Travel Guide of Ericeira in Portugal by Influencers and Travelers
Ericeira is a civil parish and seaside community on the western coast of Portugal considered the surfing capital of Europe for being the only European spot among the World Surfing Reserves and due to the exceptional coastline conditions for the practice of Surf.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Ericeira
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Mafra National Palace
8 km away
The Palace of Mafra, also known as the Palace-Convent of Mafra and the Royal Building of Mafra, is a monumental Baroque and Neoclassical palace-monastery located in Mafra, Portugal, some 28 kilometres from Lisbon.
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2 - Azenhas do Mar
15 km away
Azenhas do Mar is a seaside town in the municipality of Sintra, Portugal. It is part of Colares civil parish. It is located just 30 km away from Lisboa, near Cabo da Roca, Palácio da Pena, and other attractions.
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3 - Tours & Sightseeing | Sintra Day trips from Lisbon
19 km away
Tour some of Portugal's most magical cultural heritage, and enjoy the lush gardens, lakes, grottoes and enigmatic constructions of Quinta da Regaleira. Visit the famous Initiation Well, and other places that hide mysterious meanings evoked by orders such as Freemasonry and the Knights Templar! Stop for a lunch break in old Sintra, and enjoy some free time to explore the historical charm of old Sintra, and the opportunity to taste the traditional pastry from Sintra, Travesseiro! Feel like royalty as you enter the romantic Pena Palace and Park, a unique expression of the architectural Romanticism. Like something out of a fairy tale, it's breathtaking architecture blends many styles together: Gothic, neo-Manuelin, neo-Islamic and neo-Renaissance. With an astonishing variety of plants and trees, amazing views of the Moorish castle, and the Atlantic Ocean, it's a perfect way to end the day before returning to Lisbon.
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4 - Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
18 km away
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a park on the Portuguese Riviera, one of the 13 Natural Parks of Portugal. While only established in 1994 as a Natural Park by the Portuguese Government, it has been protected since 1981.
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5 - Quinta da Regaleira
18 km away
Quinta da Regaleira is a quinta located near the historic centre of Sintra, Portugal. It is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO within the "Cultural Landscape of Sintra".
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6 - Morning | Castelo dos Mouros Sintra
20 km away
Looking for the best views of Sintra? You'll get them up at this 10th-century Moorish monument. Skip the line and walk the beautiful pathways, see ancient artifacts from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Neolithic period. All the while you'll learn about the castle's history and see Sintra, the Palace of Pena, and the hills beyond from a whole new perspective.
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7 - Sintra
19 km away
Sintra is a town and municipality in the Greater Lisbon region of Portugal, located on the Portuguese Riviera. The population of the municipality in 2011 was 377,835, in an area of 319.23 square kilometres.
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8 - Santa Cruz
19 km away
Santa Cruz is a municipality, a parish and a city in the eastern part of the island of Madeira. It is the second most populous municipality, behind Funchal. The population in 2011 was 43,005, in an area of 81.50 km².
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9 - Surfing in Lisbon
18 km away
It doesn't matter if you have never set foot on a surfboard, if you already know how to ride a wave on your own or if you are nearly a pro. During these lessons anyone can practice and learn new things about surfing. In order to make the most ou...
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10 - Cabo da Roca
21 km away
Cabo da Roca or Cape Roca is a cape which forms the westernmost point of the Sintra Mountain Range, of mainland Portugal, of continental Europe, and of the Eurasian land mass.
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11 - Praia da Ursa
21 km away
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12 - Evening | Park and National Palace of Pena
20 km away
This picture-perfect mountain retreat was a monastery until transformed into a private palace by King Ferdinand II. The surrounding Park of Pena is just as big of a treat, full of exotic plant life and other secret treasures. Discover for yourself the 'Crown of the Sintra region'.
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13 - Colares
22 km away
Colares is a civil parish along the coast of the municipality of Sintra. The population in 2011 was 7,628, in an area of 33.37 square kilometres.
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14 - Praia do Guincho
26 km away
Praia do Guincho is a popular Atlantic beach located on Portugal's Estoril coast, 5 km from the town of Cascais, and is located in the municipality of Cascais, more precisely in the parishes of Cascais and Alcabideche, in the District of Lisbon.
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15 - Sightseeing | Sintra
18 km away
Tours by Tuk-Tuk “Ford T - 1920” inspired style. Ask for your personalised tour. We go to all the most famous Palaces. The vehicle is electric, no air/noise pollution.
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16 - Queluz National Palace
27 km away
The Palace of Queluz is an 18th-century palace located at Queluz, a city of the Sintra Municipality, in the Lisbon District, on the Portuguese Riviera.
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Pictures and Stories of Ericeira from Influencers
20 pictures of Ericeira from Christoffer Engström, Daniel Lepik, Clemens Jezler and other travelers
- Lonely rock off the west coast of Portugal, wrapped in waves and cold water of the Atlantic ocean. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Clemens Jezler | ©Unsplash
- Sharp rock extending into the cold Atlantic ocean on the west coast of Portugal. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Clemens Jezler | ©Unsplash
- Sunset over Portuguese beach surfing spot ...click to read more
- Experienced by @André Lergier | ©Unsplash
- Lovely Portuguese town just before sunset ...click to read more
- Experienced by @André Lergier | ©Unsplash
- Nice day in Ericeira, Ribeira d'Ilhas ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Borasurfar.pt | ©Unsplash
- its amazing how pretty nature is ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Leonor Oom | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Ericeira ?
