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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Portugal

Summer Attire June-August

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing made from cotton or linen. Shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and skirts serve well for daytime. Swimwear a must for beach days. Despite the warmth, evenings bring a refreshing coastal breeze, making a light jacket, cardigan, or thin sweater a good addition, especially for outdoor dining or waterfront walks. Find summer clothing on Amazon

Summer Packing List

  • Lightweight tops and shorts.
  • Swimsuits for beach enjoyment.
  • Light jacket or sweater for evenings.

Shoulder Season Spring/Autumn

Layering becomes more important. Bring long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters, and comfortable jeans or trousers. A Waterproof light jacket or rain shell serves well for possible rain showers, especially as autumn progresses. A Light scarf proves useful for cooler mornings or evenings. The sun stays strong, so pack clothing offering some sun protection.

Shoulder Season Essentials

  • Long-sleeve shirts and light sweaters.
  • Waterproof light jacket/rain shell.
  • Light scarf for added warmth.

Footwear Guide

General Exploration

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers are necessary. Ericeira's historic center has narrow, cobbled streets and some inclines, making supportive footwear important for prolonged walking.

Cobblestone friendly.

Beach & Pool

Flip-flops or sandals serve well for beach access and relaxing poolside. Consider a Wetsuit if you plan to surf.

Easy on/off.

Hiking & Evenings

For rugged coastal trails, Trail shoes or sturdy sneakers offer better support and traction. Casual dress shoes or Comfortable sandals fit evening outings.

Trail ready / Smart casual.

Essential Documents

Travel Documents

Keeping your travel documents organized and secure is a priority. Have original copies and digital backups.

  • Passport & Visa Docs: Original passport and any visa documentation. Valid for 3 months beyond Schengen departure.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Copy of policy, number, emergency contacts. Digital and printed copies.
  • International Driving Permit: If renting a car (non-EU citizen), carry with home license.
  • Vaccination & Health Records: Useful for emergencies or consultations. Doctor's note for conditions/meds.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of accommodation, flights, tours. Cloud storage and email backup.
  • Emergency Contacts: List of family, embassy/consulate, insurance numbers. Keep secure.
  • Discount IDs: Student (ISIC)/Senior/Press IDs for potential discounts at attractions or museums.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Portugal uses 230 V electricity at 50 Hz. Common plug types are Type F (Schuko) and Type C. If your devices use different plug types, bring a Universal travel adapter. Most modern electronics are dual-voltage (100-240V), but older appliances might need a Voltage converter. Most modern smartphones work with Portuguese mobile networks. An unlocked phone allows local SIM card use.

Mobile & SIM Cards

  • Plug types: Type C, F. Voltage: 230V, 50Hz.
  • Pre-paid SIM cards with data are affordable from Vodafone, MEO, NOS. Consider Airalo for eSIMs.
  • Ensure your phone is unlocked for local SIM use.

Cameras & Chargers

A standard Smartphone camera typically handles casual photos. For surfing photography, an Action camera like a GoPro Hero12 Black with appropriate mounts works well. A Mirrorless camera or DSLR with a versatile lens captures landscapes and townscapes. Find camera gear at B&H Photo. A Portable power bank is highly advised to keep devices charged while exploring.

Photography & Power

Apps & Data Backup

Recommended Apps

Google Maps (offline maps), Google Translate (offline pack), Bolt/Uber (ride-sharing), WhatsApp (messaging). For VPN services, consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN. For surf forecasts, check Surfline or Magicseaweed.

Data Backup Solutions

Utilize cloud storage services (Google Drive, Dropbox) for backing up photos and important documents. Carrying a Small external hard drive or USB flash drive offers a physical backup option.

Connectivity Note

While prevalent in Lisbon, ride-sharing availability for hailing within Ericeira might be more limited. Check local conditions on arrival.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A well-stocked Personal first aid kit and necessary health items keep minor issues from becoming major inconveniences.

Kit Contents

Sun & Insect Protection

Protecting yourself from the sun and minor insects will enhance your comfort.

Protection Essentials

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Considerations

  • Ericeira is a coastal town at sea level; altitude sickness is not a concern.
  • For any inland excursions to higher elevations (unlikely around Ericeira for significant altitude), general hydration always helps.
  • Focus on sun protection and staying hydrated due to coastal exposure.

Motion Sickness Solutions

  • If prone to motion sickness, notably on bus rides or boat trips, pack appropriate medication.
  • Natural remedies like ginger candies or essential oils may bring relief.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Surfing Gear

Ericeira is a world-class surf destination. Your gear choices will impact your experience.

  • Wetsuit: 3/2mm or 4/3mm for Ericeira's waters.
  • Surfboard: Rent locally or bring your own (check airline fees).
  • Surf Wax: Cool or cold water wax if bringing your board.
  • Leash & Fins: Pack spares if you bring your board.

Hiking Equipment

  • Sturdy walking shoes or hiking sandals.
  • Breathable layers for movement.
  • Small backpack for water and snacks.
  • Sunscreen and a hat.

General Coastal Items

Even if not surfing or hiking, coastal exploration has its own necessities.

  • Beach towel and flip-flops/sandals.
  • UV-protective sunglasses.
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Light backpack for day trips.

Rent vs. Bring Decision Matrix

Items to Rent Convenience Focused

  • Surfboards: Widely available and reasonably priced in Ericeira.
  • Wetsuits: Readily available for rent, cost-effective for shorter trips.
  • Bicycles: Local shops offer rentals for exploring the area.
  • Car: Rent at Lisbon Airport for wider exploration; limited direct options in Ericeira.

Items to Bring Personal Preference/Specialty

  • Rash guards: For sun protection and to prevent chafing from wetsuits.
  • Surf-specific sunscreen: Formulated for water sports.
  • Specialized personal gear: If you have specific brand preferences or unique items.
  • Prescription Medications: Ensure a sufficient supply for your trip.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security Items

These items offer enhanced comfort, security, and general convenience during your travels.

Travel Comfort Kit

Eco-Friendly & Niche Items

Minimize waste and ensure you have specific items that might be harder to find locally.

Sustainable Travel Kit

  • Reusable water bottle (tap water is delicious and safe).
  • Reusable shopping bag for market visits.
  • Consider Reusable utensils for picnics.
  • Specialized personal care products that might be harder to find locally.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated, lessen plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Useful for markets, avoids bag fees.

Solar Charger

Eco-friendly device power on the go.

Offline Maps

Reduces data usage, always navigable.

Destination-Specific Items

Coastal Comfort

  • Rash guard for sun protection and wetsuit chafing prevention.
  • Swim goggles or mask for clear water enjoyment.
  • A good book for beach relaxation.

Exploration Aids

  • A small, lightweight backpack for day trips and beach outings.
  • Action camera if planning water sports.
  • Compact beach towel that dries quickly.

Packing Pro Tips

Layering is your best approach for Ericeira's climate. Be mindful of cobblestone streets when choosing footwear.

Always pack comprehensive travel insurance information, especially if partaking in adventure sports.