots)
• My favourite places for coffee, brunch and dinner
• Things you must add to your bucket list!
• Travel guide links within each location

Now let’s get to the good stuff… here are nine of the best things to do in Ericeira if you’re wandering what to do…

The best things to do in Ericeira, Portugal...

1. learn to surf in the world surf reserve.

Of course, surfing in Ericeira had to be first on the list of the best things to do in Ericeira! You can’t go to one of the best places to surf in Portugal without testing their famous waves. After all, it is the surfing capital of Europe. It is also probably one of the best places to learn how to surf.

Surfing in Ericeira is a right of passage, and this Ericeira guide wouldn’t be complete without it. Luckily, there are tonnes of surf schools dotted around the town, with the most popular being Boardriders, La Point, and Rapture. There are plenty of smaller schools as well, each teaching at “their” beach, determined mainly by location. 

La Point and Rapture are based on the Southside of Ericeira and have surf lessons at Foz do Lizandro beach. Boardriders is based on the Northside of Ericeira, right in front of Matadouro beach.

Other surf schools in the area:

• Blue Ocean Ericeira
• Na Onda Surf School
• West Coast Surf School

As mentioned earlier, if you’re planning on surfing in Ericeira, some of the boutique surf lodges will offer surf + stay packages, so they’re well worth checking out.

2. Go to the beach… there are plenty to choose from!

Well, you’re spoilt for choice on this one! Ericeira has some of the best beaches in Portugal.

Five beaches are within walking distance from the centre of town, and this doesn’t even take into account the small bays that aren’t really named:

• Praia do Sul
• Praia do Matadouro
• Praia da Baleia
• Praia dos Pescadores
• Praia da Foz do Lizandro (this is my favourite beach, so read on to find out).

Further up the coast, there are even more beaches to visit, but you’d probably want a pair of wheels to reach their shores. 

About 10 minutes south of Ericeira is one of the most popular beaches with photographers, so of course one of my favourites, and that is Praia de São Julião. Even after being on the beautiful beaches down in the Algarve that Portugal is typically known for, I would still class this as one of the best beaches in Portugal. Not only does it offer one of the best sunsets on the North coast, but it boasts 3km of pure white sand. One of the best things to do in Ericeira is definitely going for a swim here and then catching the sunset afterwards.

Other beaches to visit in Ericeira:

• Praia dos Coxos
• Ribeira d’ Ilhas (very popular for beginner surfers, if you’re looking for the best places to surf in Portugal!)

3. Take a walk along the Atlantic Coast

Ericeira may not be a hiking destination, but it has some beautiful coastal walks for easy amblers and let’s face it… an Ericeira guide written by me is always going to include some form of “hike”.

My favourite, and definitely one of the best things to do in Ericeira, is probably the shortest one (no coincidence), which starts at Foz do Lizandro beach and follows the headland over to Praia de São Julião. It only takes 30 mins each way, but offers so many different landscapes and colours along the way, all played out to the soundtrack of the waves hitting the rocks below. 

It’s an easy walk but make sure to check the tides before setting off as during mid-high tide there will be a small pool of water at the beginning of the walk, separating the beach from the rocky footpath. However, a worst-case scenario would only result in wet ankles.

4. Get your zen on at Sandhi House

Where surfers and tight hamstrings go, Yoga follows! 

Now… Ericeira couldn’t be compared to Canggu if there wasn’t a popular yoga scene, could it? There are a number of studios and retreats dotted in and just outside of the town, but if you’re serious about yoga then Sandhi House is one of the best places to visit in Ericeira.

With teachers from all over the world, Sandhi hosts at least x2 yoga classes a day, except Sundays. One is a more active class, like Vinyasa Flow, and the other will be a slower-paced practice, like Yin Yoga. Classes are suitable to Yogi’s of all levels and if you’re lucky enough to be staying at Sandhi House, these classes will be included in your stay.

For those wanting to dive a little deeper into other holistic practices, Sandhi House also hosts several events and workshops, including breathwork sessions and kirtan circles. These events are some of the best things to do in Ericeira and are usually advertised on their website or Facebook page and are super easy to book.

If that sounds a bit too “woo woo” for you, then why not just enjoy a good old-fashioned massage instead?

Not wandering what to do in Ericeira any more are you?  I hope you’re taking notes!

5. Brunch at Dear Rose Café

No Ericeira guide is complete without Dear Rose Café. Brunch is my favourite meal of the day, so finding one (or a few) brunch spots is always top of my priority list when visiting somewhere new. I’d heard about Dear Rose’s famous cinnamon buns before visiting, and oh how they didn’t disappoint!

Open from Wednesday to Sunday, this cute little café will have you counting the days until it next opens. Their menu has a selection of freshly baked goods, savory bagels, delicious smoothie bowls, and judging by the queue of people waiting in the morning, good coffee.

It might seem strange to include a cafe as on the best places to visit in Ericeira but trust me, it’s earnt it’s place.

6. Walk through the charming streets of Ericeira

As small as the town centre of Ericeira is, I could walk through its cobbled streets amid the blue and white houses all day long.

If there’s one street that deserves a shoutout, it’s Travessa do Norte, where my favourite pup spends her days getting belly rubs and posing for photos. Saying hello to her has to be on your list of things to do in Ericeira!

Many of Ericeira’s streets exude the charming feel of the town, but this one has a special place in my heart and belongs in this Ericeira guide as one of the best places to visit in Ericeira.

I visited Ericeira in late autumn/early winter, so the town was quiet and very relaxed, but during the summer it can sometimes resemble the crowded streets of Santorini, although that in no way detracts from its charm.

7. Have a skate at Boardriders

Where there is surf, it seems there is also skate.

Boardriders is a complex made up of a shop, café terrace, surf school and skate park, and can be somewhat of a hub on Friday evenings.

With a sign that reads “Hollyskate” on the hill above, the Boardriders skate park is always buzzing. Even for non-skaters, one of the best things to do in Ericeira is to watch, especially from the terrace above.

8. Take a day trip to Praia da Ursa

Amongst both travellers and photographers, Praia da Ursa is probably one of the best places to visit in Ericeira and one of the best places to visit in Portugal for that matter. Unlike the beaches that surround Ericeira, this one requires a little more effort to reach.

First, you’ll need a car to get there as it’s about 50 mins from Ericeira, but it’s a heck of a beautiful drive! The coastal road takes you through impossibly quaint villages and past many of Sintra’s protected beaches, which in themselves make a great day-trip. Azenhas do Mar, Praia das Maças and Praia da Adraga are some of the best beaches in Portugal, in this part at least.

Praia da Ursa is located right on the tip of the Sintra coast, and its lighthouse is visible from Ericeira during a clear evening. When arriving at Ursa by car, park in the first little car park on the right, before you reach the lighthouse. This is little more than a patch of wasteland, but it’s where the beach trail begins and is the most popular place to park. Just a word of caution though, some cars have been broken into here so try not to leave any belongings behind in the car. 

From this car park, it’s roughly a 15 min walk down to the beach, and there’s only one path so you can’t get lost. About halfway down you’ll see the beach and the famous rocky needle of Ursa – this is the most popular photography spot. It’s just as stunning here as it is on the beach, but on warmer days it would be easy to spend a full day here relaxing, swimming and taking photos – especially at sunset.

Not wandering what to do in Ericeira any more are you! I did tell you this Ericeira guide would give you the best things to do here.

9. Watch big wave surfing at Nazaré

If you haven’t heard of Nazaré, then I recommend watching 100 foot wave on HBO or Sky. This will give you an idea of just how big we’re talking.

Nazaré is home to the biggest waves in the world and the annual WSL Nazare Tow Surf Challenge, in which the best 20 big-wave surfers battle it out for world record surfs. 

The swell hits between November – March, but the competition is only 1 day and there’s usually only 48hrs notice. However, plenty of big-wave surfers spends the winter here tackling these ocean beasts.

I was lucky enough to witness the first big swell of the season, and spent the day filled with adrenaline, thinking this is quite honestly one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen. We watched the action from Nazaré lighthouse where the natural amphitheater offers the most incredible views. 

Praia Grande, which is the main beach in Nazaré may not seem like it, but it is by far one of the best beaches in Portugal.

• Check out this guide to the surf swell in Nazaré
• Buy some Nazaré prints here

We’ve bent the rules a little bit with the last couple of points but this Ericeira guide wouldn’t be complete without these ultimate day trips. 

After all, surfing in Ericeira is one thing, but watching the pros surf mountains at Nazaré is on a whole other level.

These are just some of best places to visit in Ericeira and best things to do in Ericeira, but I’m sure there is more to be uncovered. Even after spending a whole month here, I’m already so excited to go back.

What are your favourite things to do in Ericeira?

Where are your favourite places to visit in Ericeira ? Anything you’d add to this Ericeira guide? Not wandering what to do in Ericeira any more are you!

I’m Sté, short for Stephanie. I’m a 27 year-young photographer & travel blogger who travels between places capturing the untold, the unseen, and the stories in-between. Fuelled by creativity and curiosity, my hope is to inspire others to explore the world beyond and within themselves.

See all of Ste’s adventures here.

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Ericeira Portugal: a complete travel guide to the surfing capital of Europe

Updated: Nov 16, 2022

Ericeira is often referred to as the surfing capital of Europe, with surfers from all over the world heading to its golden-sand and rocky beaches with great conditions. But apart from its surf scene, Ericeira is also becoming increasingly popular among travelers. This is because of its amazing sunsets, beautiful coastline, and relaxing yoga vibes. We’ll dive into our complete travel guide with everything you need to know before going to Ericeira, including where to eat and drink, and the best things to do in and around Ericeira, Portugal.

Where is Ericeira and how to get there?

Ericeira is a small coastal town on the west coast of Portugal. It is located 50 kilometers from the Portuguese capital Lisbon . The most common way to go to Ericeira is by Lisbon. You can fly into Lisbon and then take a direct bus to Ericeira which takes around 75 minutes. Here you can find more information on how to get to Ericeira from Lisbon .

Important things to know before you go to Ericeira Portugal

The best time to visit Ericeira is between May and October . Because it is next to the ocean, the temperatures don't get as high as in other parts of Portugal. This is also the best period to surf when you're a beginner because the ocean is a bit calmer. If you want a bit more adventure, then October to December will be better because the waves are much higher.

In Ericeira, local people speak Portuguese. But because of the chill atmosphere, there are a lot of digital nomads who stay here for a long time. Hence, English is spoken by almost everyone .

As we mentioned above, the atmosphere in Ericeira is very chill, which creates a very safe environment . Surfing and doing yoga are two of the main activities in this coastal town so crime is almost non-existent. You do have to watch out for the ocean conditions because it can sometimes be unpredictable. Never swim or surf alone!

We made the mistake of staying in a place pretty far from the center of Ericeira, and because Ubers and taxis are very difficult to find in this area, we had to walk 30 minutes to town every time. Which in itself isn't that bad because it was a beautiful hike, but it did limit our options. This is why we recommend staying in or around the town center . In this way, you only have to walk a couple of minutes to go eat, drink or go to the beach.

Where to eat and drink in Ericeira

There are many great restaurants and bars in Ericeira but our favorites are:

Adega Bar 1987 for its good evening vibes and cocktails

Amour Soul Space for very cheap happy hour drinks (6-7pm)

Cervejaria 7 Janelas which is mostly known for its beers

Dear Rose Café for its pastries and coffees

Pepe Verde for the best pizza in Ericeira

Purple Ice Açai for its amazing açai bowls

Selina for its "Taco Tuesdays"

Tik Tak for its tapas and good local wine

Tubo Ericeira Bar for its nightlife and meeting other travellers

Where to stay in Ericeira Portugal

Because Ericeira is a destination where a lot of young surfers go, there are quite some cheap hostels and hotels. Some budget options are Arthouse Surf Ericeira where you can choose to also get surf classes for an extra fee and Selina Boavista Ericeira which is a hostel where you can choose to have a private room with your own bathroom or have a shared bedroom. A more luxurious option is Ericeira Prime Villas where you have a whole villa and pool all to yourself.

Best things to do in Ericeira Portugal

Although a lot of people come to Ericeira to relax, there are quite some things to do in the area! And no, it's not all beaches and surfing! We will highlight our favorite things to do in Ericeira Portugal!

If you prefer watching a video over reading, check out our YouTube video below highlighting 7 fun things to do in Ericeira . If you prefer reading, then read on!

If you're looking for more places to go outside of Ericeira, check out or ultimate Portugal Travel Guide !

7. Walk the town

At number 7, we recommend walking through the historic town itself. Even though Ericeira is no longer the traditional fishing village that it once was, it's been able to retain its authentic character. With traditional white houses and cobbled streets, it’s fun to walk around the town and get lost in the narrow alleys.

6. Watch the sunset

Since Ericeira is located on the west coast of Portugal, it has some amazing sunset views over the ocean. One of the best sunset spots is right in the town center above Praia dos Pescadores . From here you can see the whole beach and take in the beautiful orange, red, and pink colors.

5. Friday night at Quiksilver

Another fun thing to do in Ericeira is to visit the Boardriders Quiksilver . It’s located right outside of town and next to it is a skatepark. But even if you’re not interested in skateboarding, it’s a fun place to hang out, especially on Friday nights. With live music, food, and drinks, surfers and travelers come to chill and socialize here.

4. Hike at Tapada de Mafra

Located about 15 kilometers from Ericeira, Tapada de Mafra is a recreational space that was once used by the Portuguese royal family as a hunting ground. Nowadays, it has turned into a lush forest, inhabited by wild animals such as deer and wild boars. It’s a great place for hiking, biking, and simply enjoying nature. Surrounded by a 21kilometers stone wall, this place has an official entrance and is only open during the day. You have to pay 5 euros to get in and there are multiple trails you can follow.

