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Things to do in Ericeira
A quick overview
What to do? Discover the stunning surf town Ericeira. Enjoy yoga, nature hikes, massages, healthy food, surfing, and other wellness options.
Costs? From € 4.50 per person.
Where? Ericeira is located 50 kilometres from Lisbon. By car, it´s a 40-minute drive.
Worth it? If you like coastal towns? Yes!
Lisbon to Ericeira: A local guide to Portugals favourite surf town
The drive from Lisbon to Ericeira is pretty short, and you will pass through enchanting landscapes and delightful villages if you avoid the motorway. You can even drive through Sintra or along the Atlantic coastline for some breathtaking views along the way! Ericeira, a World Surfing Reserve, boasts incredible surf spots, tempting you to catch some waves or simply lounge on its pristine beaches. But there is more to do!
While exploring Ericeira, you’ll discover the rich culture and vibrant lifestyle that complement the natural beauty around you. The town’s narrow streets are lined with charming whitewashed houses and blue accents. The fresh ocean breeze, delicious seafood, and laid-back atmosphere promise an unforgettable experience on your Lisbon to Ericeira adventure. Let’s discover all the sights and activities to do in Ericeira. But first, how do we get there?
Getting from Lisbon to Ericeira by bus
To get from Lisbon to Ericeira by bus, you can take the Carris Metropolitana bus service (this used to be Mafrense), which departs from Campo Grande bus station in Lisbon. Buses run approximately every hour, with the first bus typically leaving around 6 AM and the last around 11.30 PM. Sintra is located between Lisbon and Ericeira, and there are buses from Portela de Sintra as well. Please note that the timetable may change, so it’s always best to check directly with the bus company for the most up-to-date information. You can check the bus times here. Type in Ericeira at “selecionar linha” and locate the Lisboa A8 connection.
You can buy a bus ticket at the bus station or on the bus itself (cash only). The one-way fare is € 4.50 for adults, and you can bring a large piece of luggage with you on the bus. The journey takes approximately 45 to 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The bus station in Ericeira (Parque Intermodal da Ericeira) is located around 1,5 kilometres from the beach, and the road to the town centre is all downhill. You might want to grab an Uber or Bolt to get from the station to your accommodation.
How to get from Lisbon to Ericeira by car
If you prefer driving, getting from Lisbon to Ericeira by car is an easy and convenient option. Follow the A8 motorway northbound from Lisbon and then take the A21 towards Ericeira. The A8 is a toll road, and a standard-size car fee is € 3.05. The total distance is approximately 50 kilometres and should take around 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
To make your journey more comfortable, consider renting a car at one of Lisbon’s numerous car rental agencies, such as Avis, Hertz or Sixt. Prices vary depending on the car model and rental period, so comparing rates with Discover Cars and booking in advance is best. When you rent a car, add the Via Verde automatic road toll system to your rental to pass straight through the road tolls. You’ll receive a total bill later from the car rental company. For more information about renting cars in Portugal, click here.
Whether you choose to travel by bus or car, your journey from Lisbon to Ericeira will provide you with beautiful scenery and a smooth driving experience. You also have the option to avoid the toll roads and opt for a more scenic drive. The journey will take over one hour, but you might come across some places you’d like to visit on the way. You can stop at a palace in Sintra, stop at Cabo da Roca, and take the coastal route. Visit beaches like Praia da Ursa, Praia da Adraga, and Praia da Magoito or the beautiful viewpoint at Azenhas do Mar.
While in Ericeira, you’ll find public car parks as well as street parking. Some car parks charge a fee, while others are free of charge. It’s essential to pay attention to the parking signs and comply with local regulations to avoid fines.
Lisbon to Ericeira by taxi
Uber and Bolt offer rides between Lisbon and Ericeira as well. Typically, Bolt is a bit cheaper, and you can expect to pay between € 30,00 to € 40,00 for a oneway trip to the coastal town. Uber will cost a bit more, probably in the range of € 35,00 to € 50,00.
