9 Reasons Ericeira is Worth Visiting + 2 Reasons to Skip It

If you’re planning a trip to coastal Portugal, you’ve probably come across mentions of a charming surfers’ haven called Ericeira, and you might be wondering if it’s worth a stop. 

Having visited a few times myself, I’m here to give you the real scoop so you can decide if it’s the right destination for you.

To truly determine if Ericeira is worth your time, it’s important to understand what makes this town unique and how it stands out from nearby spots.

Reasons Why You’ll Love Visiting Ericeira

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To sum up WHY I love visiting Ericeira: the food and the relaxed vibe. 

Everything to do in Ericeira revolves around eating and spending time at the sea. You can also surf if you are open to trying it! 

Discover the 9 reasons why visiting Ericeira is a fantastic choice—and consider the 2 that might make you think twice!

#1. The scenery is epic

Those picture-perfect rugged coastline views of Portugal can all be found in Ericeira. Talk about a place to catch the sunset. In the scenery department, Ericeira does not disappoint.

This tiny village of whitewashed cottages is perched up on the hill along the Atlantic Ocean. It offers incredible sea views and, depending on your location, the villages along the coast. 

#2. You won’t find a better place to learn how to surf. 

If you grew up watching Point Break, The Endless Summer, or even Blue Crush and dreamed of riding a surfboard, I recommend you come to Ericeira. 

There are several surf schools that offer lessons, and you can even join a surf camp if you have the time. 

A couple to consider are:

• 2 Hour Surf Lesson for Beginners
• 4-8 Hour Surf Lessons

#3. It’s a seafood lovers paradise

If you don’t eat seafood, you might not love Ericeira as much as I did. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find any alternatives to fish. 

There are a bunch of restaurants I can recommend for seafood lovers, especially:

• Mar das Latas (get reservations)
• La Popular Bistro (get reservations)
• Mar à Vista (strictly seafood)

Other restaurants I loved that aren’t seafood-specific are: 

• Balagan – Middle Eastern-inspired
• Pizzeria Pepe Verde Ericeira – Pizza

Click here to grab my Google Map of all my favorite restaurants in Ericeira!

Dishes You Want to Try In Ericeira

• Bacalhau à Brás: A delicious dish made with shredded salted cod, onions, thinly cut fried potatoes, and scrambled eggs, all mixed together and garnished with olives and parsley.
• Polvo à Lagareiro: Grilled octopus served with potatoes, olive oil, and garlic— a traditional Portuguese favorite.
• Arroz de Marisco: A rich and flavorful seafood rice dish, packed with fresh clams, shrimp, and other local seafood.
• Sardinhas Assadas: Grilled sardines, a staple of Portuguese cuisine, often served with a simple salad and boiled potatoes.
• Pastéis de Nata: A classic Portuguese custard tart, perfect for a sweet treat after a seafood feast.

#4. You’ll find cute boutiques

I am a sucker for unique locally made goods! Here in Ericeira, you can find a bunch of cool boutiques with handmade jewelry, eco-friendly clothing, and interior decor. 

For easy reference, I will describe my favorite shops in Ericeira in more detail, which you can read about here. 

#5. It’s less crowded than the Algarve

Have you ever been to the Algarve in the summer? When I say it’s crowded, you had better believe me! 

For small towns like Faro, Tavira, and Lagos, it almost feels like there are too many people! Ericeira still draws a crowd, but it is a fraction of the crowds you’ll find down in the Algarve. 

You’re also close to Azenhas do Mar, which is worth visiting!

#6. Authentic Portugese Vibes

You can feel the local energy in Ericera, mixed with a cross of surfing nomads. But overall, the shops and bars are run by friendly Portuguese people. 

The old town is preserved as it was when it was first established. There are no large chains or big box stores in the center, thank god 😉

#7. It’s a break from the heat + hustle & bustle of Lisbon

I should mention that I live in Lisbon, and while I love it, it’s too hot in the summer and quite busy, too busy for my liking. 

Ericeira is just 45 minutes away and offers more of an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

So, if you want a bit more space to breathe on your trip to Lisbon, I suggest sneaking away to Ericeira.

#8. You can see it all on a day trip

If you only have a day to visit Ericeira, you can easily make it a round trip and still feel fulfilled by experiencing everything this charming town has to offer. BUT, it’s only possible if you have a rental car.

Start your day early! Best around 9 AM, especially if you plan to enjoy the beach, take a surf lesson, and dine at one of the fantastic restaurants I recommend.

Be sure to catch the sunset and, if it’s Friday, enjoy the live music in the city center!

#9. It’s good for Kids

While I don’t travel with kids, if you do, you might want to put Ericeira on your list! 