3. Day trip to Mafra Palace & Gardens

A more popular place to visit in Mafra is its National Palace . You can combine this activity after a hike at Tapada de Mafra on the same day or do it as a day trip from Ericeira on its own. Built in the 18th Century on the orders of King Jaõa V, this palace covers an area of nearly 40,000 square meters. There are endless rooms, an imposing Basilica, and a library that you can visit. In fact, the library is thought to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Behind the palace, there is also a small garden with birds, flowers, a fountain, and a picnic area.

2. Hit the beaches

If there’s something you can’t miss in Ericeira, it’s definitely the beaches. Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Sul are two sandy beaches close to the center of town. But if you prefer more quiet beaches and you don’t mind driving out of town, there are also tons of other great options, they include:

Praia de São Lourenço

Praia de São Julião

Praia da Calada

Praia da Foz do Lizandro

You cannot leave Ericeira without having surfed at least once. Ericeira was recognized as one of the best surf destinations in the world when two of its beaches ( Praia da Empa and Praia de São Lourenço ) were classified as a World Surfing Reserve. But if you’re new to surfing, we recommend taking a few surf lessons at beaches with smaller waves. We joined a surf class at Praia do Matadouro , which had decent waves for beginners but had a rocky bottom. So be careful if you fall off!

Free Giveaway

Did you enjoy our article on Ericeira? Make sure to download our free giveaway , which includes our summer travel packing list so you know perfectly what to pack when going to Ericeira.

More Helpful Info About Ericeira

If you still need more information about Ericeira, make sure to check out these other great articles below:

The best things to do in Ericeira, Portugal by We Are Global Travellers

A Local’s Guide To Things To Do in Ericeira, Portugal (Tips, Tours, & More) by Travel Passionate

8 Awesome Things to do in Ericeira and Mafra by Joland

Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles on Portugal:

Portugal Travel Guide: The Ultimate Travel Plan

Sintra in Portugal: Day Trip From Lisbon Guide

Lisbon in Portugal: A complete travel guide

Lagos in Portugal: A Complete Travel Guide

10 Amazing Places to Go To When Visiting the Algarve in Portugal

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Perched on a rocky ledge 30m above a series of fine sandy beaches, ERICEIRA offers one of the few natural harbours between Cascais and Peniche. During the nineteenth century boats left from here to trade with countries as far away as Scotland and Brazil. Later, it provided a welcome escape route for Portugal’s last monarch, Dom Manuel II – “The Unfortunate” – who hightailed it to the harbour at Ericeira on October 5, 1910, fleeing into exile as Portugal finally jettisoned its monarchy.

World Surfing Reserve

Popular with surfers year round – it’s just south of Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve – and certainly a busy resort in peak season when people flock here from Lisbon, Ericeira remains a laidback and highly attractive place of narrow lanes and whitewashed houses picked out in cobalt blue. It’s also renowned for excellent seafood – the town’s name is said to derive from the words ouriços do mar (sea urchin).

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The Ericeira coast is famous as the heartland of Portuguese surfing, and was named a World Surfing Reserve in 2011, which aims to preserve the globe’s coasts and surfing culture. The first in Europe, it was awarded reserve status because of its high density of surf breaks and its established surfing culture. The reserve actually starts four kilometres north of Ericeira at Praia da Empa and continues north to São Lourenço. Surfers rate the biggest challenge to be the so-called Cave off Praia dos Coxos, while the World Surfing Championships have been held at Praia da Ribeira d’Ilhas (5km north), which also hosts the annual Quicksilver Pro Portugal professional surf event. To get an idea of the cliffs, bays and waves along the coast, visit the small surf museum space above the Ericeira tourist office, which has interactive displays.

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14 Best Things to do in Ericeira: The Ultimate Guide

Ericeira, a small coastal town located just 50 km north of Lisbon, is a true gem of Portuga l. Known for its breathtaking ocean views, stunning beaches, and incredible surf spots, Ericeira has become a beloved destination for travelers seeking a unique and authentic experience in Portugal.

The small beach town is increasingly becoming more popular every year with digital nomads, backpackers and surfers, so get here before it becomes too crowded! In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best things to do in Ericeira, so you can make the most of your trip to this charming seaside town.

Where is Ericeira?

Ericeira is just 50 kilometers north of Lisbon. The town is situated in the district of Lisbon, in the municipality of Mafra. Ericeira is an ideal place to surf, thanks to its inclusion in the World Surf Reserve. The waves and swell at Ericeira make it suitable for surfers of all levels, making it one of the best places in Europe to take on the waves.

One of the best things about Ericeira is its location. The town is nestled between the ocean and the Serra de Sintra mountain range, which means there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, surfing, and boating.

How to get to Ericeira?

For those travelling to Ericeira from outside Portugal, the most convenient route is usually to fly into Lisbon. There are a variety of airlines offering good deals on flights from London, including budget and national airlines such as TAP, EasyJet, and RyanAir.

From Lisbon airport, the cheapest option is to rent a car from the airport itself (or online) or take a bus from the Lisbon bus station to Ericeira. Both are easy to do.

To get to Ericeira by bus , take the metro from the airport to Campo Grande bus terminal. This trip takes no more than 10 minutes, and once you arrive at the terminal, you can purchase a ticket to Ericeira for €7.

The journey from Campo Grande to Ericeira usually takes around an hour but there is also an express service with fewer stops that can get you there in under an hour. The town is also well-connected to other destinations in Portugal, including Sintra and Cascais.

If you’re looking to explore Portugal on a road trip, Ericeira is a great destination to visit. Get on the A8 highway out of Lisbon and take the A21 until you reach your destination. You can take the bus, rent a car or campervan to make the journey – however you choose to get there, the scenery is sure to be stunning!

The Best Things to do in Ericeira

Give surfing a try.

Ericeira is one of the most famous surfing destinations in Europe, and for good reason. With more than 12 different surf spots in the area, it’s the perfect place to catch some waves, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Surfing is for sure one of the top things to do in Ericeira.

Surf schools and surf camps are abundant in the town, making it easy to find lessons and equipment rentals. If you’re an experienced surfer, you’ll want to head to Ribeira d’Ilhas, a world-class surf spot that has hosted several international surfing competitions.

The most popular surf schools include Boardriders, La Point, and Rapture, all providing quality tuition in a range of different spots. Other smaller schools are also available, each offering their own unique location and teaching style.

La Point and Rapture, two surfing schools located on the Southside of Ericeira, offer lessons at Foz do Lizandro beach. On the other hand, Boardriders is based on the Northside of Ericeira, at Matadouro beach.

There are a number of other surf schools in the area that offer great lessons and experiences. From professional instructors to beginner-friendly classes, these schools can provide the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of surfing. With locations ranging from beaches to lakes, these surf schools provide the ideal environment for learning the sport.

We highly recommended this surf class here .

Explore the Beaches

Ericeira is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Praia do Norte, located just a few minutes from the town center, is a stunning beach with crystal-clear waters and golden sands.

There are several beaches within walking distance from the town centre, including some smaller coves that are unnamed. Spending time at Praia da Foz do Lizandro is a must. It’s one of the nicest beaches and is situated in a beautiful and tranquil location. The sand is white and soft, and the water is so clear that you can see the various fish and sea life swimming in the depths.

It’s the perfect place to relax, sunbathe, and swim. If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, head to Praia da Empa, a small beach with a natural pool and incredible views.

If you head further up the coastline, you will find even more stunning beaches. To get to these places, it would be best to have your own transportation. Other beaches include Praia dos Coxos and Ribeira d’ Ilhas (popular with beginner surfers).

Just a short drive away from Ericeira is the stunning beach of Praia de São Julião. Not to be outdone by the better-known beaches of the Algarve , this three-kilometer stretch of white sand is one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal and a must-visit for photographers. Enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters before settling in to watch one of the best sunsets on the North coast. Definitely a great way to end the day!

Enjoy the Seafood

Portugal is famous for its seafood, and Ericeira is no exception. The town has a long tradition of fishing, and you’ll find some of the freshest seafood in the country here. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the local specialties, like grilled sardines, clams, and octopus.

Many of the fish and seafood served at Ericeira’s restaurants are freshly caught from its waters and prepared using a variety of techniques. The most outstanding seafood restaurants are located in Ribamar, which is just 3km (less than two miles) north of the town center, facing the Atlantic

Take in the Sunsets

Ericeira is famous for its incredible sunsets, and it’s easy to see why. The town is perched on the cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean, offering panoramic views of the horizon. The best place to watch the sunset is from the Praia dos Pescadores, a small beach located just below the town center. Grab a drink or a snack from one of the beachfront bars, and enjoy the show.

Another great way to enjoy the sunset is a 2 hour bike tour, which you can find here.

Discover the History

Ericeira is a town steeped in history, and there are several historical sites to explore. The town center is home to several historic buildings, including the Church of São Pedro, a beautiful 17th-century church that boasts stunning Baroque architecture.

The town also has a small museum, the Museu Municipal de Ericeira, which tells the story of the town’s fishing tradition and its role in Portuguese history.

Visit the Fish Market

One of the best ways to experience the local culture in Ericeira is to visit the fish market. Located in the heart of the town, the market is a bustling hub of activity, where locals come to buy and sell the freshest catch of the day. It’s a great place to observe the local way of life and sample some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste.

Walk the Coastal Path

The coastal path in Ericeira is a beautiful way to explore the stunning coastline and take in the incredible views. The path stretches for several kilometers, and there are several different routes to choose from, depending on your fitness level and interests. One of the most popular routes is the Ribeira d’Ilhas to São Lourenço route, which takes you along the cliffs and past several surf spots and beautiful beaches.

At Foz do Lizandro beach, a 30-minute journey awaits you over the headland to Praia de São Julião. You’ll be treated to a stunning visual journey of many different landscapes and hues, with the backdrop of the waves crashing against the rocks. This is an experience that you should not miss when visiting Ericeira!

Before starting the trek, it’s important to make sure the tide is low or mid-high, as a shallow pool of water may block the beginning of the trail during higher tides. Nevertheless, if the tide is higher, the most that could happen is that you’ll end up with wet ankles!

Explore the Old Town

One of the best things to do in Ericeira is to simply just walk around the beautiful, historic town. Ericeira embodies the essence of a traditional Portuguese fishing town with its charming white houses accented by blue, giving it a Mediterranean village feel.

Despite being situated on the Atlantic coast, the town’s quaint cobbled streets, lined with narrow houses, lead to picturesque squares that make for postcard or Instagram-worthy shots.

Praia da Ursa Day Trip

Praia da Ursa is an unmissable destination for travellers and photographers alike. Situated near Ericeira, this beach is a hidden gem that requires a bit of effort to reach. It is widely regarded as one of the best places to visit in both Ericeira and Portugal, offering stunning views, a unique atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for exploration.

Getting to Ursa Beach from Ericeira is a beautiful 50-minute drive, and an enjoyable journey in itself. The coastal road winds through picturesque villages and by some of the region’s best-protected beaches, such as Azenhas do Mar, Praia das Maças, and Praia da Adraga, making them ideal for a day trip.

On the beach you’ll spot the famous rocky needle of Ursa. It’s a popular spot for photographers and offers a beautiful view with the beach and ocean complementing the landscape. On warmer days, it’s a great place to relax and take in the scenery.

Visit Mafra National Palace

Mafra National Palace is a stunning baroque palace located just a few kilometers from Ericeira. The palace was built in the 18th century and is one of the largest palaces in Europe. It’s home to a beautiful basilica, a library with more than 40,000 books, and several ornate rooms and halls. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture.

King João V’s decision to construct one of the world’s largest palaces outside Lisbon left the nation nearly bankrupt. The solution came in the form of gold discovered in Brazil, which funded the grandiose Baroque building that functioned as both a royal palace and a convent.

Today, it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The palace is located just 15 minutes away from Ericeira by car and is also accessible via public transportation by taking the Ericeira-Lisbon bus, which stops just steps from the monument.

If you’re looking to explore Ericeira, Mafra and other sites, we highly recommend this tour .

Drink with the Locals

While Ericeira may be a low-key town, there are still plenty of places to drink, though most cater to the locals, visitors can certainly enjoy the scene! For the craft beer enthusiasts, we recommend 5 e meio Tap Room, one of the best selections of craft beer in town.

Taberna Lebre is a traditional spot with locals serving up excellent steak sandwhiches and brugers. Most spots in town spill out onto the cobbled streets in a relaxed and casual manner, making them kid-friendly and perfect for a little romping around.

They open after 5 pm and generally close before midnight, so be sure to plan accordingly. Neptuno bar and Jukebox Bar stay open later though.

Take a Boat Trip

Ericeira is located on the Atlantic Ocean, and one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the coastline is to take a boat trip. There are several different companies that offer boat tours, including dolphin-watching tours and fishing trips. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with the local wildlife and see the coastline from a different perspective.

Take a Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra is a picturesque town located just 20 km from Ericeira, and it’s a popular day trip destination for visitors to the area. The town is known for its beautiful palaces and castles, including the stunning Palácio da Pena, which is perched on a hilltop overlooking the town.

Sintra is also home to several beautiful parks and gardens, including the Quinta da Regaleira, a romantic garden filled with hidden tunnels and grottoes.

Go Hiking in the Serra de Sintra

The Serra de Sintra is a beautiful mountain range located just a few kilometers from Ericeira. It’s a popular hiking destination, with several different trails to choose from.

The trails range from easy to challenging, so there’s something for hikers of all levels. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the coast and the countryside.

Where to Stay in Ericeira?

