17 Of The Very Best Things To Do In Ericeira, Portugal
Find out all about THE BEST things to do in Ericeira, Portugal, below!
Located just a stone’s throw from the Portuguese capital, Lisbon and home to the famous world surfing reserve, is the stunning town of Ericeira.
This charming town attracts tourists from all over the globe, not only for surfing but for its natural beauty and vibrant and bustling community.
From surfing to yoga to hiking, to music festivals, and not forgetting delicious Portuguese seafood, there are so many incredible things to do in Ericeira, Portugal, to cater to everyone’s tastes.
After spending 3 weeks in Ericeira, I can safely say that I tried and tested all of the coolest things to do in Ericeira, Portugal and in turn, truly fell in love with this gorgeous seaside town.
I feel like I left a small bit of my heart in Ericeira, and I am already itching to get back.
So, what are the best things to do in Ericeira, Portugal? Read on below to find out!
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1) Give surfing a try
It would be well and truly criminal to visit one of only 12 world surfing reserves (and the surfing Mecca of Europe) and not give surfing a try!
Professionals from all over the world descend on the town of Erceira every year to ride its famous waves. So, I think it’s a pretty cool thing to be able to say that you’ve surfed in the same waters as some of the greats!?
With Surfing being the main thing to do in Ericeira, there are a ton of surf schools in the area that offer either week-long surf camps or individual lessons.
Interested in booking a surf camp? Why not check out some of the schools below:
If, like me, you prefer to have an introductory surfing lesson before fully committing to a camp, then you can book individual lessons. Lessons start from €40. I booked my individual surf lessons through my hostel, Chill In Ericeira, which I would highly recommend.
It’s good to note that you don’t have to be a guest at Chill In Ericeira to book the lessons. You can send them an email, and they will be more than happy to accommodate. I can honestly say as a newbie surfer, I’ve never had such an enjoyable experience.
Alternatively, you can book this top-rated surf lesson where you’ll get to learn in one of the best surfing spots in Ericeira. But there’s no doubt, whoever you choose to book with, you’ll have the most fun time!
This was one of my favourite things to do in Ericeira, Portugal. I can definitely see how this sport becomes addictive. Go on and give it a go!
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2) Visit some of Ericeira’s most beautiful beaches
Praia dos Pescadores
This beach is located in the main town centre. In my opinion, it’s not the most beautiful beach in Ericeira; however, it is the best one for swimming as it’s located in a sheltered bay.
This means that the waves aren’t too aggressive, and you do not have to worry about bumping into any surfers.
They also have a very nice beach bar here called Kayak Bar (Bar Pescadores,) which is the best place to get drinks and snacks. I may or may not have had one too many sparkling sangrias here.
Praia do Sul (Baleia)
Praia do Sul was my favourite beach for sunbathing, relaxing and reading my Kindle. It’s a long, golden sand beach that is pretty well protected from those notorious Ericiera winds, which is why it’s the preferred beach for sunbathing.
Praia do Sul also has 4 restaurants adjacent to the beach, which means you don’t have to travel far to grab a spot of lunch or even a takeaway beer.
Praia de Ribeira D’Ilhas
Ribeira D’Ilhas is one of the most popular beaches in Ericeira and is about a 10-minute drive outside of the town centre. It’s the place to come to learn how to surf, and you’ll often find mainly beginners out on the waves.
Ribeira D’Ilhas is one of the most stunning beaches in Ericeira and reminds me of something you might find on the Southern Californian coast. The sunsets at this beach are pretty awesome, too.
Praia de São Lourenço
Praia de São Lourenço is a 15-minute drive outside of Ericeira town centre, and for that reason,n is traditionally a quieter beach than some of the others in Ericeira. This beach is perfect if you’re after a chilled, sleepy day at the beach away from other tourists.
There is just one small beach bar on Praia de São Lourenço, so if you’re a picky eater, I would recommend coming prepared with some snacks or a picnic.
Praia de Foz do Lizandro
If you’re after a beach with jaw-dropping views that give you that “I can’t believe this is real” thought, this is the beach to visit.
Again, this beach is also a 10-minute drive outside of the town centre, but it is definitely worth the trip. It’s also home to Indigo Ericeira, which serves up some of the best Poke bowls I’ve had in a VERY long time.