The water is shallow, making it good for kids to swim. There are also beaches with lifeguards, which are an extra comfort for parents with small children. 

2 Reasons to Pass up on Ericeira

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#1. The weather could be less than ideal

Time for the hard truth about Ericeira. You might have to write this place off if you are not flexible with your weather expectations. 

It is truly one of the only places I have been where the weather seems to change in minutes. 

Ericeira experiences a microclimate. That means even if the weather is hot with clear blue skies in Lisbon, it could be raining and sweater weather in Ericeria. 

So my advice is to travel to Ericeira with the flexibility that the weather could disappoint. For a guaranteed good beach day from Lisbon, you could bet on Cascais vs Ericeira.

#2. You are looking for lots of historical sites

While Ericeira is an interesting place to explore, it is not filled with historical sites and museums that will take up a whole day. 

It would be best to visit Eriecia with the intention of eating, strolling around, and, weather permitting, hitting the beach. 

If you want a more action-packed day filled with sights, museums, and more, you should consider visiting either Cascais or Sintra. 

Museums & Sites of Ericeira

• Ericeira Municipal Museum (Museu Municipal de Ericeira)– Housed in the Casa de Cultura Jaime Lobo e Silva, this museum highlights Ericeira’s maritime history, fishing traditions, and local culture.
• Fort of Milreu (Forte de Milreu)– A 17th-century coastal defense fort offering panoramic views and insight into Ericeira’s military history.
• Santa Marta Chapel (Capela de Santa Marta)– An 18th-century chapel dedicated to Saint Martha, reflecting the religious heritage of Ericeira’s fishing community.

Best Way to Reach Ericeira from Lisbon or Porto

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From Lisbon

There are a couple of ways to get to Ericeira, but none of them involve taking a train. Your options are limited to, public bus, rental car or taking an Uber (is cheaper than you think). 

I go into great detail about the options you have to choose from when visiting Ericeria from Lisbon which you can read about here. 

From Porto

Getting to Ericeira from Porto is a bit more involved but still quite manageable. Here are the main options:

1. By Car:
   • Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
   • Details: Renting a car is the most convenient way if you prefer flexibility and the ability to make stops along the way. The drive is mostly on the A1 and A8 highways, offering scenic views as you head south toward Ericeira. This option also allows you to explore the beautiful coastline at your own pace.
2. By Bus:
   • Duration: 4 to 5 hours, including transfers.
   • Details: There isn’t a direct bus from Porto to Ericeira, so you’ll need to take a bus from Porto to Lisbon (either Sete Rios or Oriente bus stations) and then transfer to a bus heading to Ericeira. Rede Expressos offers frequent services between Porto and Lisbon, and then from Lisbon, you can catch the Mafrense bus to Ericeira.
3. By Train and Bus:
   • Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours.
   • Details: You can take a train from Porto’s Campanhã station to Lisbon’s Oriente or Santa Apolónia stations. From there, you’ll need to switch to the metro or take a taxi/Uber to one of Lisbon’s bus stations (Sete Rios or Campo Grande), where you can catch the Mafrense bus to Ericeira. This option is less convenient due to multiple transfers but might appeal to those who prefer traveling by train.

What you can expect to pay in Ericeira

Prices in Ericeira aren’t crazy expensive, but they aren’t considered cheap like some places I visited, like Catania, Italy. 

I was a bit surprised by the food prices in Ericeira. Accommodations are still relatively affordable, especially in the winter months! 

The sunbeds were nice and cheap! You can rent a sunbed in Ericeira for: 

Travel Tips for Visiting Ericeira

• Bring Cash or plan to withdraw cash, as most establishments don’t take credit cards. 
• If you rent a car, do your best to get a small rental car as driving the narrow and tight streets of the old town is a nightmare! 
• Check the weather forecast– and check it again. Don’t be surprised if the weather looks great one day and despairing the next! 
• Download all the Portugal-specific travel apps! 

Still Unsure About Ericeira? Other Destinations to Consider

Time is precious when traveling, and you don’t want to choose the wrong destination. Luckily, there are a lot of places to visit from Lisbon, and you don’t even need a car!

So, if Ericeira doesn’t sound like a place that will blow your mind, then have a look at these options: 

• Lisbon to Obidos, a medieval village located just 1 hour from Lisbon! 
• Lisbon to Cascais, a popular beach town located just 40 minutes by direct train from Lisbon!
• Lisbon to Sintra- You can visit this magical fairytale town just 40 minutes from Lisbon by train!
• Lisbon to Faro day trip: while it is a 3-hour train ride each way, it is doable if you are willing to start early!