Ericeira o que visitar com vista da Praia dos Pescadores e do casario branco sobre a falésia

Things to Do in Ericeira: A Complete Guide Between Beaches, Surf and Traditions

This guide brings together everything you need to plan your trip to Ericeira: the best places to visit, beaches, activities, where to eat and stay, as well as practical suggestions to help you make the most of every moment in this authentic Atlantic destination.

This guide explores the main things to do in Ericeira — from historic streets and surf beaches to cultural experiences and places to visit nearby.

The first encounter with Ericeira is a sensory immersion. The scent of the sea mingles with the smoke rising from the grills of local taverns, while the sound of the waves blends with the calls of fishermen who still carry the village’s ancient rhythm.

Along streets paved in white and blue stone, every corner opens onto a fragment of ocean, and the intense Atlantic light creates contrasts impossible to ignore.

It is a fishing village with an intact soul, but also a World Surfing Reserve, where surfboards stand side by side with wooden boats. Walking through the historic centre, you feel the weight of centuries of tradition in dialogue with the youthful energy that surfing brought to the coast.

Ericeira coastal cliffs overlooking Praia dos Pescadores with white houses above the Atlantic Ocean
Imposing cliffs, whitewashed houses and the Atlantic stretching into the distance. Author: Sérgio Santos

The answer lies in that meeting of worlds: the memory of fishing nets and the modernity of waves that attract travellers from every continent.

Visiting Ericeira is more than exploring famous beaches or photographing viewpoints; it is about immersing yourself in a distinct atmosphere shaped by the rhythm of the sea and the flavour of local gastronomy.

In this guide, we share the essentials of what to do in Ericeira: from churches and forts that hold centuries of stories to cultural and culinary experiences that only make sense here.

It is the ideal starting point for anyone who wants to discover, in a practical and inspiring way, everything that makes this village unique.

How to get to Ericeira

The journey to Ericeira is, in itself, a preview of what awaits. Leaving Lisbon, the road heads north and gradually the cityscape dissolves into open fields, vineyards and small villages. As you approach the coast, the scent of salt begins to appear, as if the Atlantic calls before it is even seen.

By car, the distance is short — around 40 kilometres, travelled in less than an hour. Driving offers the freedom to stop in nearby villages or extend the route to Mafra, Sintra or even Óbidos, creating a path that intersects with other stories.

For those who prefer this autonomy, renting a car is a practical and comfortable option (rent your car here).

Those who choose public transport will find direct buses departing from Lisbon (Campo Grande) to the village. The journey takes just over an hour, and once you arrive at the Ericeira bus terminal, it is an easy walk to the historic centre. The slower rhythm of the trip becomes a natural introduction to the cadence of the fishing village.

Visiting Ericeira is simple and accessible, whether coming from Lisbon, Cascais or even Peniche. The road itself is part of the experience and, in a way, prepares the gaze: after the journey, the first view of white houses cascading over the cliffs appears, as if the village had been shaped to welcome those approaching the sea.

If you’re planning to explore Portugal by car, discover our complete guide about renting a car in Portugal before you travel.

Interactive map of Ericeira

To accompany every step of the discovery, we created an interactive map of Ericeira. It highlights the main points of interest, from well-known beaches and historic forts to chapels, museums, viewpoints and leisure spaces.

With this resource, it becomes easier to visualise your route, organise an itinerary of one or more days and choose what to visit according to your interests. Opening the map in full screen also allows you to save favourite spots and use it as a practical guide during your trip.

Simply click the top-right corner of the map to open it in full screen and save your favourite places, making the experience easier to organise.

History and identity of Ericeira

Ericeira’s identity is engraved in the salt of the air and in the sound of seagulls crossing the horizon. Long before becoming a surfing destination, it was a fishing village shaped by the courage of the men who faced the sea and the women who waited on the sand for boats to return loaded with fish.

Its streets hold significant chapters of Portuguese history. It was from here, in 1910, that Queen Amélia departed into exile, a moment that sealed Ericeira’s connection to the monarchy and to the end of an era. The white-and-blue houses, typical of maritime villages, still preserve the memory of times when life here depended almost entirely on the ocean.

