Ericeira
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ERICEIRA

Only 23 kilometres (14.5 mi) north of Sintra with regular bus services, the attractive coastal town of Ericeira makes a great excursion. Ericeira reinvented itself from being a fishing village and small port to an exciting tourist attraction. Unknown to mass tourism yet famous to surfers. MADABOUTSINTRA.COM is your indispensable guide to maximising your experience. Search our recommendations on where to stay, where to eat, places to visit and things to see. Book hotels with confidence when you take advantage of the free cancellation options. We also offer a selection of organised tours that can remove the effort from your trip or add a sense of adventure.

Ericeira overlooks a dramatic coastline comprising 30-metre-high cliffs and sandy coves. The town keeps much of its original charm and is a very picturesque town. The beaches here are superb and ideal for all members of the family. There's lots to see close by, such as Mafra and Sintra, making Ericeira an excellent base for a family holiday.

ERICEIRA TOWN

Ericeira, originally a fishing village

The town preserves its medieval layout of cobbled pedestrianised streets lined with white lime-washed houses adorned with traditional coloured door and window trims. The town's main artery is the Rua Dr Eduardo Burnay that joins the outskirts to the main square Praça da República. Lining the route is an abundance of eateries, bakeries (pastelarias), watering holes and surf shops.

The town is famed for its excellent seafood, and restaurants serve the catch of the day from Ericeira's working fishing port, Porto de Pesca. Legend has it the town's name derives from "ouriços do mar" which means sea urchin in Portuguese. The rewards from the sea can also be found at the Municipal Market at the northern edge of town that opens most days and where you can find other great local produce.

Yet alongside the traditional side of Ericeira, there is the hyper-cool surf community. Swanky bars and clubs attract partying weekenders from Lisbon and global wave jockeys who blend in seamlessly without demeaning the town's character. Ericeira is a town dedicated to the ocean in times past, as it continues to be today.

HISTORY OF ERICEIRA

Ericeira is an ancient town dating back to Phoenician traders who came here in the first millennium BC. It received its first royal charter in 1229 by the then Grand Master of the Order of Aviz, Dom Frei Ferdinand Rodrigues Monteiro, who thus established the County of Ericeira.

During the 19th century, Ericeira became a popular retreat for royalty accompanied by courtiers and Portugal's aristocracy. We can find their legacy in the various stately homes built here. The town also gained prosperity as a global port trading as far away as Brazil. The port's income switched from trade to fishing after the railway came. sanctury

Ericeira was also the spot from where Dom Manuel II - "The Unfortunate", Portugal's last King, fled to the United Kingdom on the 5th of October 1910 to escape an advancing Republican mob. With the assassination of his father and older brother fresh in his memory Manuel fled Portugal, sailed into exile and lived out the rest of his days in the south of London. A few decades later, Ericeira became a sanctuary for refugees fleeing Nazi persecution who later settled in the town.

Ericeira History

Rua Prudêncio Franco da Trindade - Ericeira

ERICEIRA, THE SURFING MECCA

Ericeira is a surfing mecca

Ericeira was awarded the title of Europe's first and only World Surf Reserve in February 2011, a preservation programme with a mission to protect vital environmental, cultural, economic and community attributes of surfing areas. This recognition has elevated Ericeira into the same ranks as the Gold Coast, Australia and Santa Cruz, California. As a result, Ericeira hosts world championships. Not all the beaches here are for professional surfers. A diversity of waves and conditions suit all levels of competence and types of boards. Ericeira has twelve beaches suitable for surfing, with rental shops and surf schools at hand.
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TOP TOURS


Ericeira And Mafra Amazing West Coast Tour

Ericeira And Mafra Amazing West Coast Tour

Take in the highlights of Portugal’s West Coast on this full-day tour and benefit from the personal touch of a small-group tour. Visit the water sports hub of Guincho Beach, the seafront towns of Cascais and Azenhas do Mar, and admire the views from Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. After lunch, explore the surf town of Ericeira and tour the magnificent Monastery and National Palace of Mafra.




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Private Tour Atlântico - Cascais Sintra & Ericeira

Private Tour Atlântico - Cascais Sintra & Ericeira

On this tour you will visit three villages within the area known as the Saloia region, passing through Cascais passing Guincho that is part of the natural park Sintra. Continuing by the Cabo da Roca, the most western point of mainland Europe. Pass through several beaches such en-route Let's take a stroll in Ericeira, considered a surfing reserve, full of grilled fish, tasty seafood, beautiful beaches, and traditional cakes.


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Sintra, Ericeira & Mafra

Sintra, Ericeira & Mafra

The refinement of the Sintra Mountains is a cultural and enjoyable experience, where you can see the most iconic monuments of this village. Delight in the typical cuisine that Ericeria offers, full of flavour and folklore. Let yourself be enchanted by the Mafra National Palace classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We are specialised in services and unique travel experiences in Portugal. Our experience is your guarantee and we understand, meet and exceed your expectations. We invite you to experience the authenticity of a full-day tour through Sintra, Ericeira & Mafra. Where you will know the best of Portugal!.

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BEACHES FOR BATHING

The picturesque Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman's beach) is the most centrally located within Ericeira and, as its name suggests, overlooks the fishing harbour. The beach is backed by tall sheer cliffs which offer shelter from Atlantic breezes. Its central position with its proximity to the town's amenities makes Praia dos Pescadores popular with sun worshipers and families alike. However, it can seem a little crowded at peak times.

