Ericeira
Bom dia!
Welcome to Portugals finest surf town! Delicious gastronomy where fish and seafood predominate the menus, a very relaxed ambiance, positive attitudes, and a continuous view of the deep blue Atlantic Ocean.
Portugal has many little surfing towns, but Ericeira stands out because of the city and its inhabitants. The locals and foreigners who reside in Ericeira clearly take pleasure in their city, because the streets are kept spotless and the shops are tastefully painted in white and blue.
While visiting Ericeira, expect to enjoy some breathtaking sunsets, a stunning coastline, positive surf vibes and peaceful yoga sessions. Many people fall in love with this place and make the decision to return and stay for a while longer on their travels around Portugal’s west coast.
Food
Toca do Caboz – is a restaurant where you receive your money’s worth! It’s incredibly alluring because they serve big seafood portions at an affordable price. Their menu is huge in variety, despite their focus on seafood, there is something on the menu for everyone. Also, don’t pass on the delicious dessert!
- Restaurante O Gafanhoto – Don’t go here for the Instagram likes. Just go for the delicious local food, the friendly service, the cosy atmosphere, massive portions and decent prices!
- Ribas Marisqueira – The town’s lovely family-run restaurant is called Ribas. The staff is incredibly friendly, the ambiance is wonderful, and they always treat you to a delicious meal. You’ll adore Ribas Marisqueira if you enjoy fresh seafood!
- Pizzeria Pão d’Alho– Cannot not put a pizza place in this list! Even though it’s busy most of the time, you’ll still receive your food quickly. In addition to making delicious pizza, Po d’Alho’s also offers delicious salads and pasta, so those are worth keeping in mind when placing your order.
- Sunset Bamboo – Very instagrammable, but also very delicious! And perfect for breakfast or lunch
Amour Soul Space – You can check out Amour if you’re searching for healthy, Asian-inspired. Delicious coffee is also made by them. It has a very laid-back atmosphere and is constantly crowded with young people who are hanging out, chatting or using their laptops. You’ll undoubtedly walk past it at some point because of its convenient location in the middle of the city. Who knows, perhaps the aroma of their coffee will draw you in from a distance!
Sleeps in Ericeira
They host cooking classes, yoga lessons. retreats and other fun activities. The family who runs it is super friendly and I would 10 out of 10 recommend staying here.
Where surfers and tight hamstrings go, Yoga follows!
Now… If there wasn’t a big yoga community in Ericeira, it couldn’t be a nomads valhalla, could it? There are many yoga studios and retreats dotted around Ericeira, but Sandhi House is one of the best locations to go if you’re serious about your practice.
Sandhi offers at least two yoga courses every day, excluding Sundays, with instructors from all over the world. The first class will be more intense, like Vinyasa Flow, whereas the second will be more relaxing, like Yin Yoga. If you’re fortunate enough to be staying at Sandhi House, these classes will be included in your stay and are ideal for yogis of all levels.
Best things to do in Ericeira
Take a Hike! Along the Atlantic coast.
Despite not being a hiking destination, Ericeira offers some lovely coastline strolls for casual amblers.
My favorite, and undoubtedly among the best things to do in Ericeira, is the excursion that begins at Foz do Lizandro beach and proceeds along the headland to Praia de So Julio. Even though it just takes 30 minutes one way, the trip offers a variety of landscapes and colors, all set to the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below.
It’s a brief stroll, but before beginning, be sure to check the tides because, during mid-high tide, a tiny pool of water will separate the beach from the rocky footpath. The worst-case situation, though, would just create wet ankles.
Walk through the charming streets of Ericeira
The peaceful fishing town that was originally Ericeira has grown significantly. It rapidly grew as more and more people learned about her attractiveness.
The village’s historical center, with its characteristic white buildings, cobblestone alleys (where cars shouldn’t pass but sadly do), and the countless details that show its soul and history in each corner, has managed to stay loyal to what it was.
Visit Praia da Ursa for a day trip
Amongst both travellers and photographers, Praia da Ursa is probably rated as one of the best places to visit in Ericeira.
Located at the very tip of the Sintra coast, Praia da Ursa’s lighthouse may be seen from Ericeira on a clear evening. Before you get to the lighthouse when arriving by car at Ursa, park in the first tiny parking lot on the right. Although this area is essentially a wasteland, it is the starting point of the beach trail and the busiest parking area. Just be aware that some cars have been broken into around here, so try not to leave anything of value in the car.
The distance to the beach from this parking lot is about 15 minutes, and there is only one trail to follow, making it impossible to get lost. The beach and the well-known rocky needle of Ursa, which is the most well-liked location for photographs, are visible about halfway down. Although it’s just as beautiful here as it is on the beach, on warmer days it would be simple to spend the entire day lounging around, swimming, and shooting pictures—especially around sunset.