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Praia dos Pescadores harbour in Ericeira with fishing boats, cliffs and white houses overlooking the Atlantic
Fishing boats and seaside warehouses at Praia dos Pescadores preserve the authentic maritime soul of Ericeira. Author: Sérgio Santos

Today, surfing is the new language of Ericeira. The World Surfing Reserve has brought travellers from across the globe without erasing the traditions that give the village its singular character. Between local festivities such as the São Pedro celebrations and events linked to fishing and religious devotion, the community maintains a living identity that balances modernity and heritage.

Visiting Ericeira is entering that dialogue between past and present. From freshly grilled fish in traditional taverns to the cosmopolitan atmosphere brought by surf culture, every detail reinforces the duality that makes it unique. It is this meeting of worlds that turns Ericeira into more than a beach destination — it becomes a complete cultural and historical experience.

Things to Do in Ericeira: Historic Centre and Highlights

What to visit in Ericeira reveals itself through historic streets, chapels facing the Atlantic, forts built to protect the coast and beaches that became icons of world surfing.

Between viewpoints, markets and cultural spaces, each place adds a new perspective on the village, blending fishing tradition, cultural identity and the energy of the sea.

1 – Historic Centre — Things to See in Ericeira

Walking through Ericeira’s historic centre feels like time slowing down. Narrow streets paved in white and blue tones hold a quietness broken only by the distant crash of waves.

At Largo de São Sebastião, the life of the village unfolds at a calm pace, among cafés that have resisted generations and visitors arriving to photograph the horizon.

The Church of São Pedro, the village’s main church, stands as a witness to centuries of devotion. Inside, gilded altarpieces and tiles tell stories of a faith deeply connected to the sea, reminding every visitor that Ericeira was — and still is — a land of fishermen.

A little further on, the Chapel of São Sebastião rests facing the Atlantic, small yet imposing beside the cliffs.

In the heart of the village, the Chapel of Santo António, also known as Boa Viagem, rises above Praia dos Pescadores. It is here that sailors and surfers, each in their own way, seek protection before facing the ocean.

Climbing to the viewpoints scattered across the centre, the gaze dissolves into the deep blue, finding returning boats and surfboards heading into the waves.

Exploring the historic centre is discovering the essence of what to visit in Ericeira: a place where tradition walks alongside modernity, and where every cobbled stone and blue-and-white façade becomes a silent invitation to contemplation.

It is here that visitors realise the village is not only about beaches and surf, but also about memory, faith and the everyday life that shapes its identity.

2 – Forts and Military Heritage in Ericeira

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Historic entrance of Forte de Nossa Senhora da Natividade in Ericeira with stone arch and wooden doors
The Fort of Nossa Senhora da Natividade preserves military memories overlooking the Atlantic coast. Author: Sérgio Santos

Next to Praia dos Pescadores stands the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Natividade, leaning over the Atlantic like a silent guardian. The sea crashes against the rocks, recalling a time when the coast required defence against corsairs and invaders.

Walking to its entrance feels like stepping into history while the present continues around it with families and surfers passing by.

Further north, almost hidden among vegetation, lies the Fort of Milreu, also known as São Pedro de Milreu. The place conveys a sense of isolation and resilience. Among ruins and time-marked walls, you can imagine how this fortification once formed part of a coastal defensive line watching the horizon for threats arriving from the sea.

Further inland, the Fort of Zambujal belongs to another story — that of the Lines of Torres Vedras, built to halt the Napoleonic invasions. Surrounded by fields, it seems distant from the ocean that shapes Ericeira, yet its role was essential in the defence of Lisbon.

Today, visitors find here a fragment of military memory that connects Ericeira to the broader narrative of Portuguese history.

Between walls and viewpoints, these forts reveal that the village is not made only of beaches and surf.

They are places where the wind carries echoes of ancient battles and where looking out over the ocean gains a deeper gravity — reminding us that what to visit in Ericeira also includes the heritage that protected its identity.

3 – Best beaches in Ericeira

Praia dos Pescadores in Ericeira with wide sandy beach, fishing boats and white houses above the cliffs
Praia dos Pescadores brings together boats, beachgoers and the timeless charm of Ericeira’s white houses overlooking the Atlantic. Author: Sérgio Santos

Praia dos Pescadores is the heart of the village. Boats rest on the sand beside towels laid out by those seeking sun and rest. The atmosphere is familiar, filled with children’s laughter and the scent of fresh fish drifting from nearby taverns.

