Things to Do in Ericeira

The crown jewel of Ericeira's World Surfing Reserve, Ribeira d'Ilhas is a world-famous surf beach known for its consistent right-hand point break waves. The beach sits in a stunning valley between dramatic headlands, offering spectacular scenery and excellent conditions for surfers of all levels. Home to international surf competitions, the beach features a restaurant with terrace, surf school, and the iconic Guardian statue overlooking the reserve.

Ericeira's main beach and the heart of the town's summer life. This beautiful crescent of golden sand sits on a wide bay with a rocky headland providing shelter from winds. The beach developed for tourism in the 1950s and features the grand Vila Galé hotel overlooking the shore. Perfect for families with calm waters at the northern end and gentle waves for swimming. At low tide, natural rock pools form that are perfect for children.

Wander through the enchanting cobblestone streets of Ericeira's old town, lined with traditional whitewashed houses featuring characteristic blue trim. Explore the Largo das Ribas with stunning cliff-top views, visit the historic Igreja de Santa Marta church, and discover hidden squares and viewpoints. The center is filled with excellent seafood restaurants, artisan shops, surf boutiques, and charming cafes serving traditional pastéis de nata.

A stunning beach at the mouth of the Lizandro River, Foz do Lizandro is the go-to spot for beginner surfers and sunset watchers. The sandy bottom and consistent beach break waves make it one of the safest places to learn surfing in Ericeira. The developed beachfront features restaurants, bars, and cafes with terrace seating overlooking the ocean. The unique landscape where river meets sea creates a beautiful natural setting perfect for evening walks.

Experience authentic Portuguese maritime culture at Ericeira's working fishing harbor. Watch local fishermen unload their daily catch, see traditional fishing boats bobbing in the protected cove, and learn about the town's centuries-old fishing heritage. The Furnas nearby are natural saltwater pools historically used to store fresh fish before sale. The harbor is overlooked by excellent seafood restaurants where you can taste the freshest catch.

This spectacular viewpoint offers panoramic views over the famous Ribeira d'Ilhas beach and the dramatic Atlantic coastline. Watch experienced surfers tackle the legendary waves from the clifftop, spot the Guardian statue that overlooks the World Surfing Reserve, and enjoy some of the best sunset views in the region. The viewpoint is accessible by car or via a scenic coastal walk from Ericeira center.

A magnificent 18th-century Baroque palace and monastery just 10 minutes from Ericeira, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Portugal's most impressive monuments. Built by King João V, it houses an extraordinary library with 36,000 books, royal apartments, a basilica, and the largest collection of Italian Baroque sculpture outside Italy. The palace also features beautiful gardens and a tapada (enclosed hunting ground) with wildlife.

Just 40 minutes from Ericeira, the magical UNESCO World Heritage town of Sintra offers fairytale castles, romantic palaces, and mystical gardens. Visit the colorful Pena Palace perched on a hilltop, explore the mysterious wells and tunnels of Quinta da Regaleira, and admire views from the ancient Moorish Castle. The surrounding forest creates a microclimate of lush vegetation, making Sintra feel like a fantasy world brought to life.