If you have the time, I’d also recommend doing the walk from the town centre to this beach. The views along the way are absolutely gorgeous, and it’s only 40 minutes.
Other beaches in Ericeira to check out:
- Praia de São Sebastião
- Praia da Calada
- Praia do Matadouro
- Praia dos Coxos
🏖️Still undecided about which beach to visit in Ericeira? You can read my guide to the best beaches in town here.
3) Enjoy an epic sunset at Mar Das Latas
In my humble opinion, one of the best things to do in Ericeira is to watch the sunset from Mar Das Latas. Mar Das Latas quite literally have the best sunset view in town, with the sun setting directly in front of the restaurant.
My recommendation? Head to the Wine Bar and sit outside if you can. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun go down while sharing small plates.
But you need to make sure that you arrive early to grab a table (as it’s a very popular spot), but if it’s already full, don’t worry, as the team provides little wooden boxes so you can comfortably perch on the wall with your wine and food.
Grab a cold glass of wine and some of their delicious small plates (I recommend the cheese platter and beef croquettes) and watch the sun go down.
On certain evenings, you’ll also find live DJs playing during sunset sessions, adding an extra layer of atmosphere to what’s already one of the best places in town to end your day.
I HIGHLY recommend adding an evening at Mar Das Latas to your Ericeira itinerary, it’s one of my favourite places in the whole town.
TOP TIP: If Mar Das Latas is way too busy, then I recommend checking out Ourico Terrace. It’s just a 2-minute walk away and has all the same energy (good sunset vibes, music and drinks).
4) Do some boutique store shopping
There are so many cute boutique shops in Ericeira that it’s almost dangerous to walk around with a credit card, and yes, I definitely spent more money on things I didn’t need than I had originally budgeted for (but no regrets, honestly).
My favourite stops included Oslo and Biju, but you’ll also find your classic surf staples like Rip Curl and Hurley.
For something more unique, I loved Saints at Sea, a boutique where everything is handmade right in town. Harvest Moon Shop is another gem, packed with gorgeous art and jewellery. And if you’re into natural and sustainable living, don’t skip having a browse in The Organic Way.
5) Enjoy a Night At One Of Ericeira’s Top Bars
Ericeira isn’t just about surfing and sunshine because when the sun goes down, the town really comes alive. The nightlife here strikes the perfect balance between laid‑back coastal charm and buzzy, let’s dance and sing the night away energy.
Whether you’re a cocktail lover, a craft beer enthusiast, or someone who just wants to dance to live music, you’ll find a bar in Ericeira that fits your mood.
The best part? Most of the bars are within walking distance of each other, so you can easily make a night of bar‑hopping through the streets. Expect a mix of locals and travellers and plenty of spots where the party spills right out onto the streets.
Here are some of the best bars in Ericeira you shouldn’t miss:
Adega Bar
A true local favourite. By the end of most evenings, you’ll find both tourists and residents gathering here for their final few drinks. Expect a buzzy, street‑party atmosphere as people spill outside. Adega also hosts regular live music, making it a must‑visit on any Ericeira night out.
Vibes Ericeira
If dancing and live music are your thing, Vibes is the place to be. I first stumbled upon it by accident, and it turned into one of the best nights of my trip. The atmosphere is electric, and everyone’s up on their feet enjoying the music.
O Emporio
A dream for craft beer lovers. This bar is known for its wide selection of unique brews, and it’s the perfect spot if you prefer a more chilled night with good drinks and good company.
Jukebox
Fun, quirky, and always buzzing, Jukebox is the kind of bar where the night runs later than you planned. Great music and a solid choice if you want a guaranteed good time.
6) Grab some delicious food
For such a small town, the food scene in Ericeira certainly packs a punch. Whether you want boujee brunch food or some scrumptious seafood classics, there’s a good chance that you will be able to find it all in Erceira.
Some of my favourites are listed below:
Breakfast/Brunch
- Dear Rose Cafe
- Sunset Bamboo
- Green is Good
- Balagan
Lunch/Dinner
- Costa Fria
- Secret Oven
- Indigo Ericeira
- Mar a Vista
- A Panela
And, if you’re wondering if I tried all of these, the answer is yes (and this is only half of it).