If you’re visiting Ericeira, it’s important to consider where you stay, as the beaches extend beyond the centre. Depending on your needs, you can stay in the town centre, Praia do Sul (south) or Praia de São Sebastião (north), all of which provide great access to some of the best beaches in the area.

For those planning to do some surfing in Ericeira, why not check out the range of surf and stay packages available from the many surf schools and guesthouses in town. Popular options include Ericeira Surf House and Salty Pelican, although there are many other excellent guesthouses in the area that offer surfing and accommodation packages.

If you’re not interested in surfing, then it’s best to stay in a hotel or Airbnb. There are many great apartments, townhouses, and even boutique hotels like Residencial Fortunato. Ericeira has a lot of great accommodation options for everyone.

Ericeira Surf House

As surfing is one of the most popular things to do in Ericeira, staying at a surfing accomodation like the Ericeira surf house makes sense. It’s a vibrant hostel situated atop a hill, providing breathtaking views of the village and the Atlantic Ocean. The property is within walking distance to Futuro Beach, making it an ideal location for surfers and beach enthusiasts alike.

The hostel offers a variety of accommodation options, including colourful private rooms and dorms with shared bathroom facilities. Some rooms feature a mosquito net or a cozy window seat, while others have chairs on the walls for hanging clothes. F

Start your day off with a delicious breakfast buffet served in the bright and colourful dining room from 9:00 to 11:00. The town centre, where you can find an array of bars, shops and restaurants serving fresh seafood and fish dishes, is just a short walk away.

The hostel’s 24-hour reception can help organise surf lessons, massages, yoga, touristic tours and horse riding tours. You can also rent surf equipment on site. In the evenings, guests can enjoy social dinners and bar tours in Ericeira with the property’s staff.

Salty Pelican

Another budget accommodation and beautiful surf house is the Salty Pelican. It has a pool, a cinema room, a bar serving food and drinks throughout the day, and a communal poolside lounge. The property’s terrace offers stunning sea views and features barbecue facilities, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing evening with friends or family.

All rooms at the retreat come equipped with air conditioning, comfortable custom-designed beds, personal lockers, and ceiling fans for maximum comfort. Some rooms offer beautiful ocean views, while others overlook the pool and feature a balcony. En-suite bathrooms are included in some rooms as well.

Residencial Fortunato

Residencial Fortunato offers accommodation with a terrace and private parking, just 300 meters from Baleia Beach. The property is conveniently set only 1.7 km from Matadouro Beach, providing easy access to some of the town’s popular attractions.

Residencial Fortunato provides comfortable guest rooms with convenient amenities such as a wardrobe, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, bed linen, and towels.

Guests can start their day with a delicious buffet or continental breakfast available each morning at the accommodation. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at Residencial Fortunato for guests to explore the town and its surroundings.

Things to do in Ericeira Summary

In conclusion, Ericeira is a charming coastal town that offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. From its stunning beaches and excellent surf spots to its historic landmarks and picturesque streets, there are so many things to do in Ericeira.

Visitors can indulge in fresh seafood at local restaurants, enjoy a drink and mingle with the friendly locals, take nearby day trips, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Ericeira is a must-visit destination in Portugal that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

**Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. When booking through one of our links, we earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running.

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15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ERICEIRA [PORTUGAL]

WHAT TO SEE IN ERICEIRA? IS ERICEIRA WORTH VISITING?

Ericeira is a beautiful town near Lisbon , which we completely fell in love with . We discovered Ericeira during our sabbatical year traveling around the world.

In Ericeira, you will see majestic cliffs, beautiful beaches, traditional streets with white houses, the ocean all around you, and a relaxed atmosphere mixing surfing culture and traditional fishing village .

Highlights about Ericeira:

– Ericeira became an essential surfing spot and was recognized in 2011, as a World Surfing Reserve . The only place in Europe with this title! – Ericeira is also a pleasant seaside resort that combines beaches, sports activities, and seafood feast, suitable for the whole family. – There are many other things to see in Ericeira, which we listed in this post . – The surf town is easily accessible from Lisbon.

Here is a glimpse of what you can expect during a visit to Ericeira.

In this post, we listed the best things to do in Ericeira and its surroundings. You will most likely understand why we fell in love with this place!

Best Things to Do in Ericeira, Portugal

1. go surfing or take a surf lesson in ericeira.

Ericeira was recognized as a “ World Surfing Reserve ” due to its amazing waves. They are called São Lourenço, Coxos, Crazy Left, Cave, Ribeira d’Ilhas, Reef, and Pedra Branca. Breaking along 4 km on the coast of Ericeira, these seven waves earned the recognition as a “ World Surfing Reserve ” in 2011. It is the only destination in Europe with this title.

To learn more about World Surfing Reserves around the world, check out their official website here .

You can also learn more about the title of “World Surfing Reserve” at the interactive museum located above the Ericeira tourist office (location: here ). This place allows you to become familiar with the reserve and its protected biosphere, the seven waves, and their characteristics.

Specialists compare Ericeira to the “ Seven Miles Miracle ” from the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Made famous by Tiago Pires, Portuguese surfing champion native of Ericeira, the coast continues to attract a community of Portuguese and international surfers coming to measure themselves against the swell.

If you are a beginner surfing head to Foz do Lizandro or São Lourenço. There are many Surf schools to choose from around there.

The best surf schools in Ericeira are Ericeira Surf School , Surf Riders , and you can also join a surf camp for a few days at Lapoint .

2. Wander through the charming town of Ericeira

Beyond the ocean, the heart of Ericeira beats to the rhythm of a relaxed and festive atmosphere, very soaked in surfing culture. From shops to cafes and bars, Ericeira is all about surfing!

Head to the main street at R. Dr. Eduardo Burnay , where you will find most surf shops, from Rip Curl and Billabong to local shops such as Magic Quiver Surf Shop, Mothersurf, Wavegliders Surfshop, Ericeira Surf & Skate. You will find so many awesome shops in town.

In the center of Ericeira, you can’t miss Praça da República , the main square full of cafes and restaurants. A great place to hang out and meet locals.

3. Visit Casa da Fernanda to try an “ouriços “

No, we are not talking about Sea Urchin here, but a traditional pastry from Ericeira.It doesn’t look so special but as soon as you bite into an ouriços, you will understand why they are so famous. IT’S DELICIOUS!!!! These delights have been invented in Ericeira.

The best place to try this traditional pastry is at Casa da Fernanda (location), located in front of Praia dos Pescadores, in the center of Ericeira. It looks a bit like a Madeleine, but tastes even better! Make sure you try it if you are visiting Ericeira.

4. Chill at the beach

IS IT POSSIBLE TO SWIM IN ERICEIRA?

Ericeira is not only famous for surfers . Families also enjoy visiting the town for its great beaches.

To the south of Ericeira, “ Praia Sul ” is the best beach for lazing around: protected by the winds, it is ideal for resting on the sand or swimming without fear of an influx of surfers and bodyboarders.

Foz do Lizandro is another great beach and perhaps our favorite one to chill. There are also many restaurants and bars by the beach which makes it very convenient. Go to Kanoa Beach Point Bar and Restaurant for a drink at sunset, you won’t be disappointed (location: here ). They also organize some events from time to time. Check out their Insta for the latest update, here .

5. Go skateboarding at Skate Park Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira

If you are not up for surfing, why not head to the great skatepark at Boardriders Quicksilver? The skatepark includes a coffee shop, and quicksilver shop and also offers lessons for surfskate or skateboard!

The skatepark is made out of concrete, it’s free and it’s rather big! Boardriders Ericeira is actually considered one of the best skateparks in Portugal. It is also a great place to chill and to initiate your kids to skateboard!

Location: here

6. Explore the historical sights in Ericeira

Within Ericeira, there are actually a few interesting historical sights. Igreja Matriz, Igreja Paroquial de Sao Pedro, or the Chapel of “ Nossa Senhora do Ó” are beautiful places to visit. In the latter, you can see pretty amazing azulejos (traditionally painted blue tiles).

Then head to Casa de Cultura Jaime Lobo e Silva , the beautiful library set in a traditional building painted in white and blue (location: here ). See the photo above.

Next, you can visit Fonte de Cabo , an old fountain made in 1457 where people used to collect water from and the other side was used to wash clothes in the past.

Ericeira is the quintessential Portuguese fishing town. During your visit you will see many traditional houses, you will walk through narrow cobbled streets leading to charming squares where you can meet a few locals.

7. Explore Ericeira’s surroundings with a mountain bike

Ericeira is surrounded by nature with an amazing coastline. You can rent a mountain at Liquid Earth Adventures or even an electric bicycle at TAKE OFF e-bike ( website ). Ask the owners, they will be able to inform you on the best routes around Ericeira and according to your physical level.

You can also join a guided mountain bike tour around Ericeira, so you don’t have to worry about finding your way. Book your private tour here.

8. Visit Mafra, with its largest palace in Europe!

The city of Mafra is a small Portuguese town made famous from its immense palace, which is one of the most impressive in Europe ! With its basilica, monastery and library, it is something you’ve never seen before. it is the main attraction in Mafra which draws thousands of visitors every year.

The palace is spread over 4 hectares, and has more than 1,200 rooms, 4,700 doors and windows as well as 150 staircases!

The main facade of the Palace of Mafra is 250 meters long and its bell towers stand 68 meters high, which quite simply makes it one of the largest palaces in Europe. It bears witness to the greatness of the country in the 18th century!

To get to Mafra, it takes less than 10 minutes by car from Ericeira. You can also hop on the bus 200 or 203 from Ericeira. The bus will stop near the Palace in the center of Mafra. Click here for more information on the timing.

9. Enjoy a Yoga Lesson

Ericeira is also a great place to practice yoga. There are a few yoga studios in town worth a visit.

Ericeira Yoga Studio ( website ), offers many different classes every day of the week. Element Yoga ( website ), is another great place to practice yoga.

There are also yoga retreats organized in Ericeira. Salty Pelican offers yoga and surf retreats, with nice accommodations and good vibes all year round! Check it out here .

10. Visit the most traditional market at Loja da Amélia

Loja da Amélia is a legendary gourmet supermarket in Ericeira. For the best quality food in Ericeira, Loja da Amélia, you won’t be disappointed.

This a family business where the mother Amélia Sobrinho helps customers make their choices, the husband collects fresh produce from local markets, the son is in charge of drinks and the wine cellar and daughter Rita is in charge of accounting and management.

For us, we couldn’t resist buying some amazing cheese in this fantastic store. Check it out, it’s located in the centre of Ericeira here .

11. Enjoy a fantastic meal at Ericeira

Here is our recommendations for the best restaurants in Ericeira:

Taberna Perola

In the heart of Ericeira, a narrow traditional house, was taken over by a young team with broad ideas. The chef draws ideas from the Portuguese classics with a modern twist! Location: here

Marisqueira Mar a Vista

In terms of seafood, this restaurant is the reference in Ericeira. Pick your fresh seafood which will then be cooked by the chef! It’s fresh, it’s delicious, it’s all you need in Ericeira! Location: here / Website: here

Mar das Latas

How do you take your eyes off the ocean when it’s right there, within sight? To watch the sunset and enjoy a sumptuous meal by the sea, this is the place to be!

Mar de Latas has a selection of good Portuguese cheeses and a delicious muxama (dried tuna) just flavored with olive oil and lemon. They also serve craft beers and wines from the region such as the wines from Quinta de Sant’Ana, a few kilometers away. Location: here

Ribeira d’Ilhas Surf Restaurant & Bar

Located on the beach of Ribeira d’Ilhas , a paradise for experienced surfers, this large wooden hut with a contemporary design is perfect for lunch or to treat yourself with a vitamin smoothie. At sunset, order of the many cocktails on the menu and meet many local surfers! Location: here

If you are vegan, there are also many options in Ericeira. Here we listed the top restaurants serving vegan options:

GiG – Green is Good

One of our favorite healthy restaurants in Ericeira is Green is Good! This hipster place serves high-quality food and excellent coffee. It has plenty of great vegan options. Location: here / Website: here

Tiki Healthy Food Cave

For a great vibe and delicious vegetarian and vegan food head to Tiki Healthy Food Cave located in the main area of Ericeira. Location: here

Looking for something super healthy in Ericeira, then search no longer, Nalu Bowls serves the healthier bowls in town! They offer a great variety of choices and amazing smoothies! Besides, Nalu Bowls is located a few steps away from the beach, which makes it a perfect place to enjoy vegan meals. Location: here

12. Relax with a good cup of roasted coffee

For the very best cup of coffee in Ericeira, head to Dear Rose Café ! This place serves amazing coffee as well as fantastic food and desserts. Location: here

Another place that we recommend for a great coffee is Amour Soul Space , which serves awesome coffee and great food. Location: here

13. Check out some of the best viewpoints in Ericeira

Admire the view from the Miradouro Ribeira d’Ilhas

After strolling along the beach, head to the Miradouro Ribeira d’Ilhas. From this spectacular vantage point, you can contemplate the ocean and Ribeira d’Ilhas beach below. It is only ten minutes by car from Ericeira and about forty minutes on foot if you are up for a short hike. Once there, you can take a moment to watch the surfers, but make sure you pack a jacket, as the wind can be very strong there.

Miradouro Praia dos Pescadores

In the centre of Ericeira, you can climb on top of the Miradouro Praia dos Pescadores, to see the beach below and the huge cliff on which Ericeira sits.

Miradouro Praia Sul

This is one of our favorite places to admire the sunset and see Praia Sul, one of the most beautiful beaches in Ericeira. This viewpoint is located here .

Miradouro Foz do Lizandro

If you decide to hike from Ericeira to Foz de Lizandro along the coast, you will see the most stunning view of the ocean. On your left you will see the beautiful beach of Foz de Lizandro and on your right the charming town of Ericeira. This is one of our favorite viewpoint. Head here , to check it out.