Things to do in Ericeira
Discover the Old Town
As you stroll through the charming old town of Ericeira, you’ll notice its rich history and unique character. Explore the narrow, cobbled streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses and colourful fishing boats. There are few sights in Ericeira, but there are definitely some beautiful buildings to discover. Some of the highlights include:
✓ Ermida de São Sebastião
✓ Igreja de São Pedro
✓ Junta de Freguesia da Ericeira (Ericeira Parish Council)
✓ Igreja da Misericórdia
✓ Miradouro Praia dos Pescadores
✓ Forte de Nossa Senhora da Natividade
✓ Igreja de Santa Marta
Beaches in Ericeira
Most people travel to Ericeira for the beaches, which are known for their stunning beauty and world-class surf conditions. Some popular spots include:
✓ Praia dos Pescadores: This bustling beach (it means Fishermen’s Beach) is perfect for sunbathing, people-watching, and taking a refreshing dip.
✓ Praia do Norte: Popular for watersports and sunbathing. It’s right in the centre of town!
✓ Praia de São Sebastião: A rather wild beach and suitable for surfing.
✓ Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas: Renowned for its excellent surf, this beach attracts surfers from around the globe. Even if you’re not an avid surfer, the picturesque scenery is worth a visit.
✓ Praia da Baleia: Baleia means whale, and from this beach, you have an iconic view of Hotel Vila Galé Ericeira.
✓ Praia do Sul: Praia da Baleia leads to Praia do Sul and is a more tranquil option; this beach is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
✓ Praia da Foz do Lizandro: a large beach which offers more tranquillity and nature. There are several restaurants and beach bars, and children can safely play near the Rio Lizandro River.
✓ Praia do Matadouro: A pretty cosy beach, but rocky. Favourite with surfers and locals.
To travel between the beautiful beaches in Ericeira, you can jump onto the Ericeira Beach Bus! This bus offers transport between the shores of Foz do Lizando and Ribeira d’Ilhas. The service runs continuously from 9.10 AM to 8.10 PM, departing and arriving at the new Intermodal Park in Ericeira, passing by each beach every half hour. There is even a trailer for placing surfboards! The Ericeira Beach Bus only operates in summer, so be sure to check the current timetable and dates of service. A ticket for the Ericeira Beach Bus costs only € 1,00 per ride.
Viewpoints in Ericeira
Ericeira offers a few breathtaking viewpoints that you shouldn’t miss:
✓ Miradouro Sala das Visitas (Miradouro da Vila Gale): located just outside the centre with a stunning view over Hotel Vila Galé Ericeira and Praia do Sul. Around 1 kilometre (0.62 miles) from the centre.
✓ Miradouro Ribeira d’Ilhas: a stunning view over a famous surf beach. Around 2.6 kilometres (1.61 miles) from the centre.
✓ Miradouro Forte da Ericeira: a viewpoint in the centre overlooking Praia dos Pescadores.
✓ Miradouro de São Sebastião: breathtaking views over Praia de São Sebastião.
Surfing and Wellness in Ericeira
Ericeira is home to several surf camps where you can learn and practice your surfing skills. Some highly recommended surf camps are Rapture Surf Camp and Lapoint Surf Camp. These camps offer packages catering to different skill levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. You can enhance your skills with professional instructors and immerse yourself in the surfing community. Another great option is the All-Women’s Relaxing Surf and Yoga Holiday hosted by The Salty Pelican. The 4-day package includes meditation, surfing, and unlimited yoga classes! On top, you’ll even enjoy a 45-minute relaxing massage. Here are some great surf camps in Ericeira:
✓ 7-Day Intensive Surf Coaching by Hostel & Surfcamp 55
✓ 4-Day Beginner and Intermediate Intensive Surf Coaching by Hostel & Surfcamp 55
✓ 8-Day Amazing Surfing and Yoga Retreat by Omassim
✓ 10-Day Intensive Surf Coaching by Hostel & Surfcamp 55
✓ 7-Day Surf and Yoga, Relax and Good Vibes by ArtHouse Yoga Surf
✓ 6-Day Amazing Surfing and Yoga Holiday by Moka
Tip: For the full guide to amazing surf camps in Portugal, click here!
