The Town History Surfing Bathing Beaches Museum Village

Ericeira

Overlooking a dramatic coastline consisting of 30-metre tall cliffs and sandy coves, the beautiful town of Ericeira has managed to reinvent itself from being a fishing village and port to a tourist attraction whilst maintaining most of its original charm. Mostly unknown to international holidaymakers, Ericeira's great attractions are mainly enjoyed by two types of visitors; the homegrown visitor who takes advantage of its close proximity to Lisbon and surfers who take advantage of the swells churned up along this coastline. Ericeira is well equipped to accommodate tourists, yet prices still remain exceptional good value for money. The beaches here are superb. There are lots to see close by, such as Mafra and Sintra.

The Town

The town maintains its medieval layout with narrow cobbled pedestrianised streets lined with white lime-washed houses adorned with traditional coloured door and window trims. The town's main artery is the Rua Dr Eduardo Burnay which joins the outskirts to the main square Praça da República at its heart. Along its route are an abundance of eateries, bakeries (pastelarias), watering holes and surf shops.

The town is famed for its excellent seafood. Restaurants serve the "catch of the day" from the towns working fishing port, Porto de Pesca. Legend has it the town's name is derived from "ouriços do mar", which means sea urchin in Portuguese. The rewards from the sea can also be found at the municipal market at the northern edge of town. It opens most days and where you can find other great local produce.

Yet alongside the traditional side to Ericeira is the hyper-cool surf community, swanky bars and clubs, and swarms of partying weekender from Lisbon blend in somewhat seamlessly without demeaning the town's character. Ericeira is a town dedicated to the ocean in times past, as it continues to be today.

History

The town of Ericeira is actually very old. It's thought the Phoenicians traded here in the first millennium BC. It received its first royal charter in 1229 by the then Grand Master of the Order of Aviz, Dom Frei Ferdinand Rodrigues Monteiro. He also established the County of Ericeira.

During the 19th century, Ericeira became the royal families favourite getaway spot who was promptly followed by members of the court and Portugal's aristocracy. Their legacy can be found in the various stately homes built here. The town also gained prosperity as a global port trading as far away as Brazil. The port's income switched from trade to fishing after the railway came.

Ericeira was also the spot where Dom Manuel II – "The Unfortunate", Portugal's last King fled to the United Kingdom on the 5th of October 1910. He was escaping an advancing Republican mob. With the assassination of his father and older brother still fresh in his memory, he fled Portugal and sailed into the welcoming arms of the British at Gibraltar. He lived out the rest of his days in exile south of London in Twickenham.

A few decades later, Ericeira became a safe haven for refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. People from all over Europe's occupied countries settled here, adding an international atmosphere to the town.

Rua Prudêncio Franco da Trindade - Ericeira

Surfing Mecca

Ericeira was awarded the title of Europe's first and only World Surf Reserve in February 2011. It's a preservation programme whose sole aim is to protect the key environmental, cultural, economic and community attributes of surfing areas. This recognition has elevated Ericeira into the same ranks as the Gold Coast, Australia and Santa Cruz, California and proudly hosts world championships. Not all the beaches here only suit professional surfers. There's a diversity of waves and conditions to suit all levels of competence and types of boards. Nearby there are twelve beaches suitable for surfing with rental shops and surf schools at hand. See More [ ► ]

TOP TOURS

Lisbon: Private Mafra, Ericeira, and Queluz Tour

Ericeira And Mafra Amazing West Coast Tour

Take in the highlights of Portugal’s West Coast on this full-day tour and benefit from the personal touch of a small-group tour. Visit the water sports hub of Guincho Beach, the seafront towns of Cascais and Azenhas do Mar, and admire the views from Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. After lunch, explore the surf town of Ericeira and tour the magnificent Monastery and National Palace of Mafra.

Check Availability

Tour to Ericeira in private Tour

The Vila da Ericeira is a prominent and old tourist centre located in the parish of the municipality of Mafra 35km (21 miles) from Lisbon. It forms part of the region known as Estremadura. Ericeira has beautiful sheltered bays and offers visitors a chance to experience this charming fishing village characterised by its white houses framed in blue.

Check Availability

Surfing, Wine and History from Lisbon

Your journey begins with a morning pick-up at your hotel in Lisbon, Cascais, Ericeira or Sintra. From there, enjoy a brief ride to Mafra, about 40 minutes from Lisbon, in your comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with free WiFi onboard. After Mafra venture to the quaint Portuguese one-of-a-kind village of José Franco. Next, head to Ericeira, the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe and 2nd in the world.

Last but not least, to finish this special day, head to an exquisite winery and cellar for a tasting and historical experience that will provide you with a fascinating insight into the world of Portugal's wine production.

Check Availability

Beaches for Bathing

The picturesque Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermans Beach) is the most centrally located within Ericeira. As its name suggests, it overlooks the fishing harbour. The beach is backed by tall sheer cliffs which offer shelter from Atlantic breezes. Its central position, along with its proximity to the towns amenities, makes Praia dos Pescadores popular with families but it can seem a little crowded at peak times.

A short walk south from the town centre will take you to the Praia de Sul (Southern Beach). It is renowned for its golden sands and clean bathing water. The sheltered nature of the Praia de Sul makes it more suited to sunbathers, families and swimmers rather than serious surfing. There is a toddlers bathing pool at one end and offers refuge from the waves. Running along the beach is a promenade where you will find a couple of restaurants with terraces.

