Ericeira’s Top 10 Must-Do Experiences

Ericeira is het surfmekka van Portugal, maar er is natuurlijk nog veel meer te beleven. ER is altijd wel een feestje, je kan heerlijk slenteren door de stad of juist genieten van een dagje rust op het strand. Bekijk snel onze favoriete to do’s in Ericeira.

#1 Stroll through the old center of Ericeira and indulge in local cuisine

The center of Ericeira is cozy, charming, and packed with great hotspots and shops. It’s no wonder this place is so popular, yet the town doesn’t feel crowded at all. There’s a delightful atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to spend an entire day leisurely. You can easily pass the time hopping from terrace to beach bar and savoring specialty beers. If you’re looking for something different to do, we have a few more great tips for you.

#2 Surfing in Ericeira

Ericeira breathes surfing! Everything revolves around catching the perfect wave here. You’ll find numerous surf schools in the town, and practically every beach offers surfboard rentals. It’s not without reason as the surfing conditions in Ericeira are perfect for every skill level! Never stood on a surfboard? No problem! You can book a lesson for a day to see if it’s your thing.

In Ericeira, you’ll find a total of 8 km of surf beaches catering to every level. Here are the main surf beaches:

• Foz do Lizandro – Beginners
• Sao Juliao – Beginners
• Ribeira d’Ilhas – Experienced surfers
• Coxos – Pro surfers only
• Pedra Branca – Intermediate
• Backdoor – Intermediate
• Reef – Intermediate
• Cave – Intermediate
• Crazy Left – Intermediate

#3 Explore the most beautiful beaches of Ericeira

When in Ericeira, you’re bound to encounter stunning beaches. There are secluded ones, rocky ones, surfing havens, lively ones, and tranquil ones – catering to everyone’s preferences. If you’re a surfer, you’re in heaven. This is Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, signifying its status as a protected surfing area. Most beaches boast the Blue Flag, ensuring hygiene and safety.

• Praia dos Pescadores: Town beach of Ericeira
• Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas: Ericeira’s surfing beach
• Praia da Foz do Lizandro: Our favorite, beautiful beach, easily accessible, and charming eateries
• Beach Praia de Sao Sebastiao: Small but delightful
• Praia do Sul: Perfect for sunset views
• Praia do Norte: Ericeira’s second town beach. Slightly smaller.
• Praia de São Lourenço: The northernmost beach of Ericeira. Very popular among surfers.

#4 Put on your hiking shoes and go hiking

There are various hiking trails along the coast of Ericeira. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and follow the marked paths on top of the cliffs along the coast. Take your time and relish the most spectacular views.

#5 Yoga

Where there’s surfing, there are always yoga studios. In Ericeira, you’ll find over 30 yoga studios in total. If you fancy a yoga class, you have plenty of choices. The area also offers numerous yoga retreats.

#5 Visit Lisbon

In just 40 minutes, you can be right in the heart of Lisbon. So, if you have the time, visiting the capital of Portugal is a must. We ended up leaving the bus in Ericeira and spent a few days in Lisbon. The capital of Portugal is trendy, charming, diverse, budget-friendly, youthful, and there’s always something happening. What more could you ask for?

#6 Visit the magical Sintra

In no time, you’ll also find yourself in the magical Sintra. This town seems to come straight out of a fairy tale. From beautiful gardens to the most extraordinary palaces, Portuguese azulejos, and impressive mansions, you’ll truly be amazed here.

Also, fun things to do:

• Visit the village of José Franco
• Admire the gigantic waves in Nazaré
• Visit the cozy village of Obidos