Ericeira, Portugal Ultimate Guide 2022: Things To Do, Where to Stay & More

IS ERICEIRA, PORTUGAL WORTH VISITING

After spending a little over 6 weeks in this charming surfers’ paradise I can confidently say that Ericeira, Portugal is a must-see stop in Portugal. Whether you come on a day trip from Lisbon to escape the heat or spend months in Ericeira living the digital nomad life there is something for everyone. The town has a laid-back, tranquil vibe, but it is anything but boring. Ericeira is home to world-class waves, vibrant nightlife, a mix of traditional and trendy restaurants and shops, and beautiful beaches. Ericeira is often missed by tourists who are eager to see the more well-known cities of Portugal but this is a coastal gem I would not skip. 

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ERICEIRA, PORTUGAL

Experience One of Nine World Surf Reserves – Rent a Surfboard or Take a Lesson

In 2011, Ericeira was declared a world surf reserve which means the ocean and surrounding areas are protected and preserved.

Whether you are an experienced surfer or have never touched a board, there are waves for every level. Even if you never stand up on the board, just being out in the sun and sea makes taking a surf lesson worth it.

Ericeira has tons of surf schools with experienced instructors who make you feel comfortable in the water.

If you are looking to take a lesson check out some of these surf schools: 

Surfriders
Board Culture
Ericeira Surf School

Watch The Sunset From Praia da Foz do Lizandro

Foz do Lizandro is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ericeira and a great beginner surf spot. It is the perfect place to spend the day at the beach and enjoy a cocktail from the deck at one of the restaurants and watch the sunset.

Tip: Go to Indigo for great cocktails and small bites with a front-row View of the Sunset. 

Check out Board Riders for Shopping, Live Music, and Skating.

If you want to experience the surf culture of Ericeira, head to Board Riders.  BoardRiders has a little bit of everything –  a shop, cafe, small restaurant, skatepark, and live music. Come during the day to shop, skate, take a surf lesson, grab a coffee and use their co-working space, or come in the evening to enjoy a beer from the patio and watch the sunset.

On Friday nights from 7-9 Boardriders comes alive with live music on the patio and a view of the sunset and ocean. Locals and tourists come to drink, dance, and skate. If you are in Ericeira on a Friday, you don’t want to miss this.  

Explore the Town Center 

Make sure to take time to roam around the winding cobblestone streets of the town center. Ericeira is the perfect mix of trendy and traditional when it comes to food and clothing options. The small town is perfectly walkable so don’t be afraid to get lost and see what you find.

Take a Yoga Class

After surfing, yoga is the most popular activity in Ericeira. There is something magical about the combination of the two activities. There are plenty of studios around town and many hotels and hostels also offer classes.

Yoga is a great way to take some time to practice self-care and slow down while traveling and truly be in the moment. And as a bonus practicing those vinyasas will help with your surf pop-up!

Take a day trip to Explore Sintra and Azenhas do Mar

If you are traveling through Portugal by car or if you are staying for an extended time Ericeira is the perfect base to take a day trip from. 

Sintra, home to the famous Pena Palace, is about a 30-minute car ride away. Grab some brunch in the historic center and browse around the local shops. It is easy to get to the Palace on foot, but you can also rent a TukTuk for a guided tour of the town and a ride up to the castle.  Explore the historic Palace and take in the beautiful view. 

• Check out this post on the best beaches in Sintra

On your way home from Sintra, make a stop at Azenhas do Mar.  Azenhas do Mar is a small coastal town embedded into the cliffside. Make sure to go to the Azenhas do Mar Restaurant that overlooks the ocean. They have a beautiful beachfront seating area and an ocean inlet pool that fills up with the tide. They serve delicious seafood and it’s a great place to eat, relax, and swim after a day of exploring. 

Hike Cabo da Roca to Praia Do Ursa

Cabo da Roca is the most western point of continental Europe. The words “Onde a terra se acaba e o mar comeca” (Here, where the land ends and the sea begins) are inscribed on a stone monument overlooking the vast Atlantic ocean.

The cape is a part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park with many walking trails throughout. If you backtrack a little way up the main road from the Cabo da Roca parking lot, there is a trail on your left that will take you to the coast.

Follow this trail along the coastline and you will pass stunning viewpoints on your way to the beach, Praia do Ursa, where two giant limestone rocks erupt out of the turquoise ocean.

If you do this hike, I recommend good walking shoes as the trail gets steep near the end and takes some maneuvering. I also recommend a swimsuit and a beach towel. The water can be very rough at times and is not always suitable for swimming but you can always dip your toes in and layout on the beautiful sandy beach before starting the hike back.

HOW TO GET TO ERICEIRA, PORTUGAL FROM LISBON

Getting to Ericeira from Lisbon is quick and easy with any of these options:

• Rent a Car // Renting a car in Lisbon is one of the best ways to explore the coastal cities of Portugal, especially if you have luggage and a surfboard. 
  
• Take the Bus // Buses run from Campo Grande bus station which is near the Lisbon airport every 90 minutes from 8 AM to 11 PM. The length of the ride can vary but it is about an hour and a half and costs only 6 euros.
  