Just over a mile South of Ericeira, the river Lizandro flows into the sea and is where you'll find the largest expanse of sand within the area. The rear of the Praia da Foz do Lizandro beach opens up into dunes and a boardwalk where you can find plenty of amenities, including a lifeguard, changing rooms, toilets, showers, bars and cafés. There is ample parking. The tamer waters of the river offer good paddling conditions for the little ones.

Praia dos Pescadores - Ericeira

Museum Village (Aldeia Típica de) José Franco

Between Ericeira and Mafra is the town of Sobreiro. Here you will encounter one of the country's best-known miniature villages. The brainchild of the potter José Franco, he created this scale village from clay during the early 1960s. The model village crystallises in time the country life of the Mafra region, its culture and its workings. The village contains miniature windmills, chapels, grocery stores, wineries, peasantry and even a reproduction of the fishing village of Ericeira. Adjoining the village is reconstructed pottery adorned and fitted with antique tools and objects. Also, there are life-size replicas of castle walls, windmills, a children's park, a small winery, where you can sample the region's wines, and a bakery.
Monday - Saturday: 09h00 - 18h00, Sunday: 10h00 - 18h00

Contact Details
N116 34, 2640-401 Mafra, Portugal.
38° 57' 34.6"N | 09° 21' 13.1"W | +351 261 815 420

TOP ACCOMMODATION SUGGESTIONS

Ericeira Soul Guesthouse

The Ericeira Soul Guesthouse is a popular choice for those who appreciate a warm, friendly environment within a great central location in Ericeira. This family-run business occupies one of the oldest buildings within the town yet has been tastefully modernised for your comfort. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi. You can find a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with toiletries, a hairdryer and a shower in each room. A buffet breakfast is available daily at the property. Ericeira Soul Guesthouse offers a sun terrace.

Travessa Santo António n°6 2655-361 Ericeira, Portugal.
38º 57' 54.8" N | 09º 25' 05.9" W

Check Avalability

Vila Gale Ericeira ★★★★

The hotel overlooks the Atlantic with sun terraces containing swimming pools and amazing views out to sea. The hotel was Ericeira's prime accommodation in its 1950s heyday. In a town dominated by hostels and guesthouses, it continues to attract comfort-seeking travellers. It's a short stroll to the town centre and to Praia da Sul beach. Other facilities include a spa and gym, Some rooms include a balcony, and others offer sea views. All are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen cable TV, minibar and free WiFi. Vila Galé Ericeira's restaurant Ocidental serves fresh fish specialities and a selection of Portuguese wine. Guests can enjoy ocean views with a cocktail from the bar.

Largo dos Navegantes, 2655-320, Ericeira, Portugal.
38º 57' 37.3" N | 09º 25' 03.6" W

Check Avalability

GiG Capsule Hostel

GiG Capsule Hostel offers air-conditioned accommodation in Ericeira. Featuring a shared kitchen, this property also has a restaurant. The hostel also provides free WiFi as well as a paid airport shuttle service. All guest rooms in the hostel are fitted with a kettle. Every room is fitted with a shared bathroom with a hairdryer. All units will provide guests with a microwave. GiG Capsule Hostel has a terrace.

Largo do Cruzeiro, 2655-319 Ericeira, Portugal.
38º 57' 55.7" N | 09º 25' 07.1" W

Check Avalability

Booking.com

Tik Tak

A short stroll north of the main square is the popular Tik Tak restaurant. The reason for its popularity will become apparent as you're greeted by friendly staff and then treated to great food. Mostly renown for seafood, its menu is actually varied with a good selection of wines and prices reasonable. Portion sizes are typically generous but try to leave room for dessert!

Monday - Friday: 19h00 - 23h00, Weekends: 12h30 - 23h00
7 Rua 5 de Outubro, Ericeira, Mafra 2655-255, Portugal. | 38º 57' 50" N | 09º 25' 2.1" W
+351 261 863 246 | Facebook

Blue Ice

There are enough flavours in this ice cream parlour to satisfy any ice-cream addict happy for the duration of their holiday. Some flavours are quite exotic and original and handcrafted by the friendly staff who are almost as sweet as their fare. Outside seating is available but card payments are not accepted.

33 Rua Dr. Eduardo Burnay, 2655-368 Ericeira, Portugal. | 38º 57' 47" N | 09º 25' 01.3" W
+351 261 861 662 | blueice.ericeira@sapo.pt | Facebook

	Only 44.8km (28 miles) north-west of Lisbon Portela Airport Website GET A GREAT DEAL ON YOUR FLIGHT HERE:
	From Lisbon join the A8 and A21 north-west. Latitude - 38º 57' 50" \| Longitude - 09º 25' 02.1" GET A GREAT DEAL ON YOUR CAR HIRE HERE:
	The Mafrense bus company operate services in the Ericeira area: Mafrense Website

Districts

Monuments

Viewpoints

Castles & Palaces

Beaches

Green Spaces

Other Websites

Religious Buildings

Zoological

Museums and Galleries

PALACES & CASTLES

MISCELLANEOUS

HISTORIC CENTRE

MUSEUMS

SINTRA COAST