If you’re looking to discover Ericeira, you’re in the right place. This fishing town on Portugal’s west coast has managed to hold onto its small-town charm while becoming one of Europe’s most talked-about surf destinations. But it isn’t just about waves. Ericeira is the kind of place where cobbled streets meet Atlantic views, seafood is always on the table, and there’s a rhythm to life that’s hard not to like.
Where is Ericeira and how to get there
You’ll find Ericeira Portugal about 50 km northwest of Lisbon, which makes it easy to reach whether you’re flying in or already travelling around the country. By car, the trip takes around 40 minutes on the A8 and A21 motorways. Buses also run regularly from Lisbon’s Campo Grande station, taking about an hour depending on traffic.
Its location on the Atlantic coast means you get dramatic scenery, big skies, a fresh ocean breeze and those endless ocean views. Close enough to the capital for a day trip, but far enough to feel like its own world.
Why Ericeira is a surf hotspot
Here’s the headline: Ericeira is Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve. That’s why people talk about Ericeira surf the way they do. The coastline here stretches for about 8 km, with a concentration of point, reef, and beach breaks that suit everyone from beginners to professionals.
Ribeira d’Ilhas is one of the most famous spots, regularly hosting the EDP Ericeira Pro event by the World Surf League (WSL). Coxos is located at the north side of the Baia dos Dois Irmaos and is the wave that pros chase. It’s the perfect right point break that’s powerful and unforgiving but world-class if you’ve got the skill. Beginners, on the other hand, often head to Foz do Lizandro, which has easier waves and surf schools lined up along the sand.
The conditions are consistent, with Atlantic swells rolling in most of the year, which is why Portugal Ericeira has become shorthand for quality surfing in Europe.
What to do besides surfing
Ericeira isn’t a one-trick town. If you don’t surf, or just want to give your shoulders a break from paddling, there’s plenty else to keep you busy.
Stroll through the old town and you’ll find narrow lanes lined with whitewashed houses and blue trim. Praça da República is where the cafés and bakeries spill out onto the square, a good place to sit with a coffee and people-watch.
The coastline offers more than surf. Clifftop walks give you wide-open views of the Atlantic, especially around Praia de São Sebastião. Further inland, the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, once a royal hunting ground, is now a nature reserve with wild deer, boar, and hiking trails.
For history, Mafra Palace is only 10 km away. It’s a colossal 18th-century baroque building with a library that looks straight out of a film set. If you prefer a slower day, there’s always the beach. Even without a surfboard, the sandy stretches here are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply doing very little.
And then there’s golf. While Ericeira itself is better known for waves than fairways, you’re within easy reach of some excellent courses. The West Cliffs Golf Links, an hour’s drive north along the coast, offers dramatic ocean views alongside challenging holes, while Lisbon Sports Club provides a more traditional parkland setting just over half an hour away. Portugal’s golf scene has a strong reputation, and Ericeira puts you in striking distance of several options. If golf is part of your holiday plan, take a look at our guide to golf holidays in Portugal for more inspiration.
When to visit
The best time to discover Ericeira depends on what you want from the trip. For surfing, autumn and winter bring the biggest swells. Summer offers smaller, more manageable waves, so it’s better for beginners.
Weather-wise, summer is hot but not unbearable thanks to the Atlantic breeze. July and August are busiest, with lively streets and packed beaches. Visit in spring or early autumn if you’d rather avoid the crowds but still enjoy warm weather. Winter is cooler, with average highs around 15°C, but you’ll have the place mostly to yourself and the waves are at their best.
Best places to eat and stay
Seafood dominates the menus here, and it should — the local fishing fleet brings in fresh catches daily. Look out for polvo à lagareiro (octopus), grilled sardines, and seafood rice. Marisqueira Ribas is a long-standing favourite for shellfish, while Tik Tapas is known for its casual sharing plates.
When it comes to where you sleep, you’ve got options. Boutique hotels and guesthouses line the centre, but for more privacy and comfort, villas are the way to go. This is where Allure Villas steps in. Their properties range from sleek modern builds to spacious homes with pools, giving you the choice between being close to the action or tucked away for peace and quiet. It’s the kind of base that makes coming back after a long beach day feel like part of the holiday.
Why Ericeira should be on your list
To discover Ericeira is to see a town that balances tradition with a modern surf culture. It’s close to Lisbon but feels completely different, a place where the Atlantic sets the pace. Surf, seafood, cobbled streets, and sunsets that pull people out to the cliffs every evening — Ericeira isn’t trying to be anything it’s not, which is part of the appeal.
If you’re planning a trip, you’ll want a comfortable base. Browse the wide range of Allure Villas offering spacious villas with private pools, stylish interiors, and everything you need for a relaxed stay. It’s easy to feel at home here, whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or just want the space to stretch out.
Ericeira may be known for surfing, but the draw goes beyond the waves. So, add it to your list — it’s the kind of place that makes a holiday feel easy.