Ericeira Portugal Travel Guide
A brief stop in Ericeira still provides a focused experience.
Morning: Arrive, check in, explore Ericeira's historic center and Praia dos Pescadores. Lunch: Fresh grilled fish. Afternoon: Surf lesson or relax on Praia do in portugal Sul. Evening: Sunset views, seafood dinner, local nightlife.
A weekend provides a good balance of surf, relaxation, and local exploration.
Arrive, settle in. Spend the afternoon exploring Ericeira town, including the historic center, The beach calleds Pescadores, and the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem.
Morning: Allocate time to surfing. A group lesson for beginners, or an independent session for experienced surfers.
Option A (Culture): Morning trip to Mafra National Palace. Option B (More Surf): Another surf session, or explore surf beaches like Coxos.
A week offers a deep look at Ericeira and its surroundings. Days 1-2: Ericeira town, dining, first surf. Day 3: Mafra National Palace, rural farm visit. Days 4-5: Intensive surfing or beach days. Day 6: Sintra's iconic sites (Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira). Day 7: Relaxation and departure.
Two weeks provide ample time for thorough exploration and relaxation. Combine the 1-week Ericeira time spent with a 3-4 day stay in Lisbon. Extend regional exploration to Peniche or Óbidos. Develop surfing skills or explore hiking trails. Integrate into the local community. Consider trips to Porto or Alentejo.
For longer stays, rent an apartment or house for an authentic taste of local life. A connection with the place is possible.
Focus on developing surfing skills, exploring the broader area at a leisurely pace, and integrating into the local community.
Tailor your Ericeira itinerary to your specific passions.
Ericeira Historic Center (local history, churches) -> Mafra National Palace (monumental Baroque) -> Sintra's palaces (Romantic architecture, royal history) -> Lisbon's historic districts (Alfama, Belém, Chiado for centuries of history).
Ericeira's seafood restaurants (fresh catch, traditional dishes like Percebes) -> Mafra's traditional bakeries and cheese producers -> Lisbon's diverse food scene (Time Out Market, traditional Tascas, Pastel de Nata workshops) -> possibly a trip south to Establishúbal for chargrilled fish and Muscatel wine.
Ericeira (surfing, coasteering, coastal hikes, cycling) -> Sintra (rambling in the Natural Park, exploring mystical Quinta da Regaleira) -> Peniche/Nazaré (more intense surf, potentially big waves in season) -> Arrábida Natural Park (kayaking, hiking, beautiful beaches south of Lisbon).
Ericeira (Foz do Lizandro for tranquility waters, beginner surf lessons for children, relaxed town exploration) -> Mafra (Palace grounds, nearby Aldeia Típica José Franco for crafts and animal interactions) -> Lisbon (Oceanário, tram rides, castles, interactive museums).
Ericeira (traditional tiles, local art in small galleries) -> Mafra National Palace (grand Baroque architecture) -> Sintra (Romantic architecture of palaces, unique structures) -> Lisbon (Manueline, Pombaline, contemporary architecture, street art).
Ericeira (yoga & surf retreats, peaceful shoreline hikes, meditation by the ocean) -> Sintra (mystical Quinta da Regaleira with its symbolic tunnels and grottoes) -> Fátima (major Catholic pilgrimage site).
Ericeira has plans for various budgets.
Stay in surf hostels or campsites. Utilize supermarkets and local cafes (Pastelarias) for affordable meals, focusing on the "Prato do Dia."
Stay in comfortable guesthouses or mid-range hotels. Balance dining at local restaurants with some self-catering.
Stay in boutique hotels or private villas with amenities. Dine at fine restaurants in Ericeira and Lisbon.
This interval is ideal for beach activities, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the town's lively nightlife. Beginner-friendly surf conditions are present. Many local festivals occur.
This period is prime for experienced surfers seeking big swells and consistent waves. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and a local experience are common.
Arrange your visit to align with Ericeira's seasonal highlights. Verify opening hours as seasonal adjustments are common.
The summer season is busiest, requiring earlier reservations for accommodations and surf lessons. Expect larger crowds at popular spots.