Travel to Ericeira if you like:
🏖️ Ocean 🏘️ Town 🏖️ Beach 🏖️ Shore ⛰️ Cliff 🏖️ CoastHow to visit Ericeira ?
To get to Ericeira, you can fly into Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). From there, it's about a 45-minute drive to the village. Alternatively, you can take public transportation (a combination of metro and bus) which takes approximately 1.5 hours. If you prefer comfort and convenience, consider renting a car at the airport.
It's a good idea to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak summer season (June to August). Surf lessons and guided tours should also be reserved ahead of time to ensure availability.
The costs of visiting Ericeira will vary depending on your preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Dining out can be affordable with traditional Portuguese dishes, such as seafood and grilled meats, available at reasonable prices. Surf lessons and guided tours may add to your expenses, but are worth it for the unforgettable experiences.
Among the best things to do in Ericeira are:
1. Surfing: As a World Surfing Reserve, Ericeira boasts some of the best waves in Europe. Beginners and experienced surfers alike can enjoy the variety of breaks.
2. Beach-hopping: With numerous beaches, such as Ribeira d'Ilhas, Praia dos Pescadores, and Foz do Lizandro, you can spend your days soaking up the sun and exploring the coast.
3. Strolling through the village: Wander the charming cobblestone streets, admire the traditional architecture, and visit local shops and cafes.
For dining options, consider these establishments:
1. Marisqueira Ribamar: Enjoy fresh seafood with stunning ocean views in this iconic seafood restaurant.
2. Ti Matilde: A local favorite offering delicious Portuguese cuisine and warm hospitality.
3. Na Onda: A casual eatery perfect for a post-surf meal, serving burgers, salads, and smoothies.
When it comes to accommodation, these options cater to different budgets and preferences:
1. Selina Ericeira: A trendy hostel offering private and shared rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a lively atmosphere.
2. Casa das Aguarelas: A charming guesthouse featuring beautifully decorated rooms with a traditional touch.
3. You and the Sea: A luxury aparthotel with spacious rooms, an onsite spa, and close proximity to the beach.
Off the beaten path:
For an unusual travel experience, consider visiting the Mafra National Palace, an impressive baroque monument located just a 20-minute drive from Ericeira. This 18th-century royal palace is home to a stunning library, a basilica, and a hunting park. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a hidden gem worth exploring.
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Ericeira in Portugal, between beautiful waves and good vibes
Cliffs, beaches, narrow streets with white houses, the scent of the ocean, and a relaxed atmosphere borrowing as much from the surf culture as from the fishing village: 35 km northwest of Lisbon,
Ericeira is a nice getaway to escape from the Portuguese capital.
35 km northwest of the center of Lisbon, perched on a cliff and looking out over the ocean, Ericeira is a perfect excuse to leave the capital behind for a weekend. Home to an international community of seasoned surfers, it is also a pleasant seaside resort that combines beaches, sports activities, and seafood feasts. This is where Ericeira comes from a fishing town that got its name from ouriços (sea urchins in Portuguese), as there were dozens of them on its beaches.
Ericeira could have remained a small and quiet fishermen's town
But from the 19th century, it became the seaside residence of the Portuguese royal family living in Mafra, a few kilometers away... Until the fall of the monarchy: on October 5, 1910, the royal family embarked in the port of Ericeira and went into exile in London.
Ericeira is nowadays known worldwide for its impressive waves.
As early as the 1970s, the first surfers from the United States and Australia stopped here, their boards under their arms, ready to challenge the waves of the Portuguese coast.
Very quickly, Ericeira becomes a surfing spot and is recognized, in 2011, as World Surfing Reserve. The only holder of the title in Europe, Ericeira is thus endorsed by the champions of the practice.
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 have earned it the title of "World Surfing Reserve" in 2011. It is the only destination holding the title in Europe and specialists compare Ericeira to the "Seven Mile Miracle" on the north coast of Oahu, Hawai
Beyond the ocean, the heart of Ericeira beats to the rhythm of a relaxed and festive atmosphere, very much influenced by the surf. From stores to cafes and bars, Ericeira is a place where you can experience the "surf culture" - in all its fun and, at times, global standardization.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Ericeira
With an average temperature of 21°C, Ericeira is pleasant all year round.
Beginners should try surfing between May and the end of August because the waves are suitable for it. Experienced surfers will choose to go between September and December: the waves are more powerful.
Good to know: the sea wind blows all year round, offering a refuge from the summer heat and sometimes some big gusts! A windbreaker can be very useful.
From Lisbon
Where to Stay in Ericeira
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Ericeira
🏖️ Beach spots 🏖️ Shore spots 🌊 Ocean spots 🏘️ Town spots ⛰️ Cliff spots 🏖️ Coast spots 🏄 Surfing spots 🏰 Archaeological site spotsTravel map of Ericeira
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