14. Visit Sintra near Ericeira

Visiting Sintra is a must during your stay in Portugal ! Exuberant palaces, stone castles, rugged cliffs overlooking the ocean… Sintra seems straight out of a fairy tale. Often considered a day trip to do during a stay in Lisbon , it is also possible to visit Sintra from Ericeira. It won’t be possible to do it all in a day, but you will be able to see some of the main sights at least. 

Here is the list of the best things to see in Sintra:

• El palacio Pena
• Castle of the moors
• Convent of the Capuchos
• Azenhas do Mar
• Palácio da Vila
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Cabo da Roca
• Park and Palace of Monserrate
• Praia da Ursa

You can reach Sintra with the public bus 202 from Ericeira. More information here .

15. Go on a day trip to Peniche and Nazare, one of the best things to see near Ericeira

Peniche is located 1h drive from Ericeira and Nazare 1h15 away from Ericeira. The best way to get there is by car, as it doesn’t seem to have direct buses.

Peniche is a pretty town and a famous fishing port. However, it was made famous thanks to its international surf competitions. Here are the best things to do in Peniche:

Discover the fortress of Peniche

Standing on the edge of the ocean, the fortress of Peniche is one of the main historical sites of the city. Built in the 17th century, it then served as a political prison during the Portuguese dictatorship. From the top of the fortress, you can admire the sea and the boats resting in the nearby port. It also houses a small museum that explains the history and fishing traditions of the region.

Take a boat trip to the Berlengas Islands

From the port of Peniche, you can take a boat to the Berlengas Islands, a nature reserve with crystal clear water. Although it is an archipelago, you can only visit the island of Berlenga Grande. On it, tiny beaches, a restaurant, and an imposing 17th-century fortress are connected by a narrow bridge.

Take a walk on the beaches

Peniche is famous for its rugged coastline with many beaches. The strong waves attract many surfers throughout the year. The most popular beaches in Peniche are Praia da Gamboa, Praia do Medão and Praia do Baleal. The first is a quiet beach surrounded by low sand dunes. Praia do Medão is one of the favorite beaches of surfers who gave it the nicknamed of supertubes, because the waves often form a barrel also called tube.

Visit Cabo Carvoeiro

If there’s one place you should visit in Peniche, it’s Cabo Carvoeiro. Located at the western end of Peniche, this cape offers, on a clear day, an incredible view of the ocean and the Berlengas Islands.

Nazare is another great place to visit near Ericeira. It is a seaside resort, which you may have heard because of its gigantic waves, some say they are the biggest waves in the world!

Nazare is fairly small coastal town, but one can easily spend a day in Nazaré without getting bored.

The beaches

Obviously, if you go to Nazaré it is for its ideal coastal location. It has established itself in recent years as one of the main seaside resorts on the Portuguese west coast. Three beaches are accessible from Nazaré: – Praia de Nazaré: the one that is accessible on foot from the city center, more practical, but therefore busier. – Praia do Norte: the one with the gigantic waves, which you can come and observe between October and March (sometimes April). The best spot to see them is the Nazaré lighthouse. – Praia de Areeira: a little further, less easily accessible, and therefore less crowded.

Take the cable car

A cable car takes you up the big cliffs in Nazare where you will have a sublime view of the whole bay. Simply stunning!

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré

The main church of the city is in one of the most important squares of the city. It contains an image of a wooden black Madonna, brought from Mérida in the year 711, whose story is told in the legend of Nazaré. This sanctuary is actually made up of the cathedral, the chapel and the grotto of Nazaré.

WHERE TO STAY IN ERICEIRA?

Ericeira is full of great accommodations, whether you like Boho style, modern style or family type. Here is our top recommendations

Selina Boavista Ericeira

For a modern and cozy place, choose Selina Boavista. This place is perfectly located near all the main attractions in Ericeira.

WOT Ericeira Lodge

If you like Boho style, you will enjoy a stay at WOT Ericeira Lodge. This place is within walking distance of all the restaurants and the beach. You can also enjoy the terrace on a sunny day! A perfect stay in Ericeira.

This stunning hotel located right by the beach offers all the convenience you need. Perfect for family as it has multiple pools and other amenities.

HOW TO GET FROM LISBON TO ERICEIRA?

By car : take the A8 motorway towards Leiria, then exit at Mafra and take the A21 to Ericeira.

By bus : go to the Campo Grande bus terminal (ten minutes by taxi from the airport). There are buses from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., every hour. Count €7 per ticket and 75 minutes to reach Ericeira. Bus timetables in PDF format, accessible here .

BEST TIME TO VISIT ERICEIRA?

With an average temperature of 21°C, Ericeira is pleasant all year round.

Beginners are more likely to learn to surf between May and the end of August because the waves are much more gentle. Advanced surfers will choose to go there between September and December as the waves are more powerful.

FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT ERICEIRA – IS IT WORTH THE HYPE?

The town of Ericeira which is about thirty kilometers from Lisbon , makes it an ideal refuge for the Portuguese in search of calm and authenticity away from the capital. It is one of the favorite places for Lisbon residents, looking for a second home. And we understand why! Ericeira is full of charm!

Initially, Ericeira was a fishing town and it was at one time the 4th most important fishing port in Portugal. You can find some of the best seafood in Ericeira!

Today, it is also Portgual’s main surf town!

If you are passionate about surfing, make sure to visit Ericeira! One thing is for sure, you won’t be disappointed with all the quality waves that Ericeira has to offer!

HAPPY TRAVELS!

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We are Hammer and Guillaume, a fun couple traveling the world. We will take you to some of the most amazing places on earth. Hammer is a yoga instructor and Guillaume a true water baby, enjoying all kinds of water sports. Follow-us to get the latest update about our travels.

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15 Best Things to Do in Ericeira, Portugal (2024)

Ericeira is a lovely coastal town in Portugal with beautiful cobblestoned streets and white and blue-colored houses. It is known for being the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe and is a popular summer destination for surfers, yogis, and beach lovers. In this post, I will tell you what makes Ericeira a great place to visit in Portugal and the best things to do in Ericeira so you can plan your next trip!

Where is Ericeira

Ericeira, Portugal.

Ericeira is located around 50 kilometers northwest of Lissabon, the capital of Portugal. The coastline around the town of Ericeira is dotted with some incredible beaches, a lot of them perfect for surfing.

The location of Ericeira is excellent because it is in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean but you can find some other interesting locations nearby like the UNESCO-protected cultural heritage town of Sintra, The Mafra Palace, and the Cascais-Sintra natural park.

It’s a perfect base to stay in Portugal from which you can make several day trips. Among digital nomads, Ericeira is also considered one of the best places to work remotely , making travelers stay for longer periods of time. 

How big is Ericeira Portugal

Hiking trails around Ericeira, Portugal.

Ericeira is a small fishing village. The old town and center are only 12 square kilometers in size and it has around 10 0000 inhabitants.

Although Ericeira is relatively small, there are plenty of things to do in the area and it is convenient to have a car to explore the nearby beaches and surrounding towns like Santo Isidoro and Ribamar. If you don’t like the hustle and bustle of the center of town, these villages also make for a more relaxed place to stay. 

Although Ericeira is a small village that still holds some traditional charm, in recent years, a lot of ex-pats have moved to Ericeira to make it their permanent home. This had caused a serious rise in rental prices for apartments and houses in Ericeira.

This process of gentrification has not been a healthy evolution for the local villages. Because salaries in Portugal are not as high as in other Western countries, locals are forced to leave their hometown because they can’t pay their rent anymore. 

It is important to be aware of this when you visit Ericeira. As a conscious traveler , it is important to consume as locally as possible. Go to local small supermarkets, eat at local restaurants and stay in local guesthouses so your money benefits the local community. 

How far is Ericeira from Lisbon?

Lisbon, Portugal.

Ericeira is located around 50 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. Because of this, Lisbon will probably be your gateway to Ericeira since it is the closest airport. 

The airport of Lison is located around 45 kilometers from the center of Ericeira while it is 50 kilometers away if you would travel to Ericeira from the center of Lisbon. 

There are multiple ways to get to Ericeira from Lisbon .

Ericeira: how to get there

Rental car in Ericeira, Portugal.

There are multiple ways to get from Lisbon to Ericeira. You can choose to rent a car, which is the most convenient option to get to Ericeira but, if you are traveling on a budget, there are also daily buses that go to Ericeira. 

It will take you around 40 minutes to reach Ericeira from Lisbon by car. Depending on which kind of bus you take it will take between 40 minutes and one and a half hour to reach Ericeira. Remember, if you want to take public transport to Ericeira from Lisbon Airport, you will first have to travel from Lisbon airport to Campo Grande bus station by metro.

You can find a detailed overview of all the transport options from Lisbon to Ericeira in this comprehensive Lisbon to Ericeira transport guide . 

Best things to do in Ericeira

Praia do Sul, Ericeira, Portugal.

Wondering what to do in Ericeira? Well, Ericeira is a fantastic place if you like to laze your days away at gorgeous beaches, participate in watersports, and enjoy cultural activities.

If you can, try to visit Ericeira outside the main tourist season to escape the tourist crowds. Ericeira is a small village but many people have heard about its charm and the beaches, especially the ones in the center, are extremely crowded in July and August. 

The best time to visit Ericeira is in the shoulder season, between April and June, and in September or October. Ericeira can even be visited during the winter. The temperature is still pleasant and hovers around 15 degrees Celsius. Between December and February, you can also find the best surf breaks. 

Here are the best things to do in Ericeira!

Explore the center of Ericeira

The beautiful streets in the center of Ericeira, Portugal.

The center of Ericeira is beautiful, with its narrow cobblestoned streets and white and blue colored houses. It still holds a traditional charm, although tourism construction and infrastructure are on the rise. 

One of my favorite streets was the small but cozy Rua da Misericórdia where the fantastic Taberna Lebre is located where you can eat traditional Portuguese sandwiches called “Pregos”. 

The best about Ericeira is that there are no big resort hotels in the area so that only adds to its charm. The only large hotel in Ericeira is located at Praia do Sul and is called Vila Galé. Most of the accommodation options in Ericeira are guesthouses, hostels, or small boutique hotels. 

Hit the beaches

Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas, Ericeira, Portugal.

Ericeira is surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches. There are four main beaches near the town center which can easily be reached on foot. However, they tend to get really crowded in the summer months and they are not the prettiest in the area. 

Praia do Sul is located on the southernmost side of the village. In the middle, you can find Praia dos Pescadores. At the northern tip lies Praia do Norte. A little further lies Praia de Sao Sebastiao which was my favorite beach near the town center that can easily be reached on foot. 

But, to discover the best beaches in and around Ericeira you will need a car or a motorbike or alternatively, you can take the beach bus which operates during the summer months on the route from Foz do Lizandro in the south to Ribeira d’Ilhas in the north. 

My favorite beaches in the area are Praia dos Coxos, Praia de Sao Lourenco, Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas and Foz do Lizandro beach. 

Praia de Sao Lourenço, Portugal.

My favorite beaches in the area are Praia de Sao Lourenço for its local vibe, Coxos beach for its rugged beauty, Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas for a coffee and Foz do Lizandro for its location where the Lizandro river meets the sea. 

Check out my guide about the best Ericeira beaches to discover what beach would fit your needs the best!

Take a surf lesson

Surfing in Ericeira, Portugal.

As Ericeira is the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe it tends to fill up with surfers almost every time of the year. While the winter time mostly attracts advanced surfers because of the bigger swell, during the summer months tourists and visitors can participate in beginner classes. 

There are a large array of surf schools in Ericeira, like surf 365 Ericeira, Three Surfers Surf School, Ericeira Surf House, and Extra Surf School just to name a few. When deciding at which surf school you will attend classes make sure they are certified by the Portuguese Surf Federation. 

There are also many surf camps in Ericeira often combined with yoga. Check out the best surf camps in Ericeira here . If you are in need of some surf gear you will also be overwhelmed with all the surf shops at every street corner in Ericeira. To find the most sustainable ones check out my post about the best surf shops in Ericeira . 

Take a yoga class or meditate at the beach

surf schools are popping up in Ericeira everywhere, and it is just the same for yoga schools. There are more than a dozen yoga schools in Ericeira and it’s hard to know which one to pick. 

I have heard from an ex-pat living in Ericeira that Ericeira Yoga School in the town center is a good option. Sandhi house is also great and also offers massages. The house of the rising Mojo is out of the city center but offers classes in a beautiful garden dome and organizes weekly activities like Cacao sessions and Kirtan. 

However, my preferred location to practice some meditation and yoga in Ericeira was Praia de Sao Lourenço in the early morning. 

Take a day trip to Lisbon

Streets of Lisbon, Portugal.

Ericeira is located only 50 kilometers from the center of Lisbon so a day trip to the capital of Portugal should definitely be on your slow travel to-do list! If you don’t have your own transport you can take a bus to Lisbon at the Ericeira bus station. There is roughly one bus an hour and they run from 6 in the morning until 9 PM. 

After spending the morning visiting some highlights of Lisbon like the Torre de Bélem and Tram 28, take some time out of the afternoon to visit hidden gems. The Market of female thieves in the Alfama district in downtown Lisbon is a great activity or, alternatively, explore the streets of Mouraria in search of illegal Chinese restaurants only recognizable by a Chinese lantern hanging at a door. 

In the evening, dine out at one of the many vegan-friendly restaurants in Lisbon . 

Explore the villages around Ericeira

The area around Ericeira, Portugal.