At the end of the day, when the tide lowers, the white houses reflect in the water and transform the beach into a tranquil mirror.

Further north, Praia da Ribeira d’Ilhas is the main stage of Ericeira’s World Surfing Reserve. The sound of waves here is more intense and constant, like a pulse that never fades. Surfboards line the shore, surfers wait in silence before entering the sea, and spectators lose themselves in the blue horizon.

It was on this beach that I first felt the weight of Ericeira’s international reputation as a surf destination.

Between the centre and the cliffs, Praia de São Sebastião offers a more secluded corner, bordered by rocks that make it almost secret.

Praia do Sul, with its wide bay, invites long seaside walks and calmer swims.

Following the coastline, Praia da Foz do Lizandro stretches broad and imposing, where the river meets the sea — an ideal space for families and walkers exploring the valley boardwalks.

Further on, Praia de São Julião opens vast and wild, a natural boundary between Mafra and Sintra, perfect for those seeking open ocean and fewer crowds.

Each beach has its own character and expresses, in its own way, the essence of Ericeira. From the communal atmosphere of Praia dos Pescadores to the legendary waves of Ribeira d’Ilhas, from the quietness of São Sebastião to the vastness of Foz do Lizandro, the village offers a mosaic of landscapes impossible to capture in a single image.

Even so, a photo gallery allows glimpses of this restless Atlantic, showing why the sea here is more than scenery — it is identity.

Summary:

  • Praia dos Pescadores – in the centre, family atmosphere, traditional boats and fresh fish restaurants.
  • Praia da Ribeira d’Ilhas – world-class surf stage, ideal for watching or practising.
  • Praia de São Sebastião – small and sheltered between cliffs, quieter and more secluded.
  • Praia do Sul – wide bay, perfect for walks and calm swims.
  • Praia da Foz do Lizandro – large beach by the river, great for families and boardwalk walks.
  • Praia de São Julião – vast and wild, near Sintra, ideal for fewer crowds.

Each beach reveals a different facet of what to visit in Ericeira: tradition, surf, tranquillity, family leisure or untouched nature.

4 – Things to Do in Ericeira: Activities and Experiences

The sea sets the rhythm of Ericeira. And no experience expresses that spirit better than surfing. The village is Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve and, upon arriving at beaches such as Ribeira d’Ilhas, you can feel the reverence that this title commands. Surfers of all ages wait for the perfect wave, while curious onlookers line the cliffs to watch the spectacle.

For those who wish to try, there are schools offering surf lessons in Ericeira — a way of experiencing the sea from the inside out.

Yet the village is not defined only by surfboards. Boat trips along the coast reveal sculpted cliffs and hidden coves that the road never shows. Along the bluffs, trails invite peaceful walks, always with the ocean as a constant backdrop. For photography lovers, every curve offers a new frame: colourful boats, white façades, or the contrast of waves crashing against dark rock.

When the sun sets, Ericeira trades the sound of waves for the murmur of bars and evening terraces. Some choose a cold beer by the sea, others prefer live music in intimate venues, and there are those who dance until dawn.

It is this balance between tradition and modernity that keeps the village alive at every hour of the day.

Taken together, these experiences reveal that what to visit in Ericeira goes beyond beaches and viewpoints. They are activities that allow you to feel the pulse of the village — intense at sea, contemplative along the trails, and vibrant through nights that stretch into morning.

5 – Gastronomic and Cultural Experiences in Ericeira

In the heart of the village, the local market wakes early. Stalls of fresh fish gleam over ice, and the scent of the sea blends with herbs, cheeses and vegetables from nearby gardens. It is a place where daily life unfolds without artifice, and where Ericeira’s gastronomic culture reveals itself in every detail. Here, you understand how the table is as much a part of the village’s identity as the waves.

By late morning, the contrast appears at the Casa da Cultura Jaime Lobo e Silva. Once a cinema, the building now hosts exhibitions, concerts and theatre performances, offering space to the creativity of a community that constantly reinvents itself.

A little further up, the Arquivo-Museu da Misericórdia da Ericeira preserves religious relics and memories spanning centuries, connecting spirituality with maritime roots.

