Are you planning a trip to Ericeira? I’ve got you covered! Ericeira is a coastal gem you definitely can’t miss.
My husband and I stayed for two months here at the end of our road trip through Portugal, and loved every minute of it.
We ate delicious seafood, surfed, explored, and befriended the kindest local and expat communities.
I’m so excited to share this guide that will help you experience the best of Ericeira Portugal!
Quick Facts
- Official Language is Portuguese, but most people speak English. Useful phrases: bom dia = good morning, por favor = please, obrigado/a = thank you
- Official Currency is Euro (EUR)
- Capital of Portugal is Lisbon
- Religion in Portugal is mainly Roman Catholic
- The closest airport to Ericeira is Lisboa (LIS) Airport
- Ericeira is renowned for its surf culture and seafood, with more than 20+ beaches!
Where is Ericeira?
Ericeira is a small fishing village on the west coast of Portugal, just 35 km (22 miles) northwest of Lisbon.
It is located on top of cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is part of the municipality of Mafra.
How do you pronounce Ericeira?
Ericeira is pronounced as “eh-ree-SAY-rah”.
The “r” in Portuguese is slightly rolled and soft, so the “r” almost sounds like a “d” – so if you want to sound like a local, you can pronounce it more like “eh-dee-SAY-dah”.
Is Ericeira, Portugal worth visiting?
Absolutely! Ericeira offers a unique blend of surf town vibes, scenic coastal beauty, and traditional Portuguese charm.
From its world-class waves and beautiful beaches to cobblestone streets with the cutest local cafes and restaurants, it has something for everyone.
My favorite part of staying here was how easy it was to meet locals and expats alike. There were a bunch of networking events and something happening every day.
We also met a TON of families with young kids. It’s super baby and child friendly, and the types of people there were like the European version of Bali.
This was the reason we ended up staying for a few months, because it wasn’t as transient as other Portuguese tourist destinations, and I will definitely return once I have a little one!
Also if you’re already in Lisbon, it is definitely worth a weekend trip. There are tours available that can take you in a day or for a bit longer.
Best Time of Year to Travel to Ericeira
The best time to visit depends on what you want to do.
For surfers, September to October offers the best swells, with autumn bringing consistent waves and warm water temperatures.
If you’re more interested in beach relaxation and sunshine, the summer months (June to August) are ideal.
Spring (April to June) is also great for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
What is Ericeira, Portugal known for?
Ericeira is best known for being a surfing mecca. It was designated a World Surfing Reserve in 2011, the first in Europe and only the second in the world, thanks to its exceptional surf breaks.
It is also a picturesque coastal village where fishing traditions and modern surf culture blend beautifully.
It is known for its fresh seafood, quaint streets, and dramatic ocean views.
Best Beaches
Since Ericeira is located along the Atlantic coast, there are SO many beaches where you can surf and lay out.
Ribeira d’Ilhas: My favorite surf spot for longboarding. The waves here are consistent, making it one of the most famous surfing beaches in Portugal.
Praia dos Pescadores: Located in the heart of Ericeira, this beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. It’s smaller and more sheltered, ideal for families.
Praia do Sul: A stunning beach offering beautiful sunsets, great for swimming and beginner surfers.
Foz do Lizandro: This beach has calmer waves, a wide sandy stretch, and is backed by great beach bars and restaurants.
São Julião: São Julião is ideal for those seeking a quieter spot as it is a little further south, with dramatic cliffs, and amazing surf for all levels.
Surf Spots
Ericeira has surf for all levels, from surf camps teaching absolute beginners to professionals surfing massive swells.
Beginners can start at Foz do Lizandro or Praia do Sul, while experienced surfers will want to head to Ribeira d’Ilhas or Coxos, known for its powerful reef break.
There are plenty of surf schools, rental shops, and surf shops in town if you’re looking to book lessons or rent a board.
Kelp Cowork
If you’re a digital nomad, or just want to integrate with the local expat community, I recommend checking out Kelp Cowork!
They have weekly events, fast wi-fi, comfortable workstations, and the cutest interior decorations.
You’ll find a community of like-minded individuals here who share a passion for remote work, surf, and travel. It’s how I made some of my best friends!
You can see the full tour of the space on my Instagram.
Where To Eat And Drink
Ericeira’s culinary scene is a mix of traditional Portuguese, seafood, and modern dining. Here are some must-try spots:
O Pãozinho das Marias: Down the street from Kelp Cowork is one of my favorite bakeries for pasteis de nata.
TikTak: A local favorite for Portuguese tapas and seafood, offering a cozy atmosphere and friendly service. I love the grilled octopus!
Green is Good: Healthy food, juices, and a great brunch menu.
Pizzamobile São Lourenço: The BEST pizza place a little farther out from the main center.
Percebes: Also known as goose barnacle, this dish was an interesting one and the first time I’ve ever tried! Lots of restaurants offer this as an appetizer and I recommend trying them if you like seafood.
58 Surf Shop: A popular surf shop and bar/restaurants in the middle of town. They give great tips for local spots and have live music events.
Where To Stay
Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or a budget-friendly hostel, Ericeira has plenty of options:
You And The Sea: A stylish beachfront hotel offering modern apartments with sea views, an outdoor pool, and direct beach access.
Selina Ericeira: Perfect for surfers and digital nomads, this trendy hostel offers a mix of dorms, private rooms, and coworking spaces, just steps from the beach.
Villa Ana Margarida Beach: A charming boutique property with colorful cottages, ocean views, and a relaxing garden.
Laneez Ericeira: A surf lodge and guesthouse that offers surf lessons and yoga classes, along with cozy accommodations and a rooftop terrace overlooking the sea.
Quinta dos Machados: If you prefer a nice getaway in Mafra and have a car, I recommend staying at Quinta dos Machados. It is a countryside hotel and spa with so much charm.
Rent A Car
While Ericeira is small and walkable, renting a car is a good idea if you want to explore the surrounding areas or go surfing.
There are beautiful day trips to nearby Mafra, Sintra, or even Lisbon.
Parking in Ericeira can be tight in peak season, so consider booking accommodations that include parking if you visit during the summer, or find an Airbnb with street parking like we did.
Is the WiFi fast in Ericeira?
WiFi is super fast in Ericeira, especially in coworking spaces.
In the city center, it is normal for speeds to be more than 500+ mbps upload and download speeds.
In addition to always being connected to WiFi, I also had a regional Holafly eSIM that allowed me to have unlimited data in every part of Portugal and Europe.
You can read my Holafly review and use code WANDERLOVER at checkout for 5% off.
Conclusion
Ericeira is a destination that perfectly blends adventure, relaxation, and culture. You’re going to absolutely love it.
Feel free to DM me on Instagram if you have any other questions. Have an amazing trip!
What To Do Next
- Buy travel medical insurance so you are fully covered in case anything goes wrong.
- Buy an eSIM card so you are immediately connected as soon as you land!
- Book flights!
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