7) Take A Day Trip To Mafra
Just 15 minutes inland from Ericeira, Mafra is the perfect day trip when you want a break from the surf and sand.
The highlight is the Palácio Nacional de Mafra, an enormous 18th‑century baroque palace that also houses a basilica, convent, and one of the most impressive libraries in Europe. (Fun fact: they use bats to protect the ancient books)
After exploring the palace, wander the town’s charming centre and grab a coffee or a pastry.
If you’ve got more time, head to the nearby Tapada Nacional de Mafra, a former royal hunting reserve where you can spot deer, boar, and owls.
8) Explore the Old Town
One of my absolute favourite things to do in Ericeira was to get lost in its maze of narrow streets and alleyways. Honestly, you don’t even need a plan because half the fun is just wandering and seeing where the cobblestones take you.
These little streets are overflowing with character: think winding cobbled roads, whitewashed houses trimmed with bright blues, and splashes of rainbow‑colored doors and flowerpots.
You’ll often stumble across tucked‑away cafés, tiny boutique shops, and locals chatting from their doorsteps, which adds to the town’s cosy vibe.
The most photogenic streets to visit in Ericeira include Largo/Travessa Do Pelourinho and Rua De Parqal, where you can find the gorgeous blue street in the image below.
Pro tip: Explore in the early morning if you want quieter streets and softer light for photos, or in the late afternoon for the golden hour glow.
9) Take up paddleboarding
Surfing not your thing? No Problem! You can join Ericiera SUP for a spot of paddleboarding instead.
They offer different packages based on your level of experience, and you can even decide whether you’d prefer to paddleboard in a local river or whether you fancy taking on the ocean. Classes start from €50.
If you’re happy and experienced enough to go solo, then I recommend heading down to Praia de Foz do Lizandro, as there is a small ravine that leads into the ocean that makes for the perfect place to Paddleboard in Ericeira.
10) Get some work done
Ericeira has a large Digital Nomad community that is getting bigger by the day. And, like anything, with an influx of Digital Nomads comes the opening of some very cool coworking spaces.
So, if you fall into the Digital Nomad category and need to get some work done during your time in Ericeira, then check out some of the coworking spaces below.
Not only do they offer spaces to work, but they also hold community events to support your networking needs.
Ericeira is one of the best places I have ever worked as a Digital Nomad as there as so many things for you to do and people for you to meet, so if you’re lucky enough to live this lifestyle to I can recommend Ericeria enough!
11) Find a fun event
During my time in Ericeira, it was hard to keep up with the sheer number of events that were going on (especially when you suffer from FOMO and want to do everything).
There’s something going on every single day of the week, from laid‑back community gatherings to all‑out celebrations, and it’s a big part of what makes the town feel so alive.
Think mini music festivals, full moon ceremonies, wine‑tasting tours, and even quirky local traditions like sardine and garlic festivals (yes, you read that right 🤭).
But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll also find Pilates, sunset yoga classes on the beach, salsa nights and regular surf film screenings that make the perfect evening if you want something a little more chilled.
Seasonally, you might stumble into art fairs, live DJ sets, and even wellness retreats, making it almost impossible to have a “quiet week” here unless you truly want to.
To keep up with everything (and avoid missing out on the best stuff), I highly recommend following these Instagram pages:
Between them, you’ll always know what’s happening.
12) Watch An Awesome Sunset On The Beach
Watching the sunset in Ericeira is one of those things you just have to do. Some of the best spots are the clifftops above Praia dos Pescadores, where you get sweeping views over the town, Praia do Sul with its wide stretch of sand, and Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach, where surfers often stay out until the very last light.
A great way to enjoy it is to grab a takeaway from one of Ericeira’s restaurants and head down for a sunset beach picnic.
It’s a simple but perfect way to end the day, and if I’m honest, some of my favourite evenings in Ericeira were the ones where I took a picnic and headed to the beach for sunset.
If you’d prefer to go to a bar or restaurant that has a good sunset view, then I can recommend Mar Das Latas (mentioned earlier), Balagan, and Tasquinha do Joy.
13) Try a famous Portuguese Prego Roll
When it comes to a proper Portuguese Prego Roll, Taberna Lebre is the spot. If you’re wondering what a Prego Roll is, it’s essentially Portugal’s take on a steak sandwich that’s simple, hearty, and loved by locals.