For those who prefer to taste history through flavour, there are experiences that blend tradition and discovery. A private tour with ten tastings moves through discreet streets where hidden gems of local gastronomy are revealed. The Highlights & Culinary Kickstart combines flavours with emblematic stops, showing how eating here is also a journey through the village itself.

Together, these experiences embody what it means to discover what to do in Ericeira: not only to see places, but to taste, listen, feel and allow the local culture to settle into the senses.

It is on the plate, within the walls of a museum or in the energy of a performance that the soul of the village reveals itself most intensely.

6 – Viewpoints and Green Spaces in Ericeira

Sala das Visitas viewpoint in Ericeira with white columns overlooking the Atlantic cliffs and sandy beach
Sala das Visitas viewpoint reveals a wide Atlantic horizon, where the cliffs meet the golden beach below. Author:: Sérgio Santos

At the top of the cliffs, the Miradouro de São Sebastião offers one of the most complete views of Ericeira’s coastline. From there, the sea opens into countless shades of blue, traced by beaches that stretch endlessly along the horizon.

The wind blows strongly, carrying a salty scent that clings to the skin, while seagulls draw circles across the sky. I stayed there for some time, simply observing, and realised how the village extends in harmony between white houses and the Atlantic that shapes it.

Soon after, a short walk leads to Parque de Santa Marta, a green space that contrasts with the intensity of the ocean. Tall trees provide shade, picnic tables invite unhurried pauses, and the atmosphere is filled with families enjoying a moment of rest.

From the park, the ocean is still visible, yet the landscape feels calmer, filtered through green treetops and the slower rhythm of those who prefer quiet contemplation.

These two places reveal another side of Ericeira. Not only its beaches and historic streets, but also the viewpoints and leisure spaces that allow the village to be seen from different angles: from above, where the sea seems infinite, or surrounded by trees, where life moves more slowly.

Where to eat in Ericeira

Sitting down to eat in Ericeira is an extension of the dialogue with the sea. Fish arrives almost directly from the nets to the grill, and seafood dishes carry the intense flavour of the Atlantic coast. Between steaming caldeiradas and sea urchins that evoke the village’s oldest traditions, gastronomy here is an inseparable part of the experience.

Searching for Ericeira where to eat is, in truth, a search for places where authenticity still dictates the rhythm of the kitchen.

At Jangada, the atmosphere is light and modern, yet the essence remains rooted in the sea. Many visitors highlight the freshness of the fish and the creativity in presentation. Some describe the feeling of “eating with your eyes before tasting,” such is the visual care given to each dish. The space invites a slow meal, where the ocean view completes the experience.

Ti Matilde, on the other hand, is living memory of traditional Ericeira. Small and welcoming, it preserves the ambience of an old home. Reviews often mention the caldeirada and grilled fish, prepared with simplicity yet carrying the authentic flavour that only home cooking achieves. It is one of those places where every meal feels like a reunion with the roots of the village.

Esplanada Furnas is another classic, always noted for its privileged location over the cliffs. The sound of the sea is a constant companion, and the proximity to the waves creates the sensation of dining within the Atlantic itself. Visitors especially praise the fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for long, memorable afternoons.

These restaurants reflect the soul of the village: between the modernity of creative spaces and the loyalty to traditional cuisine, each choice offers a different perspective on what it means to eat in Ericeira.

For those who wish to extend the journey inland, the gastronomy of nearby villages — such as Tasquinha do Gil, in Aldeia da Mata Pequena — adds an extra layer of authenticity, showing that the experience of flavours goes far beyond the coastline.

Where to stay in Ericeira

The way Ericeira is experienced extends into the place where you sleep. Rest here is not merely a pause — it is a continuation: open windows let in the murmur of the sea, and the scent of salt drifts into the aroma of morning coffee. There are options for every type of traveller, from discreet comfort to minimalist luxury, including retreats that feel suspended between the village and the Atlantic.

Praia FLH Hotels Ericeira, located close to the centre, is a practical choice for those who want to stay near everything. Reviews often highlight its privileged location, welcoming atmosphere and the feeling of waking up with the village just outside the door.

Aethos Ericeira offers a different mood — more exclusive, designed for those seeking refined tranquillity. The ocean views are frequently described as unforgettable, and the architecture emphasises harmony between design and nature.

