Ericeira is a charming coastal town in Portugal, known for its picturesque landscapes, seafood, and surfing spots. It has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and lively atmosphere. In this article, we will take a closer look at what to see in Ericeira, from its stunning natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage.
Introduction to Ericeira
Ericeira is a small fishing village located on the west coast of Portugal, just 50 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. It is a popular destination for surfers due to its consistent waves, but it also offers a variety of other activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and sightseeing. Ericeira has a rich history and culture, with a beautiful old town and several historic landmarks.
Palacio Nacional de Mafra, Paranão
This summer residence of the kings represents the largest convent-palace, not only in Portugal, but throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Any numbers? 880 rooms, 4500 doors and windows, 4 hectares of land, 13 years of processing, 50,000 workers used, 38,000 works in the immense library. The result is a monumental construction with a colossally sized basilica, a labyrinthine monastery and an unparalleled library inside.
Centro de Recuperação do Lobo Ibérico
A few kilometers from Ericeira there is an unmissable attraction for nature and animal lovers, the Iberian Wolf Recovery Center, dedicated to one of the most misunderstood animal species and today unfortunately at risk of extinction.
Beaches
Ericeira is famous for its beaches, and there are many to choose from. One of the most popular is Praia dos Pescadores, which is located in the heart of the town. It is a beautiful sandy beach with crystal clear water, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Another popular beach is Ribeira d’Ilhas, which is known for its world-class surfing waves. This beach has hosted several international surfing competitions and is a great place to watch surfers in action.
Historic Sites
Ericeira has a rich history, and there are several historic sites to explore. One of the most impressive is the Palácio Nacional de Mafra, which is located just a few kilometers from Ericeira. This stunning palace was built in the 18th century and is one of the most important examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal. Another historic site worth visiting is the Forte de São Lourenço, a 17th-century fort that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Local Cuisine
Ericeira is famous for its seafood, and there are many great restaurants in the town where you can sample the local cuisine. One of the most popular dishes is arroz de marisco, a delicious seafood rice dish that is a must-try when visiting Ericeira. Other local specialties include grilled sardines, octopus salad, and caldeirada, a fish stew that is a staple of Portuguese cuisine.
Surfing
Ericeira is a paradise for surfers, with some of the best waves in Europe. There are several surf schools in the town that offer lessons for beginners, as well as equipment rental for more experienced surfers. Some of the most popular surfing spots in Ericeira include Coxos, Ribeira d’Ilhas, and São Lourenço.
Walking Trails
Ericeira is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, and there are several walking trails that offer stunning views of the coastline and countryside. One of the most popular trails is the Rota dos Miradouros, which takes you to several viewpoints overlooking the town and the Atlantic Ocean. Another great trail is the Caminho do Atlântico, which follows the coastline and offers breathtaking views of the sea.
Nightlife
Ericeira has a lively nightlife, with several bars and clubs that cater to a variety of tastes. One of the most popular bars in the town is Hemingway’s, which offers live music and a relaxed atmosphere. Another popular spot is Puro Malte, a craft beer bar that serves a variety of local and international beers.
Shopping
Ericeira has a variety of shops and boutiques that sell everything from souvenirs to surf gear. One of the best places to shop is the Mercado Municipal, a traditional market that sells fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables, as well as local
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handicrafts and souvenirs. Another great place to shop is the Ericeira Surf & Skate, a surf shop that sells a wide range of surfboards, wetsuits, and other surf gear.
Festivals and Events
Ericeira hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, which are a great opportunity to experience the town’s culture and traditions. One of the most popular events is the Festival da Sapateira, a seafood festival that takes place in August and celebrates the local delicacy of spider crab. Another popular event is the Festa de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, a religious festival that takes place in September and attracts visitors from all over Portugal.
Where to sleep in Ericeira
If you plan to spend your holiday surfing on the Pacific waves, and you are not going to spend too much, we definitely advise you to choose to sleep in a hostel: when we went we chose Aktion Lodge, in Rua Mendes Leal 8.
A young Italian boy, Alessandro Minutoli, warmly welcomed us into the structure: excellent person, nice and sociable, as well as a great worker. Alessandro (Alex) guided us during our stay, personally accompanying us to take a tour of the area, as well as explaining what to see and the best times to take photos and videos. So if you want to go to sleep in Ericerica, go www.hostelhub.com and book your overnight stay. (we advise you to ask about Alessandro).
Conclusion
Ericeira is a charming coastal town that offers something for everyone, from its beautiful beaches and historic sites to its lively nightlife and local cuisine. Whether you’re a surfer looking for world-class waves or a traveler seeking a relaxing beach vacation, Ericeira is the perfect destination. So why not book your trip today and discover all that Ericeira has to offer?
FAQs
- What is Ericeira famous for? Ericeira is famous for its beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and local seafood cuisine.
- How far is Ericeira from Lisbon? Ericeira is located just 50 kilometers northwest of Lisbon.
- What are some of the best surfing spots in Ericeira? Some of the best surfing spots in Ericeira include Coxos, Ribeira d’Ilhas, and São Lourenço.
- What is the best time of year to visit Ericeira? The best time to visit Ericeira is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
- What are some of the best hotels in Ericeira? Some of the best hotels in Ericeira include the Vila Galé Ericeira, the Hotel Camarão, and the Ericeira Boutique Lodge.
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