The menu focuses almost entirely on different types of Prego, each one cooked to perfection. I’d suggest starting with the original, but the version with goat’s cheese is also excellent and well worth trying if you’re up for something a little different.
If you’re visiting Ericeira, a stop at Taberna Lebre is definitely worth adding to your list.
14) Go Rock Climbing
If you prefer solid ground to crashing waves, consider giving rock climbing with Ericeira Boulder a try.
It’s a fun way to experience the area’s rugged landscape up close, and with tours starting from just €35, it’s an adventure that won’t break the bank.
Whether you’re a total beginner or already have some climbing experience, the guides make sure it’s accessible, safe, and a good challenge for everyone.
👉 Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, pack plenty of water, and don’t forget sunscreen.
15) Visit the famous Boardriders Shop & venue
Boardriders isn’t just Portugal’s flagship Quiksilver store; it’s one of Ericeira’s coolest hangout spots.
The venue includes a spacious garden and skate park, a restaurant serving fresh meals (the poke bowls are especially popular), and a bar that’s a favourite with both locals and visitors.
On weekends, Boardriders often hosts live music events, making it one of the best spots in town to unwind after a day by the ocean. Whether you stop in for shopping, food, or the atmosphere, it’s well worth adding to your Ericeira itinerary.
16) Immerse yourself in the health and wellness scene
It’s no secret that Ericeira is a town with a lot of stimulation, so one of the best things to do in Ericeira, if you’re looking to find some zen and calm among the chaos, is to embrace the plethora of wellness activities going on.
Much like surfing, the wellness scene in Ericeira draws in tourists from all over the globe, and is probably the 2nd most popular tourist attraction in this town. If I had to compare the wellness scene to somewhere else in the world, I’d say it gives Bali and Sri Lanka a run for it’s money.
Yoga, Breathwork, Meditation, Cacao Ceremonies and even Ecstatic Dance and women’s circles. You name it, Ericeira has it. Some of the best places in Ericera to explore some of these modalities are below:
If you are looking for individuals to hold private sessions, I can really recommend Fabio Cancongi for beautiful guided breathwork sessions.
Again, if you want to keep on top of all of the wellness activities that are taking place in Ericeira, I recommend following the same Instagram pages that I mentioned earlier in this post:
17) Try the traditional Ericeira cake
I think almost every visitor to Portugal has “trying a Pastel de Nata” on their bucket list.
But Ericeira, being the gem that it is, has something even more unique, its very own hallmark cake, completely separate from the famous Pastel de Nata.
This local treasure is called Ouriços: a muffin-sized portion of warm, spongy, vanilla-ey cakey goodness that will quite literally melt in your mouth.
And when it comes to the best place to try Ouriços, look no further than Casa da Fernanda. It’s hands-down the best restaurant in Ericeira for these sweet little delights, so whatever you do, do not skip a trip there while you’re visiting Ericeira.
Happy Exploring
I hope this guide helps you uncover all the best things to do in Ericeira, Portugal. From wandering charming cobbled streets to catching golden hour at the cliffs, this coastal town is full of surprises.
If you’re looking for more Ericeira inspiration, check out my favourite restaurants in Ericeira, explore the most beautiful beaches, or read about my experience as a digital nomad in Ericeira.
Many travellers combine Ericeira with a few days in Lisbon, so if you’re planning your route, check out my 3 days in Lisbon itinerary for ideas on how to structure your trip.
And if you’re road tripping around Portugal, don’t miss my post on the best things to do in Sagres, which is another underrated gem you’ll love.
If you have any questions about the activities listed or want help planning your trip, feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you!
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Digital Nomad in Ericeira: Work, Surf & Stay
Hi! Love your blog! I’m traveling to Portugal in June with a friend. We’re doing the Camino and decided to come early to check out Ericeira based on your blog and my love of surfing. I originally thought we’d stay at You and the Sea. But then saw a hotel called Aethos. Do you have any hotel/stay suggestions? We are two fun gals looking for luxury but also want to be able to walk as much as possible. We will have a car.
Thank you!
Hey!
Ahh amazing you’ll love ericeira.
I loved Ocean House Ericeira but its a little further out of town, other wise the private rooms in Chill In Ericiera have really nice views.
Hope you love it!