Swellnest is an option for travellers who prefer modern, intimate spaces. Many guests mention the attention to detail and its proximity to the surf beaches, ideal for combining comfort with the energy of the sea.

Beyond these, the offer is wide-ranging. Traditional guesthouses, holiday apartments and family-run hotels allow visitors to experience the authenticity of the village. For those who wish to compare and find the best option, the full list of accommodation in Mafra and Ericeira shows just how varied the possibilities are.

When choosing where to stay, the experience is always shaped by the same thread: proximity to the Atlantic. Whether in a sea-facing room or a house hidden within narrow streets, Ericeira surrounds its visitors, turning the stay into an essential part of the journey.

Places to Visit Near Ericeira

Ericeira’s proximity to other remarkable destinations allows the journey to extend further, revealing places of great historical, cultural and natural value. Exploring what to visit near Ericeira adds new layers to the experience, each with its own rhythm and identity.

Mafra and the Palácio Nacional

Terreiro D. João V square in Mafra with statue in the foreground and Palácio Nacional de Mafra behind the trees
In Terreiro D. João V, the grandeur of Palácio Nacional de Mafra contrasts with the shade of the trees and the calm rhythm of the village. Author: Sérgio Santos

Just a few kilometres from Ericeira rises the imposing Palácio Nacional de Mafra, with its convent and grand basilica. Walking through the cloisters and monumental library, you feel the scale of royal and religious power that once shaped the region. It is an essential visit for those wishing to connect Ericeira’s sea with Portugal’s monumental heritage.

Aldeia da Mata Pequena

Cobbled street in Aldeia da Mata Pequena lined with whitewashed houses and red bougainvillea at sunset
The single street of Aldeia da Mata Pequena glows at sunset, framed by red bougainvillea and traditional blue-and-white houses. Author: Sérgio Santos

Among gentle hills, Aldeia da Mata Pequena preserves the atmosphere of traditional saloia villages from another era. Whitewashed houses, old chimneys and narrow streets create a setting that feels suspended in time. It is the perfect place to experience rural authenticity, so close to Ericeira’s modern coastal energy.

Aldeia José Franco

Whitewashed houses with blue details and bougainvillea in the central courtyard of Aldeia José Franco in Mafra
Whitewashed façades, clay pots and bougainvillea bring life to the central courtyard of Aldeia José Franco in Mafra. Author: Sérgio Santos

In the parish of Sobreiro, Aldeia José Franco is a space that blends museum, workshop and collective memory. Miniature scenes recreate traditional crafts and ways of life, while the scent of warm bread from the communal oven reinforces the connection to saloia identity.

Azenhas do Mar

White houses on the cliffs and natural swimming pool in Azenhas do Mar at sunset overlooking the Atlantic
Perched above the cliffs, Azenhas do Mar seems suspended between the Atlantic and time, with the natural swimming pool completing the scenery. Author: Sérgio Santos

Further south, in the municipality of Sintra, Azenhas do Mar captivates with its iconic image: white houses cascading down the cliff toward the ocean. The natural pool carved into the rock and the sweeping Atlantic view create a living postcard, unmissable for anyone travelling along this stretch of coastline.

Other possible extensions

Beyond these places, there are destinations easily combined with Ericeira: Sintra, with its palaces and romantic parks; Peniche, with its fortress and gateway to the Berlengas; and Óbidos, the medieval village whose walls and historic streets remain intact.

Each adds a different dimension to the journey, whether cultural, natural or gastronomic.

Exploring Ericeira and its surroundings is to understand how this territory forms a unique mosaic — the sea in dialogue with the hills, rural life alongside monumental heritage, and tradition coexisting with the present.

Things to Do in Ericeira: Suggested Itinerarie

Ericeira can be experienced in many ways: as a quick one-day escape, a longer weekend break or a family trip with a gentler pace. These itineraries help organise the visit according to the time available and the profile of each traveller, revealing different ways to discover the essence of the village.

What to visit in Ericeira in 1 day

  • Historic Centre
  • Largo de São Sebastião
  • Praia dos Pescadores
  • Fort of Nossa Senhora da Natividade
  • Ribeira d’Ilhas
  • Viewpoints

Arriving early and immediately immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the historic centre is the best way to feel the village. The white streets lead towards Largo de São Sebastião, where the houses open out over the Atlantic. The morning can continue to Praia dos Pescadores, with the scent of fresh fish from the taverns reminding you that Ericeira’s identity is born from the sea.