• Uber // If you aren’t renting a car and want to save some time, an Uber takes about 45 minutes and costs around 40 euros. 
  
• Take a Taxi // A taxi will take about 45 minutes and can cost anywhere from 70 to 95 euros. 

ERICEIRA, PORTUGAL TRAVEL GUIDE: FAQs

Where should I stay in Ericeira, Portugal?

Ericeira has many affordable accommodation options perfect for short or long-term stays.  There are plenty of hotels and hostels depending on the type of accommodation you are looking for. Don’t let the term hostel deter you, most of the shared dorm accommodation in Ericeira is very aesthetic and well maintained. 

As far as surf camps go, Ericeira is full of them. Be sure to check out the options for packages with surf lessons included.

Hotels

• You and the Sea // One of the nicest hotels in Ericeira about a 20-minute walk from the city center. 
• FL Hotels // Right in the center of town with nice, modern rooms.
• Vila Gale Ericeira // A more traditional hotel with 200 rooms, 3 pools, and ocean views. 

Hostels/Shared Accommodation

• Selina // Has a pool, Mexican restaurant, and rooftop.
• Laneez Ericeira Surf House // The best view in town.
• Ericeira Soul Guesthouse // Center of town overlooking the ocean.
• Chill Hill // A more affordable option.
• Salty Pelican // A beautiful guesthouse with surf and yoga packages (pricier option).

Where To Eat In Ericeira, Portugal

As a foodie, I didn’t expect to be impressed by Ericiera’s food scene but I could not have been more wrong. There is a great mix of traditional Portuguese cuisine and trendy cafes and bars plus tons of options for vegans and vegetarians. 

Breakfast & Brunch

• Green Is Good // I recommend splurging on the shared brunch plate.
• Sunset Bamboo // A trendy spot in the center with great juices and bagels.
• Dear Rose // The best coffee in town.
• O Pãozinho Das Marias // A cappuccino and pastel de nata are an absolute must.
• Brunch Me // Great sweet and savory options.

Lunch/Dinner

• Calavera // Affordable Mexican food with vegan options
• El Chilito // Mexican food and great cocktails in Selina hostel.
• Cucina 37 // Italian.
• Pepe Verde // Pizza.
• Uni Sushi // Sushi
• La Popular // Spanish Tapas, great for a date night.
• Tik – Tapas // Traditional Portuguese with great seafood
• Casa Portuguesa // Portuguese, meat, and fish.
• Prim // Steakhouse and traditional Portuguese
• Ti Matilde // Traditional Portuguese with a view
• Predio // Lower level is a sushi restaurant and top level has a rooftop bar.

Nightlife in Ericeira, Portugal

Looking to spend a night out on the town? You really don’t need a blog to help you find these places, at night you can hear their music and people gathering in the streets around them. Here are some of the spots:

• Board Riders // Live music on Fridays.
• 58 Surf // DJ on Saturday nights.
• Adega Bar // A little more of a hole-in-the-wall spot with live music inside, always packed.
• Juke Box // Great specialty cocktails and outdoor seating.
• Hemingways// Right next to Juke Box with outdoor seating.
• Dog Town // A new spot in the town center. Upscale cocktails and great people-watching.
• Ourico Discoteca // One of the only night clubs.

Is Ericeira, Portugal Safe For Solo Travel?

Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world and Ericeira is very safe as well. I have genuinely never felt as comfortable as I did in Ericeira. The people are friendly and helpful and there are always people milling about which always makes me feel safer as a solo traveler.

Of course, always be aware of your surroundings and don’t make choices that you wouldn’t make at home. 

Is Ericeira, Portugal A Good Place to Live?

Ericeira is becoming a hub for digital nomads and a great place to live for a few months. Often people who come here for a few months end up moving here full time. Portugal now offers a D7 digital nomad visa and Ericeira is the perfect location for the digital nomad lifestyle. There are plenty of cafes and coworking options and affordable long-term rentals. 

Some of the best co-working spaces in Ericeira:

• Sunago // Casual co-working and co-living.
• Outsite Ericeira // Modern house with private rooms.
• Salt Studio // Central location with a great aesthetic.
• La Pointe // About a 20-minute walk from the town above Foz do Lizandro with a pool.
• Sandhi House // Has yoga, retreats, and workshops.

Best Time To Visit Ericeira, Portugal

The best time to visit Ericeira is from May to October but some times are better than others based on what you are looking for. 

May – June, and September – November are best if you are coming to Ericeira for surfing. There is less tourism and from September – November the waves start to get better for more experienced surfers. 

July and August are high seasons with more tourists and more sunshine. The days get longer and hotter making the summer months the perfect time to come if you want to relax and enjoy the beaches. There is also more nightlife, live music, and markets in town during the summer months. 

The weather in Ericeira is very unpredictable so always pack some warmer clothing options even if you are coming in July – August. 

CONCLUSION: ERICEIRA, PORTUGAL

This small fishing village has such a unique vibe, different than anything else I experienced in Portugal. Every time I left Ericeira, I wanted to go back. It is home to great food, beautiful beaches, and wonderful people – what’s not to love? I highly recommend making Ericeira a stop on your Portugal itinerary or making it a long-term stay to truly absorb the culture.