Surf Shops in Ericeira
When visiting Ericeira, you’ll find a range of surf shops to get everything you need for your surfing experience. Some popular options include Magic Quiver and 58 Surf Shop. Stock up on your surf essentials like wetsuits, boards, and accessories. Some shops also provide surfboard rentals. The knowledgeable staff will happily advise on the best spots to catch a wave. Other surf shops in Ericeira are:
✓ Ericeira Surf
✓ Wavegliders
✓ Ericeira Surf & Skate
✓ Billabong
✓ Rip Curl
✓ Mothersurf
✓ Liquid Earth Adventures
✓ Boardculture Store
✓ Jobsite Surfboard Shop
Yoga in Ericeira
Aside from surfing, Ericeira is also a wellness destination for yoga enthusiasts. Several yoga studios and retreats, such as The Salty Pelican and OmAssim, are available. These studios offer diverse classes, from beginners to advanced, and different styles of yoga. Sandhi House is one of Ericeira’s most popular Yoga retreat locations; you’ll even enjoy an ocean view! Sandhi House also has five guest rooms, and they offer regular retreats. While staying in Ericeira, you can balance your surfing experience with rejuvenating yoga sessions, enjoying the perfect blend of excitement, relaxation, and wellness. Here are some favourite yoga retreats in Ericeira:
✓ 8-Day Relax and Recharge Meditation and Yoga Retreat by Omassim
✓ 4-Day the Yoga of Eating: Garden-to-Table Regenerative Retreat by Zee Barn
✓ 4-Day Relaxing Surf and Yoga Holiday by Salty Pelican
✓ 4-Day All-Women’s Relaxing Yoga, Meditation, & Massage Holiday by The Salty Pelican
✓ 7-Day of Meditation, Sound Healing, Mantra and Yoga by Almashala
Are you travelling elsewhere in Portugal? Throughout the country, you’ll discover yoga experiences and wellness retreats. Check out the orange clickable links for more information.
Restaurants in Ericeira
During your visit to Ericeira, you’ll find many delightful dining options. But before you join the dinner table, enjoy a drink at Balagan and watch the sun go down! They also serve Mediterranean lunch and dinner options.
In this picturesque coastal town, local seafood is a must-try. Head to Mar à Vista for an exquisite seafront dining experience, where you can savour fresh fish and shellfish dishes. Another popular restaurant is Tik Tapas, offering a range of Portuguese tapas to share with friends and family. Other favourites are:
✓ Dear Rose Café: Slow Comfort Food with coffee, sandwiches and healthy options
✓ Tiki Healthy Food Cave: Vegetarian restaurant
✓ GiG – Green is Good: Healthy foods and many vegetarian and vegan options
✓ Poké Bowl Ericeira: Build your own Poké Bowl with your favourite toppings
✓ PRIM: Traditional Portuguese cuisine with plenty of seafood, meat and vegetarian salads
✓ Cervejaria A Bica: located in Barril, just north of Ericeira
✓ O Gafanhoto: Traditional Portuguese cuisine
Enjoy a € 20,00 discount on your next meal! Reserve your table with the code 8362E39E on TheFork.
Things to do around Ericeira
Since you’re in Ericeira, take the opportunity to visit the nearby Palacio de Mafra. This magnificent 18th-century palace is a true architectural gem, boasting a mix of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Italian styles. Discover the impressive library, home to over 36,000 books and see all the stunning rooms of the palace.
A trip to Sintra is a must for anyone travelling to Portugal. Favourite palaces are Palacio de Pena and Quinta da Regaleira. These places do get busy, so booking in advance is recommended. Biester Palace, Parque e Palácio de Monserrate and Convento dos Capuchos are fantastic if you’re looking for a quiet place.