If you want to escape the touristic center of Ericeira, there are some lovely towns in the proximity of Ericeira where you can experience authentic Portuguese local life. My favorite one by far was Ribamar , which is located just a few kilometers from Ericeira. Since our Airbnb was in Ribamar, we hung out there a lot.

some great places in Ribamar are Barzhino for Aperol Spritz and small bites, Clamar coffee shop for a morning coffee, and Pu-ro for vegan Pastel de Natas. The nearest beach is Praia de Sao Lourenço which is within walking distance from the center of the village. The bar at the beach is also e great place to have a coffee in the morning. 

Wine and Kombucha @ Souldough Pizza + The streets of Ribamar.

Another great spot near Ericeira is Carvoeira. This town is in close proximity to Foz do Lizandro beach and Praia de Sao Juliao and one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the area is located there called Souldough Pizza . The cultural center in town is also a fun place to connect with locals. 

Go for a hike

There is a beautiful trail in Ericeira leading all the way from Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas to Coxos beach. if you love photography, this is the place to be in Ericeira to take beautiful pictures. The trails are flanked by lovely Aloe Vera plants and from the cliffs, you have the most magnificent views over the World Surfing Reserve.

Views from the trails between Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas and Coxos Beach. 

When you arrive at Coxos beach you can either choose to make your way to the cozy center of Ribamar to have a drink or a snack at Barzinho or Puro or you can continue your walk towards the beach of Praia de Sao Lourenço which has a charming cafeteria/restaurant with a nice terrace.

Go on a day trip to Sintra

Garden of Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra, Portugal.

The gorgeous UNESCO-protected Cultural Landscape of Sintra is definitely worth a visit and is only a 35-minute drive from Ericeira. Sintra was the birthplace of European romantic architecture in the 19th century and up to this day, you can visit the castles, Quintas, and gardens at this World Heritage Site. 

The National palace of Pena is the most iconic sight in Sintra but there are plenty more interesting historic landmarks like the Quinta da Regaleira with its magical initiation well.

Do note that Sintra is very touristic and be aware that you will have to share these estates with hundreds of other tourists at any time of the year.

Take a full day out of your travel schedule if you want to visit at least two sites in Sintra. If traveling by car, you can park your car at the car park near the railway station. From there, you can easily travel to all the landmarks by bus 434 and 435. 

Take a sup class

Not a fan of surfing? No problem. Maybe Stand up paddle is something you enjoy instead. Ericeira is famous for its watersport facilities and SUP is one of the many things on offer.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Ericeira SUP, which is a Standup Peddle School, caters to all levels and likes. Activities range from SUP Yoga to a World Surfing Reserve tour and even a wave experience for experts. 

Explore the many cute shops in Ericeira

Mothersurf, an ethical surf shop in Ericeira, Portugal.

The center of Ericeira is full of cute shops but, as a conscious traveler, try to avoid a shopping spree and only buy what you really need.

There are many surf shops in the center of Ericeira . If you’re wondering which the most ethical one is then visit Mothersurf, an eco-conscious surf shop at the Rua Mendes Leal. At Mothersurf, you can find a carefully curated collection of surf brands that care for the earth as well as a great selection of lifestyle products like soap, bags, and reusable straws.

Other great shops in Ericeira are Harvest Moon Ericeira for its unique jewelry, BE U for organic food and products, and the second-hand clothing shop Revestir . 

visit Mafra Palace

Mafra Palace, Portugal.

The traditional Portuguese town of Mafra is only a 10-minute drive from Ericeira. The town itself is charming with a relaxed atmosphere and a nice selection of bars and restaurants. 

However, the real draw here is the Palacio de Mafra which is one of the largest palaces in Europe. This large complex contains an elegant Basilica, a magnificent Monastery, and a 90 meters long library that contains over 35 000 ancient books. 

The entrance fee to visit Mafra Palace is € 6 and you can visit every day of the week. If you don’t have your own transport you can take bus 209 which will take you to Mafra in 20 minutes.

Eat your way around the many lovely restaurants

Barbatana, Foz do Lizandro.

Ericeira holds a nice selection of restaurants inside the city center as well as in the wider area. Do note that, if you are a vegan in Ericeira , it’s not easy to find decent options. Portuguese cuisine is very fish and meat-heavy and chances are you won’t find a suitable dish on the menu at a local restaurant. 

Moreover, if you like your food well seasoned with a lot of different flavors then Portuguese cuisine might not be your cup of tea. Portugal is known for using a lot of fresh ingredients but it sometimes lacks a bit of tanginess, especially if you take the meat and fish out of the equation.

That said, there are some great restaurants to visit in Ericeira but, to be completely honest, I also visited some very disappointing ones. If you stick to this list I promise you that your tastebuds will be satisfied.

• GIG (Green Is Good): this was my favorite lunch bar in Ericeira. The food is healthy and very flavorful and they offer a nice lunch menu for € 17. At any time of the day, there was a line waiting to get seated so this seems to be the favorite restaurant to a lot of people. The sweet potato bruschettas are delicious. 
• Souldough Pizza: Souldough is located in Carvoeira, just a short drive from Ericeira. Aside from its unique outdoor concept, this is the place to get the best pizza in the area. You can also visit them for a fixed lunch which was in our case a wonderful tofu salad. 
• Tik Tak: If you want to try a traditional Portuguese restaurant then I can recommend visiting Tik Tak. The location in the city center is cute and charming and they serve simple but tasty Portuguese food. My friend Femke was very happy with her octopus salad as a starter and grilled tuna and I had a vegetable soup as a starter and grilled mushrooms as a main dish with oven-baked sweet potato and grilled beans and broccoli.  
• Taberna Lebre: Taberna Lebre is the perfect place for a snack or aperitive. This restaurant is famous for its Pregos which are sandwiches with grilled meat. At Taberna Lebre, they also serve them with fish and with cheese and you can ask to veganize the veggie prego by replacing the goat cheese with grilled onions. At the time of our visit people were in line to get seated (this was on a Monday in September).

Sip coffee at one of the amazing coffee bars

Coffee bars abound in Ericeira but if you have to pick just one, go to Dear Rose café in the Rua de Santo Antonio. This tiny coffee bar serves delicious coffee (plant-based milk available) and has a tasty menu with (vegan) breakfast options like açai bowls and porridge to lunch options like bagels and salads. 

It opens only at 10.30 A.M. and that’s quite a late hour to have breakfast if you’re an early bird like me. But it really is the best place in town to stop by for a coffee during the day. My favorite combo was a deca (vegan) latté with a perfectly baked (vegan) cinnamon roll.

Try (vegan) Pasteis de Nata

Pasteis de Nata

You probably don’t need an introduction to the famous Pastel de Nata. Pasteis de Nata are traditional Portuguese custard tarts and they taste like heaven on earth. In Ericeira, you can find them on almost every street corner.

Café Salvador sells amazing non-vegan ones in the town center and if you are a vegan, take a little trip to Ribamar. Lunch and breakfast bar Pu-ro over there has vegan Pasteis de Nata on their menu. 

Visit Sintra-Cascais natural Park

Praia da Ursa, Portugal. 

Ericeira is beautiful and offers some hiking opportunities but if you fancy longer trails through gorgeous natural scenery and quaint picturesque villages then you surely need to visit the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. 

The best way to experience the natural beauty of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is to drive all the way to Cabo da Roca. From there follow the trail to Praia da Ursa, one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Portugal. From there, continue to Praia da Adraga. At this beach, you can find a great family-run restaurant where you can find fresh seafood dishes and they also serve a vegan soup and vegetable stew. 

After a delightful lunch, make your way back to Cabo da Roca. The best way to navigate the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is by using the app Maps.me. 

More things to do in Ericeira Portugal

Aside from the things I mentioned above, there are a lot more things to do in and around Ericeira. What you do highly depends on your own wishes so I’ll mention a few more things here to give you an idea of other activities in the area.

• Go for a wine tasting: For a wine tasting or a wine tour in the area contact Vinho Comigo to make reservations. 
• Have a wellness treatment: There are so many massage therapists in Ericeira that it is hard to know which one to pick. Sandhi House offers some good massage options or book an appointment with Unravel Ericeira to get some Ayurvedic Marma therapy. 
• Go for a bike tour: Bike tours are one offer in Ericeira and there’s a lovely bike + winetasting tour on offer on Viator.
• Visit the Jose Franco Museum village: This is a miniature replica village museum that recreates rural scenes and customs of the region. It is on the road from Ericeira to Mafra. 
• Go for a walk at Tapada Nacional de Mafra : This former hunting ground owned by the Portuguese royal family is now an attractive park for walking, cycling and wildlife viewing.

Where to stay in Ericeira Portugal

Traditional Portuguese house in Ribamar, near Ericeira. 

If you are planning to visit Ericeira you are probably wondering where to stay. Should you pick a hotel or an Airbnb or maybe join one of the surf camps which most of the time includes accommodation? It highly depends on your wishes of course and if you rather want to be in the hustle and bustle of the town center or somewhere in the outskirts, like the village of Ribamar or Carvoeira where is more quiet and in which you can experience local Portuguese life.

I’ll list a few options here and I will indicate who will enjoy these types of accommodation:

• Olive3 hostel : Located in the city center, Olive3 is the perfect place if you like to stay close to the city center yet enjoy the intimate vibe of a peaceful hostel. The rooms at Olive3 are beautifully decorated and there is a yoga shala and pool on the premises. Good for travelers who like to stay close to the action but look for a serene place to sleep. 
• Sandhi house : Sandhi house is a beautiful guesthouse in the center of Ericeira near the beach. It offers only five rooms and a tranquil and peaceful setting with a cute terrace. You can participate in yoga classes or enjoy a relaxing massage. Multi-day well-being packages are on offer. Good for travelers who are looking for a well-being getaway.
• Eco Soul Guesthouse : A sustainable guesthouse geared towards couples who like to connect with nature. It’s green key certified and is located near Praia de Sao Juliao in Carvoeira. Near the guesthouse, you can find the best pizzas in the world at Souldough Pizza. Eco soul guesthouse is a good place for couples who like to enjoy nature and tranquility.
• Casa Ribamar: If you like to have a whole place to yourself then this Airbnb in Ribamar, rented out by Carina who lives in Ericeira is a great choice. The house is beautifully decorated and you can truly find anything you need inside the house. The terrace is perfect to enjoy breakfast and dinner while you can watch authentic Portuguese life slowly passing by. Good for travelers who like privacy and traditional Portuguese villages.
• Omassim Guesthouse : This guesthouse with a pool and cute rooms is located between Santo Isidoro and Ribamar and offers different surf and yoga packages. Depending on your wishes you can choose if you want to take surf lessons, yoga classes or a mix of both with delicious vegetarian food (and vegan upon request) included. Good for travelers who like package deals and don’t want to do a lot of research themselves. 

How to get around Ericeira

There is a reliable bus service in the area that connects Ericeira with Lisbon, Mafra, and Sintra. During the summer months, you can also get to most of the beaches in Ericeira and the wider area using the Ericeira beach bus which can take you all the way from Foz do Lizandro to Ribeira d’Ilhas for only € 1. These options are definitely the cheapest ones and the most eco-friendly.

However, if you want to explore the region even further and if you want to be able to get to more remote locations, hiring a car is the best option. If you are not staying in the town center this can even be a necessity to get to restaurants or to go grocery shopping. The best car deals can be found on Skyscanner. 

Ericeira Portugal: when to go

Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas, Ericeira, Portugal. 

Because Ericeira is a World Surfing Reserve it attracts visitors year-round. During the summer months the center and beaches of Ericeira tend to fill up and get crowded. Therefore, the best time to visit Ericeira is in the shoulder season, from May to June, and in September and October. 

Surfers also like to visit Ericeira during the winter months because the waves are great for experienced surfers at that time of the year. Even then, Ericeira is still a great place to visit with nice temperatures hovering around 15 degrees Celsius. 

Swimming in the sea is possible but do be aware that the water temperature in Ericeira is not high and hovers around 19 degrees Celsius during the summer months. This is due to a cold water stream, causing the upwelling of deep and colder ocean water, just in front of the coast of Ericeira. 

The average outside temperature in Ericeira during the summer months is 25 degrees Celsius while you can expect them to be around 22 degrees in the shoulder season. 

Final thougts: is Ericeira worth visiting?

Yes, Ericeira is definitely a place that is worth visiting. While the town itself has become a bit touristic it still retains a certain charm and you can still experience traditional Portuguese life in the villages surrounding Ericeira. 

The beaches of Ericeira are gorgeous and you can opt to just laze your days away here or participate in water sports like surfing and SUP. 

It is certainly also a nice place to stop if you are doing a road trip through Portugal by a mobile home or converted van. Ericeira Camping  is a lovely campground.

As a conscious traveler, try to consume as locally as possible. Go to local restaurants, shop local and stay at a local small hotel or guesthouse. 

I hope you enjoyed this Ericeira travel guide. If you know any other great things to do in Ericeira please let me know in the comments below!

Fancy more Portugal travel ideas?

• 3 Best Places For Vegan Pastel de Nata in Lisbon
• Vegan Hotels Portugal: 10 Best Places For a Plant-based Vacation!
• Vegan Porto: 20 Best Vegan Restaurants In Porto

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

• December 3, 2023

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Red White Adventures

The ultimate guide to ericeira, portugal.

Ericeira is a hip and trendy surfing town located on the west coast of Portugal. Ericeira is known for its surf vibe and amazing beaches all around the city.

The combination of this fun young vibe and amazing surfing has really put Ericeira on the map and it has become one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for a place to enjoy the sun and beaches along the coast.

Portugal has many small surfing towns but what really makes Ericeira stand out is the city and the people.

The streets are clean, the shops are beautifully painted in white and blue colours and you can tell the locals and expats who live in Ericeira take pride in their city.

You add the amazing beaches in Ericeira and you’ve found your new favourite paradise on Portugal’s west coast.