Throughout the afternoon, the natural route leads to the Forte de Nossa Senhora da Natividade and then to Ribeira d’Ilhas, a global stage for surfing. The day ends at one of the viewpoints facing the ocean, when the sun slowly dips into the horizon and the village is covered in golden tones.

Weekend getaway

  • World Surfing Reserve
  • Local Market
  • Misericórdia Archive-Museum
  • Casa da Cultura Jaime Lobo e Silva
  • Lizandro Walkways
  • Santa Marta Park

With two days, there is time to explore the World Surfing Reserve across different beaches, but also to step into the cultural life of the village. The local market is a must-stop, followed by a visit to the Arquivo-Museu da Misericórdia or the Casa da Cultura Jaime Lobo e Silva.

By late afternoon, gastronomy completes the journey: tasting sea urchins when in season or sharing a steaming caldeirada at the table. The second day can be dedicated to slower experiences — walking along the Lizandro boardwalks, discovering Parque de Santa Marta and, if time allows, extending the route to Mafra or Aldeia da Mata Pequena, where rural calm contrasts with coastal energy.

Visiting with children

  • Praia da Foz do Lizandro
  • Santa Marta Park
  • Local Restauran

For families, Ericeira reveals itself at a gentler rhythm. Praia da Foz do Lizandro, wide and sheltered, is ideal for playing on the sand and enjoying unhurried swims. Along the boardwalks by the river, children run freely while adults take in the scenery.

Parque de Santa Marta is another perfect space for an outdoor pause, with shade, picnic tables and views over the sea. At the table, family-friendly restaurants offer simple grilled fish and dishes suited to younger visitors while preserving the authenticity of local cuisine. In this way, visiting Ericeira with children becomes a balanced experience — time at the beach, moments of culture and meals that please everyone.

Best time to visit Ericeira

In summer, Ericeira reveals itself at its fullest. The beaches buzz with movement, surfers compete for waves and the streets fill with travellers from every corner of the world. The warmth stretches the days, and each sunset at the viewpoints feels like a shared celebration. It is the perfect season to feel the village’s vibrant energy, even if the rhythm becomes more hurried as people search for space along the sand.

When autumn arrives, the village shifts its cadence. The sea takes on deeper tones, the wind grows stronger and restaurants welcome those seeking shelter and comforting cuisine. It is the season of sea urchins and steaming caldeiradas, but also of local festivities and surf-related events that keep the village alive, even with fewer visitors.

In winter, Ericeira becomes more intimate. The streets grow quieter, and walking through the historic centre beneath a grey sky feels almost exclusive. On rainy days, the experience moves indoors: visiting the covered market, exploring the Arquivo-Museu da Misericórdia or simply choosing a restaurant and lingering through the afternoon with fresh fish dishes and regional wine.

Spring marks the return of clear light and long days without the pressure of crowds. It may be the most balanced season for those seeking calm while already enjoying time by the sea.

In every season, however, what to visit in Ericeira reveals itself differently: intense in summer, contemplative in winter, gastronomic in autumn and inspiring in spring.

Summary:

  • Summer — ideal for beaches and surf, with a vibrant atmosphere and long days.
  • Autumn — quieter, highlighted by gastronomy (sea urchins, caldeiradas) and local events.
  • Winter — intimate atmosphere, perfect for exploring the historic centre, museums and restaurants on rainy days.
  • Spring — a balance between calm and clear light, ideal for walks and the first visits to the beach.

Each season offers a different way of experiencing Ericeira, from the effervescent warmth of summer to the serenity of winter.

Conclusion: where the sea meets the soul of an authentic village

Ericeira is shaped by tides and tradition. It is the sound of waves that never repeat in the same way, the fresh fish that reaches the table still carrying the salt of the Atlantic, and the narrow streets where every blue-and-white façade holds a story.

Between Lisbon and the open ocean, the village remains authentic. A place where surfers cross paths with fishermen, where the faith of chapels coexists with the modernity of surfboards, and where time is measured both by the rising tide and by sunsets at the viewpoints.

Visiting Ericeira means taking away more than memories of beaches or seafood dishes. It is about feeling the essence of a Portugal that knows how to preserve its character, even when the world arrives in waves of visitors.

