Ericeira, Portugal – January 2024. The inviting hum of the waves is the first thing that greets us. We step off the local bus, having just travelled an hour from Lisbon to this seaside town on Portugal’s coast. The cobblestone streets make up a charming maze, and the blue-and-white limewashed houses almost make you feel like you’ve landed in Greece. Even though it’s January and the Atlantic is too chilly for swimming, surfers are still out chasing the perfect wave. There are plenty of them here – after all, we’ve just arrived in Ericeira, Europe’s surfing capital. I know right away that this place is perfect. Laid-back, traditional, bohemian. More than I could have imagined.
Ericeira – Things to See and Do
Two weeks was just the right amount of time to dive into the town’s tranquil pace of life. It’s enough time to settle into a routine and explore everything this small town has to offer. While there aren’t any major tourist attractions, the natural beauty, the sea, the beaches, and the old town centre are more than enough. Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that offer the greatest experiences.
Here are some of the things you can do in town:
Surfing
This is the ultimate place to surf in Europe. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, you’ll find beaches with waves suited to your level. Ericeira is also home to several surf schools that guide beginners through the basics of surfing. In the town centre, you’ll find plenty of surf shops and stores specializing in surf-inspired fashion, like Billabong and Ericeira Surf & Skate. Surfer, digital nomad, and van life communities give the town a laid-back, bohemian vibe. There’s a special energy here, a perfect vibe.
Explore the Old Town Center
Ericeira’s town centre is surprisingly lively for its size. Almost all the buildings are whitewashed with striking blue details. In the shops, you’ll find lovely boutiques selling home decor, clothes, and jewellery, along with a few international chain stores.
The restaurant scene is impressive, offering everything from traditional Portuguese dishes to healthy smoothie bowls. Being so close to the sea, you’ll want to try the seafood, like grilled octopus. The café scene is also excellent. Be sure to try the town’s signature pastry, Ouriços, which you can get at the traditional Casa da Fernanda café.
Also, don’t miss a visit to the local market, located right in the old town centre.
Beaches
Ericeiran parasta kahvia Balaganissa
There’s more to Ericeira than just surfing. The beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the stunning views. Be sure to check out:
- Praia dos Pescadores: Close to the town centre, it’s perfect for a relaxing day. Beautiful sunsets and great for swimming.
- Praia de São Sebastião: Known for its dramatic rock formations and gorgeous sunsets. The waves can be intense in some spots.
- Praia da Baleia: Calmer waves, ideal for swimming. Nearby is the Balagan restaurant, which serves some of the best coffee I’ve had (5/5).
For more stunning sunsets, head to the Mar Das Latas restaurant.
Wellness for Body and Mind
Ericeira has plenty of spots if you’re looking for yoga, meditation, breathwork, or massages. I attended a single yoga class at Sandhi House (around €20). Some yoga studios also offer accommodation, where morning and evening yoga classes are included in the price. I also tried a massage at Ericeira Life Center, which I can highly recommend!
Outside of Ericeira
We took a day trip from Ericeira to Sintra, which Lord Byron once described as the most beautiful town in the world. That wasn’t an exaggeration – it’s a breathtakingly stunning place. I’ll write a separate blog post about it. It’s also worth visiting Mafra, where you’ll find the National Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which many people rave about.
Our Accommodation in Ericeira
We stayed at Villa Norte Townhouse, which we rented through Airbnb. The location was fantastic, close to the old town, a large grocery store, and the beaches. The apartment was spotless and, at least in January, wonderfully peaceful. Our host was American-Portuguese and spoke perfect English, of course.
The apartment also had a shared outdoor terrace and a lovely outdoor fireplace for grilling. All in all, our two weeks here flew by.
If we decide to escape the winter in Portugal again next year, what other small towns would you recommend we visit?
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