You’re going to experience some amazing sunsets, beautiful coastline, and good surf & yoga vibes while spending time in Ericeira.

We fell in love with this city after we went to the Ericeira Lapoint surf camp , and we decided to come back and spend some time here during our west coast Portugal road trip .

We hope you love it just as much as we do!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you decide to use the links and make a valid purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you <3

Table of Contents

Your guide to visiting Ericeira

Below you can find everything you need to know to visit Ericeira, the surfing, and all the beautiful beaches. It’s also one of the 8 cities along the Silver Coast we absolutely recommend visting!

Where is Ericeira and how do you get there?

Ericeira is only a short 45-minute drive from Lisbon. There are tons of different ways you can get to Ericeira from Lisbon or anywhere else in the country.

We’ve listed them all in this post: The Best Ways to Get From Lisbon to Ericeira .

Most people fly into Lisbon and start their Portugal trip from the capital city of Portugal.

One of the options we recommend is renting a van and making a nice road trip out of it. There’s also an awesome campsite located within walking distance from the centre of Ericeira called Ericeira Camping .

By a guided tour:

One of the options that are worth considering if you’re coming from Lisbon to Ericeira is looking into a guided tour. There are quite a few good options on GetYourGuide !

Going on a guided tour to Ericeira is super convenient and actually doesn’t cost much more than if you were to go on your own.

Once you add renting a car, paying for highway tolls and all that the costs (and time spent) add up. 

Some of the guided tours will also take you to nearby popular tourist spots like Sintra National Park and Pena Palace. This way you can see Ericeira and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal on the same day! 😉

By renting a car:

If you enjoy going at your own pace and the freedom we recommend renting a car at Lisbon airport .

It’s usually the cheapest and most convenient way to rent a car if you’re flying into Lisbon. You can see the prices for car rentals in Lisbon here on DiscoverCars’ website .

DiscoverCars is the company we always book through and we’ve never had any issues when we’ve had to adjust (or even cancel) a booking. We highly recommend them when booking your rental car.

It’s also nice having a car if you want to do some fun day trips from Ericeira to some of the other cities and nature parks nearby!

Travelling by campervan around Portugal has to be one of our favourite ways to travel!

We were lucky enough to cruise around Portugal by Van from Lisbon for 2 weeks and visit a bunch of cities along Portugals Silver Coast .

It was such an easy way to get around and camp at different campsites around the country. 

We only went to a handful of campsites around Portugal but Ericeira Camping Campground is actually our favourite campsite.

It’s close to the center of Ericeira and you can leave your van at the campground and walk to the city. Plus the amenities and campsite are very clean and we simply really enjoyed our stay there!

Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Portugal

By public transport:

Lastly, public transport! Most of the time public transport in Portugal is the cheapest option . Especially if there’s only 1-2 of you travelling together.

Taking the bus is actually one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get from Lisbon to Ericeira. The bus costs roughly €10 for a one-way ticket and that will take you from the bus station in Lisbon to downtown Ericeira.

The one and only downside is that it takes a little bit longer by bus (roughly 30 minutes).

You can buy your bus tickets from Lisbon to Ericeira on Rome2Rio . If you’re not big on renting a car then the bus is definitely a good alternative.

What to do in Ericeira

Ericeira is beautiful, the beaches are great, and the surfing is amazing and on top of that, there are also a lot of things to do in Ericeira.

The surfing is definitely the highlight but there’s plenty of things to do like trying out some of the amazing local restaurants and biking around the coast for sunset . 

A fun fact about Ericeira is that it has the world’s biggest Quicksilver shop and next to it is the awesome Ericeira Quiksilver Skatepark where you can go skate if you want.

Otherwise, you can just enjoy a beer and chill outside enjoying the views. The prices are cheap and the view is amazing.

Ericeira is filled with hidden gems and the more you walk around and explore the city the more you’ll find.

Also read: 20 Fun Things to Do in Ericeira, Portugal

Where to stay in Ericeira

Hostel & Surfcamp 55

This cute little hostel, Hostel & Surfcamp 55 , in the center of Ericeira, is an awesome choice if you want to surround yourself with other surfers as most people staying here will be surfing.

There is a surf camp connected to the hostel so you can always join a session if you want!

70’s Hostel Ericeira

70’s Hostel Ericeira is another hostel in Ericeira that is one of the more affordable options if you’re travelling by yourself.

If you want to connect with other travelers and meet people then staying at a 70’s Hostel is a good option.

It’s an easy way to make some friends and meet some cool people. Plus it’s fairly cheap compared to other places in Ericeira.

You and the Sea

This beautiful central apartment is perfect if you’re looking for your own nice place close to everything. You and the Sea is beautifully furnished and perfect for 2 people to stay for a few nights.

The apartment is located next to everything in Ericeira and is within walking distance to the beach!

FLH Hotels Ericeira

FLH Hotel is one of the most beautiful hotels in Ericeira and if you’re looking for the full hotel experience with a yummy breakfast then this is it!

It’s right in the heart of Ericeira and close to the beach and all the restaurants. If you want to treat yourself to a nice stay then this is the place!

Ericeira Camping Campground

We said it before and we’ll say it again, Ericeira Camping is great. We stayed for almost a full week and if you’re road tripping around Portugal consider staying here for some time. 

The campsite is super affordable for what you get. There’s electricity, warm showers, 24/7 security and it’s super clean! There’s plenty of great spots to park your campervan and just hang out.

On top of all that you can easily walk to town and explore Ericeira from the campsite. So if you have the time, spend a few nights here!

Lapoint Surfcamp

If you’ve come for the ultimate surf experience in Portugal, then Lapoint Ericeira is where you need to stay.

We spent a week here back in May 2021 and had an amazing time. We learned to surf, spent time at their coworking space , and made friends that we’re still in touch with now!

How to get around

It is super easy to get around Ericeira by foot . The city isn’t that big and you can probably walk from north to south in just under an hour. However, most of what you’ll need is likely going to be in the center of the city.

If you’re going further out or are doing day trips from Ericeira then having a good car might come in handy.

Where to park in Ericeira

If you do end up renting a car in Lisbon or driving your own campervan then you can easily find parking in Ericeira.

One of the best options is to actually park at the Continente grocery store . It’s walking distance to downtown and lots of people actually park their campervans there overnight so you shouldn’t have any problems leaving your car there for a while.

Another option like we mentioned above is if you do have a campervan you can park at Ericeira Camping and walk from there if you’re camping. There’s a nice coastal walk from the campground that brings you to the city.  

If you’re looking to explore some of the beaches you can park at this parking lot next to Praia da Foz do Lizandro . It’s not exactly in the heart of Ericeira but it’s next to one of our favourite beaches. 

Lastly, there are plenty of viewpoint stops on the main road going through Ericeira so you can easily pull into one of those and leave your car there for a few hours!

Where to eat in Ericeira

Toca do caboz.

A restaurant where you get your money’s worth is Toca do Caboz ! The fact they have delicious seafood and big portions for a reasonable price makes it really appealing.

One thing we like about Toca is that they have quite a wide range of options on their menu. Even though they specialize in seafood there’s a good chance there’s something on the menu for everyone.

Don’t say no to the dessert either, very yummy!

Ribas Marisqueira

Ribas is a beautiful family-run restaurant in town. The atmosphere is great and the staff is super friendly and they’ll always treat you to a delicious meal. If you love fresh seafood you will love Ribas Marisqueira !

Mar a Vista

Mar a Vista overlooks Praia dos Pescadores, one of the most beautiful beaches in Ericeira . Rated as one of the top seafood places in the region, Mar a Vista is a delicious seafood restaurant in Ericeira. 

Be careful with how much you order though as the portions are a lot bigger than expected. Maybe share a plate and then order seconds after or maybe a yummy dessert!

Pizzeria Pão d’Alho

No restaurant list is complete without an Italian pizzeria. Pão d’Alhos makes delicious Italian pizzas. Even though it’s quite busy most times of day you will still get your food quite quickly.

On top of having great pizza, Pão d’Alho’s also makes yummy salads and pastas so those are worth considering when ordering as well. The food and atmosphere are great and we’re sure you’ll love it!

Sunset Bamboo

Sunset Bamboo is a cool hip cafe right in the heart of Ericeira. It’s a small cafe down one of the side streets and they make delicious coffee and tasty food.

Sunset Bamboo is a place where you’ll find smoothie bowls, yummy burritos, and fresh-pressed juice. So if you’re up for a bit more trendy and Insta-friendly food then check out this spot.

They have some really good local beers on tap too! 😉

Amour Soul Space

This delicious cafe is just down the street from Sunset Bamboo so if you’re looking for healthy, Asian-inspired Insta food you can check Amour out (and see which one you prefer).

Amour Soul Space also makes some delicious coffee. 

It’s a very chill vibe and it’s always busy with young people hanging out chatting and even working on their laptops. It’s conveniently located right in the heart of town and you’ll probably end up walking by it at one point in time.

Who knows, maybe the smell of their coffee will attract you from a mile away! 😉

When to visit Ericeira Portugal

When to visit Ericeira is a tricky question. Summer in Ericeira is amazing.

The weather on the west coast of Portugal i s great during the summer months. Plus the sun is out longer so you can stay outside enjoying Portuguese wine and food until late in the evening.

If you have the chance to visit Ericeira in the summer you definitely should.

There are also lots of day trips from Ericeira to cities, wineries, and UNESCO cites nearby that are fun to do in the warm summer months! 

With all that being said in late Spring (March-April) and early fall (September-October) Ericeira isn’t as nearly busy as it is during the summer months so you get to see Ericeira a bit quieter than usual.

The weather is still great and everything is still open. We’ve visited Ericeira both during May and November and both were great although in November the days were quite short!

If you prefer it when it’s a little bit less quiet and touristy but still warm and has tons of activities to do then consider coming during the shoulder season and enjoy Ericeira!

Tourism/crowds 

Over the years Ericeira has definitely picked up with tourism and also expats moving to Ericeira. It’s an amazing coastal city with some of the best surfing beaches and also not far from Lisbon’s International Airport. 

You don’t feel the tourism and crowds too much in the city when you visit during the off-season but in the water, it will often feel crowded as there are quite a few surf schools and camps in Ericeira. Especially on days with big waves as the beaches, you can surf at are limited then.

But if you’re somewhat of an experienced surfer then you can easily go to one of the beaches nearby where all the surf schools aren’t at.

So yes Ericeira is touristy and crowded at times but in a good way. The vibe and energy is great in Ericeira and if you’re looking to be surrounded by people and surfers then you’ll love it.

Coworking in Ericeira

One of the reasons Ericeira has really started to grow and expand its expat community is because of how digital nomad-friendly the country has become.

Ericeira is one of the best cities in Portugal for digital nomads so naturally, there are a bunch of good coworking places!

Portugal also has a D7 visa which is quite easy to get so we can only imagine that the community of digital nomads + amount of coworking spaces in Ericeira is going to grow over the years.

Lapoint Ericeira SurfCamp and Cowork

Lapoint is one of the most well-known surf camps in Ericeira and in 2021 they actually expanded their camp for remote workers as well.

You can decide if you want to take part in their week-long surf camps and cowork while doing so or if you just come and stay and use the coworking location without surf lessons. 

We spent a week there and absolutely loved it. It was so nice to be able to surf and cowork while having amazing people around us.

Honestly, it was the perfect place to cowork and have free time to surf, do yoga, and just hang out with the other people there.

Also read: Everything You Need to Know About Coworking and Surfing at Lapoint Ericeira

Kelp Coworking Space 

If you’re looking for a chill place to cowork in town with down-to-earth friendly people then check out Kelp.

The owners are super friendly, the coworking area is really nice and clean, and just the people that come here are great. 

Kelp Coworking Space is easy to get to and close to everything in Ericeira. You’re a short walk from the beach, supermarket, and places like Sunset Bamboo and Amour Soul Space.

Couldn’t ask for a better location to cowork at!

The Salt Studio Cowork Space Ericeira

The Salt Studio is everything you need from a coworking space. It’s bright inside, the chairs are comfy, and it has a good coworking space vibe.

Salt Studio is a great place to get work done but also to connect with other digital nomads. 

It’s very centrally located and close to everything which makes it super convenient.

Within a minute you’ll be in the town center next to all the restaurants and cafes you need to try out with the new friends/coworkers you make at The Salt Studio.

Other information about visiting Ericeira

How many days should you spend in Ericeira?

This question depends on a few things… For example, if you’re doing a two week road trip along Portugal’s west coast then we recommend spending at least two nights in Ericeira to see everything and experience this surfing town. 

If you’re coming for a day trip from Lisbon then it’s totally fine to explore the beaches and city for the day and head back – especially since it’s less than an hour to get to Ericeira from Lisbon .

However, we do recommend spending more than just a day here if you really want to get a feel for the city.

What we personally recommend is coming for a week-long holiday. Ericeira is a great place to base yourself for a week or longer and experience the coast but also to go on some fun day trips from Ericeira .

You can have days where you sit at the beach and relax or hop on a surfboard and catch some ways. Then you also have some days where you can visit Sintra and the Pena Palace .

Also read: 5 Epic Beaches in Ericeira You Need to Visit

What is the weather like in Ericeira?

You can see the average weather for Ericeira in Celcius here and Fahrenheit here.

Basically from November through March, the weather will be cooler and you’ll want to wear some pants and a sweater for the majority of the day.

There will be the odd warm days but for the most part, it’s pretty cool during those months. However, compared to the rest of Europe, it is really nothing to complain about.

From April until early October it’s a totally different story. Most days will be nice and warm where swimwear is all you’ll need, at least while you’re at the beach!

Walking around you’ll be able to wear a shirt, shorts, and sandals no problem.