And the journey does not end here. Just a few kilometres away await the Palácio Nacional de Mafra, traditional villages such as Aldeia da Mata Pequena and Aldeia José Franco, as well as the unique landscapes of Azenhas do Mar and Sintra. Each extension adds new layers to this cultural and natural mosaic.

In the end, Ericeira is that promise: a sea that never ceases, a tradition that endures and an authenticity discovered only by walking slowly through its streets.

Explore more destinations in Portugal

From coastal towns to quiet villages and mountain landscapes, explore travel guides organised by region and continue your journey through Portugal at your own pace.

Ericeira image gallery

The memory of Ericeira is not preserved only in words. It lives in white-paved streets where late afternoon light settles over blue façades; on beaches where boats and surfboards share the same stretch of sand; in markets where fresh fish glistens over ice; and in the steaming dishes that arrive at the table carrying the unmistakable flavour of the Atlantic.

This gallery gathers moments that attempt to capture that essence: the simple and authentic daily life of the village, viewpoints opening toward the sea, the surf that projected it onto the world stage and the gastronomic details that make it unforgettable. Each image is a fragment of the experience of what to visit in Ericeira, shaped by the cadence of the tides and the rhythm of the streets.

It is an invitation to wander through the village with your eyes before discovering it with your steps, guided by a gaze that finds beauty both in vast waves and in the hidden detail of an old doorway.

Things to Do in Ericeira – Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a trip always brings practical questions. To make things easier, we have gathered here some of the most common questions about what to visit in Ericeira, with clear and useful answers to help you prepare your experience with greater peace of mind.

  1. What to visit in Ericeira in 1 day?

    In just one day, it is possible to explore the historic centre, the Igreja de São Pedro, the Forte de Nossa Senhora da Natividade and Praia dos Pescadores. The afternoon can be dedicated to Ribeira d’Ilhas, an icon of world surfing, and to watching the sunset from a viewpoint overlooking the Atlantic.

  2. What to visit near Ericeira?

    Just a few kilometres away lie the Palácio Nacional de Mafra, Aldeia da Mata Pequena and Aldeia José Franco. Further south, Azenhas do Mar and Sintra are natural extensions of the journey, while to the north Peniche and Óbidos complete wider itineraries.

  3. What to do in Ericeira with children?

    The beaches of Foz do Lizandro and São Julião offer wide, safe stretches of sand, ideal for families. Parque de Santa Marta is another peaceful option, with green spaces and picnic tables. Local restaurants easily adapt dishes for younger visitors.

  4. What is the best beach in Ericeira?

    Depende do que se procura: a Praia dos Pescadores é central e familiar, a Ribeira d’Ilhas é imperdível para o surf e a Praia do Sul convida a longos passeios. Já a Foz do Lizandro combina rio e mar, sendo uma das mais versáteis da região.

  5. Where to eat in Ericeira?

    The village is known for fresh fish and seafood. Restaurants such as Jangada, Ti Matilde or Esplanada Furnas offer experiences that range from traditional to contemporary, always with the Atlantic as a backdrop.

  6. What are the inhabitants of Ericeira called?

    The inhabitants of the village are known as ericeirenses. The term is used both in everyday language and in historical records, expressing the pride of belonging to a land deeply connected to the sea.

Share your experience… inspire others to discover Ericeira

Did you feel the scent of salt drifting through the cobbled streets, the rumble of waves at Ribeira d’Ilhas, or the movement of boats at Praia dos Pescadores? Every detail of your visit can be more than a memory — it can inspire other travellers to discover this unique village, where fishing tradition and surf culture live side by side.

Tell us in the comments how you experienced your time in Ericeira. Your perspective, simple or detailed, can become the reflection of a memory that deserves to be shared.

If this article awakened something in you, share it with those who seek authentic destinations in Portugal. Places that are not measured only by beaches or viewpoints, but also by flavours, stories and emotions.

Ericeira does not ask for haste. It asks for surrender to the sea and to its traditions

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Sofia

Autora de guias de viagem no Tapa ao Sal, partilha experiências autênticas pelos destinos de Portugal. Com mais de 180 artigos publicados, alia paixão pela gastronomia e cultura portuguesa a uma escrita detalhada e acompanhada de fotografia própria.

Artigos: 197

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