Located about 35 km northwest of Lisbon, Ericeira is a charming seaside village.
If you have no idea how to start your tour, check our guide of the top 8 things you must do when staying in Ericeira.
1. Surfing
And don't worry if you have no surfing skills. This sea village is the best
place to start. You just need to search for one of the many local surfschools in Ericeira.
2. Discover the beaches
You can spend the day sunbathing, swimming or simply relaxing while watching the amazing blue sea.
Most beaches are equipped with bars and esplanades, where
you can get a fresh drink or taste some of the amazing Ericeira’s typical seafood, such
as shrimps and clamps.
3. Explore the village
The village is not far away from the beaches, so you can easily take a
break on the tanning session to explore Ericeira’s narrow streets and charming
houses by foot.
Get lost in the several local markets where you can find fresh produce,
artisanal goods, and traditional handicrafts.
The Municipal Market is a great place to shop for fresh fish,
vegetables, and fruits.
It's almost mandatory to discover the local
pastry shops. Make sure you don’t miss the “ouriços” (which means sea urchins),
a famous local sweet whose original receipt is a well-kept secret. All that is
known is some of the basic ingredients, such as eggs, sugar and almond.
While touring around the village, visit the Santa Marta Park, a great
place to take a walk, enjoy the greenery and views of the ocean. There you can
also find a skate park, playgrounds, and exercise equipment.
The Municipal Museum is also a great place to visit. Located in a
restored 19th-century building, it features exhibits about the history and
culture of Ericeira, including traditional fishing practices, local
handicrafts, and archaeological finds.
There are several bike tours available in and around Ericeira, that will
take you through scenic routes and give you the opportunity to explore the
countryside and small villages in the area.
For example, you can ride to São Lourenço Fort, a 17th-century fortress
that offers stunning views of the coast. This is a great place to explore and
learn more about the region's history.
4. Enjoy the food and drink
There are plenty of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy fresh seafood,
such as octopus’ salad, clams, and shrimps. Don’t miss also the fresh grilled
fish or the seafood rice. Delicious!
5. Take a boat tour
6. Visit Ericeira World Surfing Reserve
Ericeira was the first European location to be named a World Surfing Reserve. This is an important recognition of the area's unique surfing culture and the quality of its waves.
If you are interested in finding out more about what makes this place so
special at the point of getting the title of “reserve”, you can explore the Reserve's
Interpretation Centre. Here you will learn more about the history and culture
of surfing in Ericeira.
7. Attend a cultural event or enjoy the nightlife
Make sure you don’t miss the Craft Fair (Feira de Artesanato, in
Portuguese), which is the best place to find handmade gifts and souvenirs. It
occurs once a month at the São Sebestião Park and it’s called A.ti.tudo.
And if you are a fan of the nightlife, Ericeira has the vibrant scene
you are looking for, with several bars and clubs that stay open late. You don’t
want to miss the live music, DJs, and variety of drinks and cocktails that bars
and discos have to offer you.
8. Go on a wine tour
One of the things to do in Ericeira is to go on a wine tour. The village
is located in the heart of the Lisbon wine region, which produces some of
Portugal's best wines. So don’t miss the opportunity to explore the vineyards,
taste the local wines, and learn about the winemaking process.