However, for surfing, you will ALWAYS need to wear a wetsuit when surfing in Ericeira since the water never gets very hot.

So keep that in mind if you’re coming here to surf.

You may also like…

• The Best Ways to Get From Lisbon to Ericeira 
• 9 Epic Day Trips From Ericeira You Can’t Miss
• 20 Fun Things to Do in Ericeira, Portugal 
• 5 Epic Beaches in Ericeira You Need to Visit
• Camping Spots in Ericeira You’re Going to Love

Other questions related to Ericeira

Is ericeira worth visiting.

Ericeira is 100% worth visiting. This lovely surf and beach town is one of the most beautiful coastal towns along the Silver Coast of Portugal.

Ericeira has a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, things to do, and of course awesome surf!

Is Ericeira a good place to live?

If you want to live near the beach, somewhere you can surf, and a place with a good expat community then Ericeira is the perfect place to live in Portugal.

If we had to choose anywhere to live in Portugal mainland it would probably be Ericeira.

You’re also close to Lisbon and Lisbon airport for when you want to travel in and out of Ericeira. You have Sintra National Park nearby and of course the whole Silver Coast.

So, Ericeira is really a phenomenal place to live!

Is Ericeira Portugal Safe?

Portugal in general is very safe and Ericeira itself is an incredibly safe place to live!

The most dangerous thing in Ericeira is probably the ocean and if you’re careful and understand the water even the ocean near Ericeira is quite safe as well.

Can you swim in Ericeira?

Ericeira is a popular surf and beach town. Praia dos Pescadores in Ericeira is probably one of the best beaches for swimming due to its calm waves. In general, you can swim in Ericeira!

Check out this post to see 5 Epic Beaches in Ericeira You Need to Visit .

Final thoughts on visiting Ericeira Portugal

Ericeira is one of our favourite places in Portugal! We may be slightly biased because of the amazing experiences we’ve had there but we love this coastal city and we hope you do too.

If you’re planning on coming just for a day or two make sure to have a flexible schedule because you may keep postponing going to your next destination 😉

Ericeira is special and magical for so many reasons and if you’re an ocean person and love being near the water you’ll absolutely love it here. Add all the good food, people, and weather and this is seriously paradise. 

Make the best of your time here and, who knows, maybe we’ll even see you in Ericeira when you go visit because we’ll definitely be back in the future!

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Home > What to See and Do

Ericeira Sightseeing Guide

Ericeira itinerary advice.

Traditional houses on Rua do Ericeira in the old town

E riceira is a picturesque place perched on cliffs, with charming narrow streets, tiny squares, whitewashed chapels and pretty white houses edged in blue overlooking the Atlantic. It’s from the Atlantic waters that you get the fresh fish served at the many seafood restaurants that the town is famous for -- people from Lisbon often head to Ericeira just for a seafood feast. The tree-lined Praça da República is the main square, and around it you have pedestrian streets with restaurants, outdoor cafés, and shops. Except for a couple of cute chapels and churches, there aren’t any major monuments to see in the town itself, but the magnificent Mafra Palace is just 15 minutes away.

Largo das Ribas overlooks the beach

In the center of Ericeira, head first to Largo das Ribas , which is essentially a balcony standing 30m (98ft) above the harbor. It was from here that Portugal’s last king sailed into exile in 1910 (he settled in London, where he lived until his death in 1932), as a new Republic was proclaimed in Lisbon. A tile panel on a chapel nearby (the Chapel of St. Anthony or of Our Lady of Good Voyage ) remembers the event. Another monument from the 1400s is the small Chapel of St. Sebastian (“ Capela de São Sebastião ”), which also stands above the sea, by the beach of the same name.

Miradouro da Baleia, a viewpoint over Praia do Sul

For more views over the Atlantic, head south to Miradouro da Baleia , a viewpoint found just a short walk from the Vila Galé Ericeira Hotel . The picturesque old town is peaceful and relaxed during the day, but is quite lively at night during the warmer months, with cool bars and cafés lining the cobbled streets.

Highlights of the Old Town

If you want to find the most picturesque and Instagram-worthy corners of Ericeira, go here:

Rua 5 de Outubro

Largo do Pelourinho

The longest street in the Old Town is lined with traditional white-and-blue buildings, and at its northern end is Largo do Pelourinho , a tiny square with a pillory placed at its center in the 1500s. These stone columns are found in most major towns in Portugal, and are believed to have originated in Roman times. They became prominent in the 1100s, and were a symbol of municipal authority, usually placed beside town halls and often used to chain criminals as a form of punishment. This one in Ericeira is a few feet behind a church, the Igreja da Misericórdia .

Praça da República

Praça da República, Ericeira’s main square

Also known as Largo do Jogo da Bola (“Ball Game Square”), this is Ericeira’s main square. It’s parallel to Rua Mendes Leal , home to the town’s most beautiful buildings (they’re the public library in the former casino from 1919 and a gallery and auditorium for cultural events). Facing the square is the tourism office, which includes a permanent exhibition (the " Ericeira World Surfing Reserve Interpretation Center ") dedicated to surfing in the region.

Rua do Ericeira

Rua Mendes Leal in the old town is home to some of Ericeira's most beautiful buildings

Ericeira’s cutest homes (pictured at the top of this page) are on the narrow Rua do Ericeira , parallel to Rua Mendes Leal (see above). Behind them is Rua Alves Crespo , a street with a couple of tiled homes, leading down to Largo de Santa Marta , a square with the Church of Santa Marta at the center.

Complete Ericeira Guide

What to see & do.

Top 10 Attractions

Itinerary Advice

Surfing and Surf Camps

Igreja de São Pedro

Igreja de Santa Marta

Igreja da Misericórdia

Capela de Santo António

Capela de São Sebastião

Ericeira Map

Day Trip from Lisbon

How to Get There

Transportation from Lisbon

Where to Stay

Top 10 Hotels

Beaches Guide

Praia Ribeira d'Ilhas

Praia do Sul

Praia da Foz do Lizandro

Praia do Norte

Praia de São Sebastião

Praia da Empa

Praia do Matadouro

Praia dos Pescadores

Portugal Travel Guides

Lisbon Beaches

• 1.1 Visitor information
• 3 Get around

Ericeira is an adorable seaside resort and fishing town in Greater Lisbon , Estremadura , Portugal . Full of stories and traditions, "Vila Velha" is made up of narrow streets and typical houses, unique monuments and splendid Atlantic landscapes. The village of Ericeira is an exceptional place to contemplate the perfect harmony between the sea, fishing and typical gastronomy.

Understand [ edit ]

Ericeira ( ee-r(ih)-SAY-ruh , /i.ɾɨ.ˈsɐj.ɾɐ/) is a fishing village in the municipality of Mafra , 50 km (31 mi) northwest of the centre of Lisbon and 20 km (12 mi) from Sintra. This tourist village has an area of 12 km 2 (4.6 sq mi) and approximately 10,000 inhabitants (2011).

Visitor information [ edit ]

• 38.963 -9.4169 1 Posto de Turismo da Ericeira , Praça da República 17 , ☏ +351 261 863 122 , [email protected] . Daily 10:00–18:00 . ( updated Jun 2021 )

Get in [ edit ]

By bus [ edit ].

Mafrense has service from Sintra, Mafra and Lisbon.

By car [ edit ]

To the south, Sintra, or to the north, Torres Vedras, via the N247 or the A21, which connects Ericeira to the A8.

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ]

• 38.9616 -9.4189 1 Parque de Santa Marta , Largo Santa Marta . Park with gardens and space for active and passive recreation. ( updated Jun 2021 )
• Biblioteca Municipal
• Casa de Cultura Jaime Lobo E Silva
• Igreja Santo Isidoro
• Pelourinho da Ericeira
• Ermida de Santo António
• Ermida de São Julião
• Igreja de São Pedro

Do [ edit ]

• Surfing , Beach of Ribeira d'Ilhas . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 38.9558 -9.4161 2 Praia do Sul . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 38.9672 -9.4199 3 Praia do Norte . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 38.97 -9.4211 4 Praia de São Sebastião . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 38.9758 -9.4197 5 Praia do Matadouro . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 38.9795 -9.4224 6 Praia da Empa ( Pedra Branca ). ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 38.9806 -9.4221 7 Praia da Orelheira . ( updated Jun 2021 )

Buy [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ].

• 38.962 -9.4189 1 Tasca da Boa Viagem , Rua Capitão João Lopes 4A . M–W F 18:30–22:30, Sa Su 12:30–15:00 & 18:30–22:30 . Seaside tavern. €15-30 . ( updated Jun 2021 )

Drink [ edit ]

Sleep [ edit ].

• 38.9601 -9.4177 1 Vila Galé Ericeira , Praça dos Navegantes 1 , ☏ +351 261 869 900 , [email protected] . In the heart of Ericeira Beach, 30 minutes from Lisbon, Hotel Vila Galé Ericeira has a swimming pool and spa.  
• 38.9721 -9.4121 2 Golden Halcyon Ericeira Villas , Rua do Miramar 22 , ☏ +351 911 769 004 , [email protected] . In the heart of Ericeira Beach, 30 minutes from Lisbon.  

Connect [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

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• Greater Lisbon
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A Local’s Guide To Things To Do in Ericeira, Portugal (Tips, Tours, & More)

Welcome to my new travel series where local’s share their tips and advice about their hometowns. In this guide, you’ll learn what to see, where to eat and drink, what to buy and all the information needed to make your holidays unforgettable.

On this post, Marlene shares her tips on traveling to Ericeira, Portugal.

You might also be interested in: 30 interesting facts about Portugal .

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Table of Contents

A local’s guide: Things to do in Ericeira, Portugal

I’m Marlene, a Portuguese journalist and travel blogger.

I love to cross my taste for traveling with my passion for surfing. So, while looking for the best waves on this planet, I always take the opportunity to know the places and immerse on local culture and traditions.

These are the adventures that can be found in Surfer Girl On The Move, as well as trips in my beautiful country, Portugal, and, of course, on Ericeira, a village that I call my own since 2008. Here I share my travel tips on Ericeira.

Top 5 things to do in Ericeira

• Obviously, do a surf session. You’re in a World Surfing Reserve, so you have to try out these waves. If you never surfed before, there are a lot of surf schools to choose from.
• And talking about the World Surfing Reserve, get to know its 7 waves. The beaches are lovely, so, even if surf is not your thing, you’ll have a wonderful time.
• Go walking in the centre of the village and fill its pulse. Also go to the seafront, near the main hotel, and see the old seafood nurseries. Nowadays they are obsolete, but in ancient times this place was where they breed the lobsters and sea urchins that served all the village restaurants.
• Since you’re wandering the village’s centre, go to the harbour. At summer time this is a very sought place, since theirs no waves here and it’s perfect for kids. It was from this harbour that the last Portuguese king fled in exile to Brazil with the beginning of the Republic period.
• Last but not least, get out of Ericeira and go to Mafra, just a 15-minute drive, to visit Mafra National Palace. This 18th-century palace-monastery is a monumental construction and was a secondary residence for the Portuguese royal family, as it was located near royal hunting preserves.

Two off the beaten path things to do in Ericeira

Go to the Lizandro beach and try some standup paddle on the river that flows there into the sea. Go up the river and across beautiful rural landscapes.

Also, in the lowest tides in June it’s a local tradition do walk the rocks at shore break and catch percebes (local name for barnacles). I’m talking about entire families, from kids to grandpas, which keep the tradition alive and make it a site to see.

Top 3 restaurants to eat in Ericeira

One of mine to-go restaurants in Ericeira is TIK TAK, a medium / high restaurant with great food and a fantastic wine selection.

Also, a few meters up the same street you’ll find PRIM. The restaurant is not so big, but the food and service are great.

And because we’re on a land of fish and seafood, UNISUSHI is the top sushi restaurant in Ericeira. The owner is a surfer and is super careful with the fish that he serves. Expect some out-of-the-box fishes in your sushi.

Top 3 bars to drink in Ericeira

Near TikTak restaurant you’ll find TUBO bar, the place to go to grab a drink. Always fun, but also crowded on the weekends and on summertime.  But don’t worry, the street doesn’t allow cars circulation so you have plenty of space to enjoy a good time with you friends.

Also, the ADEGA bar is another fun place to hang out. You can enjoy drinks and cocktails in a very tradition bar with live music on the weekends and almost every day at summertime.

But the most iconic place in Ericeira and where everybody ends up at night is OURIÇO. This is simply one of the most ancient discotheques in the country! I’m talking about a 60-year-old place, right in front of the sea.

The best area to stay in Ericeira

The village is not that big, so if you stay near the centre, you’ll be able to have everything at hand. From restaurants, stores or beaches.

Traditional dishes to try in Ericeira

Ericeira is known for its seafood. So drive to Ribamar (about 5-10 minute drive from the centre) and try it in one of the many seafood restaurants you’ll find near the main road. Also, since this is a seafront village, the fish is very fresh. They’re some good restaurants in the centre.

But if you like cakes and desserts, try the “ouriço”, a local cake made from almond

The best way to get around Ericeira

You can get almost everywhere on foot. But if you want to go to the most distant beaches, you can go by bike or, of course, by car. At summertime, the municipality organises a special open bus that goes from beach to beach, were you can even bring your surfboard.

The best spot to see Ericeira from above

From the top of Ericeira harbour, you can have a great panoramic over the village and even from the Sintra area to far away Peniche.

The best souvenirs to buy from Ericeira

Expect the traditional magnets and t-shirts, but look for the windmills, mostly constructed by local craftsmen’s. This is a symbol of this region.

The best day trips from Ericeira

Ericeira is a 50 km drive from Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, and from Sintra, one of UNESCO’s sites. So is perfect if you want to stay in a very typical village, with beach and surf, and still want to check out the dynamics of Lisbon or visit sites like the Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira.