A short walk south from the town centre will take you to the Praia de Sul (Southern Beach) which is renowned for its golden sands and clean bathing water. The sheltered nature of the Praia de Sul makes it more suited to sunbathers, families and swimmers rather than serious surfing. A toddler bathing pool at one end offers refuge from the waves. Running along the beach is a promenade where you will find a couple of restaurants with terraces.

Just over a mile South of Ericeira the river Lizandro flows into the sea and is where you'll find the largest expanse of sand within the area. The rear of the Praia da Foz do Lizandro beach opens up into dunes and a boardwalk where you can find plenty of amenities, including lifeguard, changing rooms, toilets, showers, bars and cafés as well as ample parking. The tamer waters of the river offer good paddling conditions for the little ones.

Ericeira Beaches

Praia dos Pescadores - Ericeira

MUSEUM VILLAGE (ALDEIA TÍPICA DE) JOSÉ FRANCO

Museum Village (Aldeia Típica de) José Franco

Museum Village (Aldeia Típica de) José Franco

Between Ericeira and Mafra is the town of Sobreiro, where you will encounter one of the country's best-known miniature villages. The brainchild of the potter José Franco who created this scale village from clay during the early 1960s. The model village crystallises in time the country life of the Mafra region, its culture and its workings. The village contains miniature windmills, chapels, grocery stores, wineries, peasantry and even a reproduction of the fishing village of Ericeira. Adjoining the model village is a reconstructed pottery adorned and fitted with antique tools and objects. Also, there are life-size replicas of castle walls, windmills, a children's park, a small winery where you can sample the region's wines, and a bakery.
Monday - Saturday: 09h00 - 18h00, Sunday: 10h00 - 18h00


Contact Details
N116 34, 2640-401 Mafra, Portugal.
38° 57' 34.6"N | 09° 21' 13.1"W | +351 261 815 420


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Ericeira Soul Guesthouse

Ericeira Soul Guesthouse

The Ericeira Soul Guesthouse is a popular choice for those who appreciate a warm, friendly environment within a great central location in Ericeira. This family-run business occupies one of the oldest buildings within the town yet has been tastefully modernised for your comfort. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi. You can find a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer and a shower in each room. Buffet breakfasts are available daily at the property. Ericeira Soul Guesthouse offers a sun terrace. All-in-all Ericeira Soul Guesthouse proves to be a great choice for your money.

Travessa Santo António n°6 2655-361 Ericeira, Portugal.
38º 57' 54.8" N | 09º 25' 05.9" W



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Vila Gale Ericeira

Vila Gale Ericeira ★★★★

The hotel overlooks the Atlantic with sun terraces containing swimming pools and amazing views out to sea. The hotel was Ericeira's prime accommodation in its 1950s heyday, and in a town dominated by hostels and guesthouses, it continues to attract comfort-seeking travellers. It's a short stroll to the centre of town and to the Praia da Sul beach. Other facilities include a spa and gym, Some rooms include a balcony, and others offer sea views. All are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen cable TV, minibar and free WiFi. Vila Galé Ericeira's restaurant Ocidental serves fresh fish specialities and a selection of Portuguese wine. Guests can enjoy ocean views with a cocktail from the bar.

Largo dos Navegantes, 2655-320, Ericeira, Portugal.
38º 57' 37.3" N | 09º 25' 03.6" W

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GiG Capsule Hostel

GiG Capsule Hostel

GiG Capsule Hostel offers air-conditioned accommodation in Ericeira. Featuring a shared kitchen, this property also has a restaurant. The hostel also provides free WiFi as well as a paid airport shuttle service. All guest rooms in the hostel are fitted with a kettle. Every room is fitted with a shared bathroom with a hairdryer. All units will provide guests with a microwave. GiG Capsule Hostel has a terrace.

Largo do Cruzeiro, 2655-319 Ericeira, Portugal.
38º 57' 55.7" N | 09º 25' 07.1" W

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Tik Tak

A short stroll north of the main square is the popular Tik Tak restaurant. The reason for its popularity will become apparent as you're greeted by friendly staff and then treated to great food. Mostly renown for seafood Tik Tak's menu is actually varied with a varied selection of wines. Prices are reasonable. Portion sizes are typically generous but try to leave room for dessert!.

Monday - Friday: 19h00 - 23h00, Weekends: 12h30 - 23h00
7 Rua 5 de Outubro, Ericeira, Mafra 2655-255, Portugal. | 38º 57' 50" N | 09º 25' 2.1" W
+351 261 863 246 | Facebook


Blue Ice

There are enough flavours in this ice cream parlour to satisfy any ice cream addict happy for the duration of their holiday. Some flavours are exotic and original. All are handcrafted by the friendly staff who are almost as sweet as their fare. Outside seating is available, yet sadly card payments are not accepted.

33 Rua Dr. Eduardo Burnay, 2655-368 Ericeira, Portugal. | 38º 57' 47" N | 09º 25' 01.3" W
+351 261 861 662 | blueice.ericeira@sapo.pt | Facebook

Only 28 miles (44.8km) north-west of Lisbon Portela Airport Website

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From Lisbon join the A8 and A21 north-west.
Latitude - 38º 57' 50" | Longitude - 09º 25' 2.1"

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The bus #1633 to Ericeira run by Carris Metropolitana runs once or twice an hour from Portela de Sintra train station.
Caris Metropolitana Website