Other towns within reach of Ericeira are Óbidos, Peniche, and Lisbon. Do you prefer a lazy beach day? The Atlantic Coast has much on offer! You can visit beaches such as Praia Grande, Praia das Maçãs, Praia da Vigia, and Praia da Calada. And Aldeia da Mata Pequena is the perfect retreat in the Portuguese countryside!
Hotels in Ericeira
Ericeira offers various accommodation options to suit your needs and preferences. For a luxurious stay, consider booking a room at Ericeira Soul Guesthouse. This stylish hotel features sustainable accommodations with scenic sea views and a pool. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, the Coworksurf – Villa dos Irmãos is a fantastic choice, catering to surfers and remote workers alike.
With these recommendations, you can find the perfect accommodation options for your memorable trip from Lisbon to Ericeira. Check the below map for all hotels and accommodations in Ericeira.
Coliving in Ericeira
Ericeira has become a famous beach town with digital nomads and slow travellers. Thankfully there are many places where you’ll find a community and where there are coliving opportunities. One of the most known places is Selina, a stunning place where you can feel at home within a heartbeat! It is, however, a hostel chain, meaning it might be hard to get some work done and concentrate, especially during the high season.
The coliving coworking chain Outsite is another excellent option. The rooms are beautiful, and the central location is perfect if you want to be close to all hustle and bustle. From the surf lodge, you’ll enjoy ocean views, and ten private rooms are available, all with private bathrooms. If you need to get some work done, you can use the workspace filled with daylight. Sunago is also a place that offers coliving with a separate workspace. They’re located a bit outside the centre, so perfect if you prefer a quiet location and nature. During the summer months, you can book dormitory beds, and private rooms are available from September onwards.
Coworking in Ericeira
If you need to work between surfing and sunbathing, there are also plenty of coworking spaces in Ericeira. Salt Studios is a popular option located in the old town of Ericeira. It’s a small coworking space with comfortable office chairs and desks. You can rent a desk for a day, a week, a month and even 90 days.
The Base Coworking is another option as it is centrally located near the beach. The kitchen boasts several complimentary amenities for members and offers several pricing options. There are lounge options for working, but also dedicated desks and private suites. Other coworking spots are Kelp Coworking and the Ericeira Business Factory.
Conclusion
Ericeira’s claim to fame lies in its world-class waves, earning it the prestigious title of World Surfing Reserve. And if you want to surf (or learn how to), Ericeira is a fantastic destination in Portugal. But there is so much more to do in this coastal town! Although you won’t be checking off famous sights, you will enjoy a chill time in this quaint surf town. Whether you seek inner peace through mindfulness practices, rejuvenate with spa treatments and yoga, or wish to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty, Ericeira provides the perfect setting for holistic well-being. Enjoy a hike along the coast, visit a beach or make a day trip to nearby towns. Have fun!
11 Responses
Can’t decide whether I would spend my time learning how to surf or hopping around all the beautiful beaches! Look like such a lovely destination to visit😍
Maybe both!? It sure is a lovely spot!
Ericeira looks stunning, I’ve definitely added it to my list. Thanks for sharing all of these great tips and information.
Anytime Ashley, I hope you get to visit!
In all the times we have visited Lisbon, we have not yet discovered Ericeira. A 40 minute drive would be great to see this lovely beach town. It looks like a lovely town to wander. And we do love to watch surfers in action! Great to know we can park the car and visit different beaches on the beach bus!
Sounds like a plan for your next trip to Portugal 🙂
Portugal is on my bucket list so I’m saving everything I can now to prepare for when it’s time to start planning my trip. Thank you so much for these great tips. I love the beach so this will be helpful.
Ooooooh I hope you can start planning soon 🙂
Never heard of Ericeira, such a pretty place.
Great adventure to surf here..
Fully agree! I can´t surf, but if I would take classes, it would probably be here.
I still remember the beautiful beaches of Ericiera. It was a great experience being there.