Check here some great day trips from Lisbon .

Tourist traps to avoid in Ericeira

There’s no tourist trap that I know of in Ericeira. This is a little calm village so don’t expect major problems.

Where to Stay in Ericeira, Portugal

There are some great hotels in the Ericeira area. The Casa das Aguarelas is a beautiful guesthouse near the beach. Some of the rooms are equipped with kitchenettes, but if your’s isn’t then there are some great restaurants less than a five minute walk away! The Casa das Agualeras is a short drive away from the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Click here for the latest prices and to book Casa das Aguarelas.

At the Vinnus Guesthouse , rooms are all designed differently, but they all feature unique artwork and cozy bedding. Some rooms offer a balcony while others are equipped with a kitchenette. Ericeira’s bars and restaurants are just a few minutes’ walk away from this boutique hotel.

Click here for the latest prices and to book Vinnus Guesthouse.

The Magic Quiver Surf Lodge is a modern and airy hotel with a common lounge and artsy interiors. While it isn’t a hostel, it does attract a youthful crowd, many of whom are interested in surfing (the hotel has an affiliated, adjacent surf shop). Some rooms offer a balcony or terrace at this funky property.

Click here for the latest prices and to book Magic Quiver Surf Lodge.

You might also be interested in Faro, Portugal .

Have you been to Ericeira?

What did you enjoy the most?

Marlene is the author of Surfer Girl On The Move . You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram .

Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. It costs nothing extra to you but helps keep my site running. Thank you for supporting me in this way.

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9 thoughts on “A Local’s Guide To Things To Do in Ericeira, Portugal (Tips, Tours, & More)”

Hi Chrissy and Marlene,

We’ve heard nothing about great things when “Portugal” pops up in a conversation. Your Ericeira breakdown does not dissuade me 😉 Love the beaches, the old world feel to the place and of course the beaches. Gotta have white sands and crystal clear waters and all that good paradise stuff to draw my attention and this place has it in spades. Beautiful place and definitely adding it to our travel list when we see Portugal. And yes, I will try paddle boarding too as it looks relaxing and challenging at once, and a great way to enjoy calm, serene waters.

Thanks for sharing guys 🙂

Hello Ryan, I haven’t heard of Ericeira before Marlene mentioning it. Such a lovely place and the beaches look breathtaking. I also like that it’s very close to Lisbon too! Thanks for stopping by!

Chrissy and Marlene, such a lovely article. I tend to visit Ericeira like once a year for the seafood and beaches. It’s always great to Portugal through the eyes of a different person. Great tips, really.

Thanks, Alexandra. Ericeira is an amazing summer destination.

Hey, can´t wait for my upcoming trip to Portugal. Including staying in Ericeira. Thanks for the anticipation you made me with your article! I just got a tip that I should visit a coffee shop with a VW Bus at the front (blue/white house) -can you help me with the name? Thanks!!

Hello Vicky. This post was written by Marlene you can contact her on this site https://www.couplertw.com/

HI Christy juist a quick question. Is there another spot betweetster Lissabon and Ericeira worth visiting?

I suggest stopping at Sintra.

Hi Chrissy,

Thanks for the blog post. We’re debating whether to stay in Peniche or Ericiera for a month this upcoming October. I’ve been in both places, but only spent a few days in Ericiera previously. Still I have a feeling based on posts like these that Ericiera will be the more interesting place to spend a full month. Cheers!

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Ericeira Best Beaches | Beach Guide

Showing 1 - 10 of 12, ribeira d'ilhas.

Set in a valley between high cliffs, just to the north of Ericeira is the beach of Ribeira d'Ilhas. A lovely sandy beach complete with river and lots of interesting nooks and crannies, there's plenty here for the kids to do.

What Ribeira d'Ilhas is best known for though is the surf. Having hosted numerous rounds of the WQL surfing World Tour championships there is no doubts this is a world class break. There are actually better waves in the Ericeira area but most are harder to get too...

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Praia dos Pescadores

The Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen's beach) is Ericeira's central beach, but not by coincidence. Rather, the town was built around this beach which also serves as a harbour. Sheltered to the south by the small headland of Furnas and from the north swells by a breakwater, this is about the most protected beach on the Ericeira coast.

Despite being a busy working harbour this is a pleasant enough sandy beach, although not as stunning as many of the other beaches in the area. It does...

Praia do Sul

As the name suggests, Praia do Sul is on the southern fringes of Ericeira, or at least the old village. As the seaside village constantly expands the area around the beach feels more and more developed.

Praia do Sul is Ericeira's main beach and is the only easily accessible beach within a stone's throw of the village. This makes it popular, which is nothing new and the beach has catered for the Lisbon holiday weekenders for many years. The beach is dominated by the Vila Galé hotel...

Foz do Lizandro

Just before you reach Ericeira from the Lisbon direction there is a deep valley through which the river Lizandro flows. At the mouth of the river ("Foz") is a wide sandy beach that extends inland, along the banks of the river for some considerable distance.

The beach at Foz do Lizandro is actually the biggest patch of sand in the area. This feeling of space is further added to by the fact the beach is not backed by cliffs. Instead there is a low headland to the...

Praia de São Lourenço

At a around 7km from Ericeira, Praia de São Lourenço is the most northerly of what are considered the area's beaches. This wide sandy and sheltered bay is a popular spot and is best known for two things; surfing and seafood, although sunbathing is pretty high on most people's list too. São Lourenço is home to a number of quality restaurants specializing in fresh and seafood fish.

Surfing at São Lourenço is fine for all on calm days. However, this is known as Ericeira's big wave...

Praia do Magoito

Backed by imposing cliffs this long sandy beach is located at the mouth of the river Mata.

Praia da Adraga

Just around the corner from Praia Grande is another local favourite Praia da Adraga. This sandy little cove is backed by high cliffs with a deep valley winding down to the beach. The beach here is usually quieter than the better known beaches in the area and is mostly the preserve of locals. However, it can get quite busy at weekends when parking is at a premium.

Adraga is a fairly wild spot being located just a few kilometres north of Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point on mainland...

Just 35 minutes north of Lisbon on a section of toll-free motorway, the beautiful and wild Praia Azul , whose name translates to 'blue beach' is one of the first beaches associated with the famous waves of Peniche . This relatively unspoilt blue flag beach is a long, sandy surfer's paradise located where the Sizandro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. There is fairly consistent surf...

Praia das Maçãs

Praia das Maçãs (Apple beach) is one of the most popular beaches within striking distance of Lisbon. The name comes from the fact that once upon a time apples would fall off trees upstream of the (Ribeira de Colares) river that flows along the southern side of the beach. These would then wash up on the beach - hence the name.

One reason for the popularity of this beach is the tram line which connects Praia das Maçãs to Sintra during the Summer months.

Being on the Atlantic...

Praia Grande

Praia Grande is probably the closest, and certainly the mostly easily accessed, beach from Sintra. The name translates to "Big beach" and whilst the beach isn't massive, it is the biggest on the Sintra - Cascais coast, rivaled only by Guincho in terms of size. The expanse of golden sand is big enough to hold the summer crowds who flock here, many coming straight from Sintra on the tram which stops close to Praia Grande before continuing on to Praia das Macas. As you'd expect for a...

Find beaches near...

• Albufeira beaches
• Cascais beaches
• Faro beaches
• Figueira da Foz
• Lagos beaches
• Lisbon beaches
• Portimao beaches
• Porto beaches

Ericeira travel guide »

Ericeira , perched on high cliffs some thirty meters above a string of sandy beaches, has benefited greatly from it's location. A small fishing village whose name derives from sea urchins

( Ouricos do Mar ) and where...

• Things to do in Ericeira
• Ericeira Accommodation
• Ericeira Beaches
• Photos of Ericeira

More From Forbes

Portugal’s must-visit surf town: where to eat and stay in ericeira.

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Aethos Ericeira hotel

Ericeira may be famous as Portugal’s capital of waves—it was the second place to be named a World Surfing Reserve and is still the only one in Europe—but it’s plenty appealing beyond the ocean too. Less than an hour from Lisbon, it has beautiful beaches, windswept cliffs and a charming historic center, plus a vibrant international community. Yes, there are surf-town staples like acai bars and hostels flaunting their board storage, but there’s also plenty of destination dining and some five-star hotels that are worth an overnight or more.

Traditional Portuguese fish and seafood restaurants are being joined by new-school joints from a growing cadre of global entrepreneurs, plus a casual outpost from a Michelin-star chef. The town—which last year was named one of the Best Tourism Villages by the UN World Tourism Organization—also has a terrific cultural scene, from an annual sea urchin festival to a cutting-edge co-living and cowork project that’s being developed in the countryside.

Where to Eat

Petiscaria âncora.

The newly opened Petiscaria Âncora might reel in a few guests with its attractive aesthetics—a fully realized homage to Ericeira’s fishing village roots, all weathered ropes and sea glass—but they’re likely to come back for the high-quality, creative cooking. Chef Filipe Camacho has devised a pleasing menu of sharable dishes such as grilled scallops with a coconut milk reduction, zesty razor clam escabeche, and tender roasted octopus suffused with olive oil and garlic.

Sunset at Costa Fria

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Chef and entrepreneur Athanasios Kargatzidis made his name with restaurants way east of here—his Baron, in Lebanon, is high on the World’s 50 Best list for the Middle East and North Africa—before landing in Portugal. His seaside Costa Fria combines coastal Atlantic products with Mediterranean cuisines and techniques.

Mar das Latas

Latas means “cans” in Portuguese, but the restaurant Mar das Latas is a celebration of fresh fish and seafood, as well as Portuguese wines, live music and sunsets. The menu mixes classic Iberian simplicity—mussels and gin is one low-key suggestion—with more elevated dishes, such as matured amberjack with escabeche, flatbread with anchovies, and shrimp gyozas.

Golfinho Azul

Ricardo Ruel, the new owner of Golfinho Azul (“blue dolphin”), came from Madeira, where he had two famous restaurants. Not only is there a new master of fish and shellfish in the house, but the restaurant has long had one of the best ocean views in Ericeira. The market-driven dishes are super-classic, such as fish and seafood rice, matured Tomahawk steak for two, and grilled sea bream fillets with creamy cockle rice.

Bulhão pato hummus at Balagan

For a break from all that delicious fish, Balagan is a casual restaurant with Middle Eastern–inspired dishes, including vegan and gluten-free options. It has a beach house vibe and ocean views, plus a menu that includes chicken shwarma, sweet potato ravioli and sea bass tartare with herbed tabouli and labneh, plus some nods to Portugal like bulhão pato hummus with coriander and prawns, and a prego (meat sandwich, here with veal) in a pita. It also serves breakfast, specialty coffee and natural wines.

Onda is located inside the Aethos hotel, but it’s far more than a hotel restaurant. Newly arrived chef Nuno Matos has continued and refined the work of his predecessor, creating a menu of flavorful dishes that are sharable and sustainable. Vegetables are from local farms, and wild-caught fish and seafood are straight off the boats in the harbor in nearby Peniche.

Estrela do Mar

The rich seafood soup is the star of the show at the waterside Estrela do Mar (“star of the sea”). It’s a meal on its own, but the menu also includes classic Portuguese seaside dishes like fresh shellfish—including garlic shrimp, oysters, barnacles, clams and lobster—seafood rice dishes, shellfish bean stew and lobster cataplana cooked in a copper steamer.

Michelin-star chef Alexandre Silva (Loco in Lisbon) signed the menu at Emme , the all-day restaurant in the Immerso hotel, so it stands to reason that it’s a destination in its own right. The view is impressive, sweeping over the valley and the sea, and the terrace is set up for alfresco dining. Periodic Emme on Fire events gather guests around a bonfire or at long tables to enjoy food cooked over flames or in the wood-fired pizza oven.

Where to Sleep

The first five-star hotel to open in Ericeira (just a couple years ago, outside the town), Immerso is built into a hillside to give each of the 37 guest rooms an immersion into nature and an excellent ocean view, particularly at sunset. The design, by Bárbara Neto and hotel cofounder Alexandra Almeida d’Eca, ticks all the slow living boxes: concrete floors, natural-colored woven rugs, artisan-made furnishings and textures from the sea and land.

Aethos Ericeira

The area’s second luxury hotel is one of the flagships of the Aethos group, a collection of members’ clubs and boutique hotels designed to cater to a “global family of conscious explorers.” While that community vibe may or may not be palpable, Aethos Ericeira is undeniably beguiling. Its clifftop perch gives it fantastic views, and inside, the 50 rooms have natural tones, soft materials and the clean simplicity of modernist design. There’s a strong wellness component, including yoga, a meditation deck overlooking the Atlantic, a saltwater pool and an organic spa

The bar at You and the Sea

You and the Sea

You and the Sea is all about simplicity; it’s a collection of 35 serviced apartments, ranging from one to four bedrooms, with a soothing design with oceanside accents. Both the beach and the historic city center are within walking distance, and the all-day restaurant, Jangada, is a good option for those who don’t feel like going out. There’s an outdoor chill-out area with a skate park, a bar and large-scale sculptures by contemporary artist Bordallo II, and new outdoor swimming pools made from recycled cargo containers.

Where to Be (Besides the Ocean)

Breakpoint club ericeira.

The town’s old tennis club just got a refurb and a re-imagining as a fusion of sports and culture. BreakPoint aims to be a sort of third place, where people can play tennis or simply gather (and work if they’d like, as part of the clubhouse is kitted out for that). There’s a lot of programming, such as talks, cinema nights, coworking lunches, founders’ brunches, tastings and other culinary events. There will be all-day tapas and drinks soon.

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