Ericeira is a fishing village 50 km (31 miles) northwest of Lisbon, 25 km from Sintra and 10 km from Mafra. It has the Atlantic Ocean as an eternal companion, and from this relationship a rich ocean of traditions has been born.
The hospitality of its people, the harmony of the "old village" with its narrow cobblestone streets, characteristic housing, singular monuments, the sea, the fishing, the cuisine, the bold Atlantic views and the vibrant cultural life interlace here to welcome visitors from around the world.
In 2011, Ericeira became Europe's first World Surfing Reserve, recognizing the exceptional quality of its waves and the community's commitment to preserving its surf heritage.
Typical Locations
Navegantes Square
Before the construction of the new building complex, the Navegantes Square was an open field used by the population for playing football and during summer to park tourism buses. Today it is one of the village centres. Snack bars and restaurants invite with their specialties, and at night it becomes the meeting point for young people.
Republic Square (Jogo da Bola)
The Republic Square is the traditional centre of the village. The nickname "jogo da bola" (ball game) indicates that this area was formerly used to play a kind of cricket. Today, the shadows of its trees invite you to take a seat on one of the benches or in one of the coffee shops around the square. At sunset, thousands of birds populate the trees tweeting about their day.
Town Market
From seven o'clock in the morning to lunch time, marketers offer fresh fish and vegetables at the municipal market hall. It's a little adventure to walk around the stands while the wives of local fishermen or farmers try to get your attention, promoting their products with loud voices.
Fish Auction
Once a day, around three o'clock in the afternoon, the harbourmaster starts the siren to call attention to the opening of the fish auction. Boxes of seafood and a wide variety of fish, caught hours earlier, are sold to whoever offers the best price.
The Harbour
In the 19th century, the harbour of Ericeira was the most important in the whole Estremadura region. It had its own customhouse and supplied nearly the whole province. Today its main activity results from professional and sport fishing.
This harbour is also witness to a dramatic event in Portuguese history: on the 5th of October 1910, the royal family departed from here into exile following the Republican revolution.
The Harbour Wall
The harbour wall surrounding the fishermen's beach rises 40 metres high. Its nickname is "people's assembly": weekend afternoons, local inhabitants and visitors gather around the wall discussing the latest news or watching the sunset.
Santa Marta Park
The Santa Marta Park is a protected and privileged area available to everyone. From the wooded spaces with quiet recesses suitable for reading, to the tennis courts, this beautiful park is equipped with an esplanade coffee-bar, a restaurant with capacity for 250 people, skating and football rings, gymnasium, mini-golf and a children's playground.
Beaches
Ericeira is famous for its beautiful beaches, located where high cliffs of the rocky coast meet the Atlantic Ocean. The area has some of the best surf breaks in Europe.
Praia dos Pescadores
The "Fishermen's Beach" is the main beach in the village centre, sheltered by the harbour wall.
Praia do Sul / Baleia
Popular family beach south of the centre with good facilities.
Ribeira d'Ilhas
World-class surf beach that hosts international competitions. Part of the World Surfing Reserve.
Praia de São Sebastiao
Beautiful beach with dramatic cliff scenery north of the village.
Foz do Lizandro
Where the Lizandro River meets the sea, a wide sandy beach popular with families and surfers.
Praia da Calada
Quieter beach ideal for those seeking a more peaceful atmosphere.
Gastronomy
Gastronomically, Ericeira is known for its quality fresh fish and seafood. More than 50 restaurants and seafood restaurants ("marisqueiras") offer a great variety of dishes, some famous and typical of the Ericeira area:
- Pure de mariscos - Seafood puree
- Frango de caldeirada - Chicken with peas and various condiments
- Sopa de cabozes - Crab, whiting-pout and mussel soup
Shopping
The commerce in Ericeira today is of medium dimension, but was quite important in former times. The first royal charter, dated 1229, already mentions merchants: "mercatores qui ibi uenerint uender". In the 19th century, Ericeira developed through its port a commercial traffic which involved the major part of the province of Estremadura. For many years Ericeira was considered the granary of the Estremadura. Today the small commerce, with its personal and appealing service, offers visitors a wide range of products including local handicrafts and surf gear.
Nightlife
The tradition of Ericeira's nightlife continues to attract a regular and distinctive audience, both Portuguese and foreign, especially in summer and at weekends. A large variety of bars and nightclubs promise an exciting night.
The second oldest nightclub in Portugal, the Ourico, picturesquely located overlooking the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, opened its doors in August 1960 and remains a legendary venue.
Sport & Leisure
Surfing is the dominant sport and Ericeira's World Surfing Reserve status attracts surfers from around the globe. Sunbathing is the most popular activity for tourists who come from all over the world.
However, Ericeira offers much more: bodyboarding, skimboarding, windsurfing, fishing, diving, sailing, jet-skiing, water-skiing and beach volleyball are some of the activities enjoyed at the beaches.
The modern facilities of the municipal gymnasium and the Santa Marta park offer additional sporting options. You can also discover the beautiful landscape on a mountain bike, horseback riding, or simply hiking around.
Festivals & Markets
- January 20th - Sao Sebastiao Festival
- January 22nd - Sao Vicente Festival
- July 25th - Santiago or "Dos Alhos" Market
- August (3rd Sunday) - Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem Festival, the most important local celebration
- December 8th - Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Festival
Practical Information
Cultural Centres
Biblioteca Municipal da Ericeira (Municipal Library)
R. Mendes Leal, Casa de Cultura, 2655 Ericeira
Tuesday to Friday: 10:00-19:00 | Saturday: 10:00-13:00 & 14:30-18:30
Casa de Cultura Jaime Lobo e Silva
R. Mendes Leal, 2655 Ericeira
Monday to Thursday: 09:30-12:30 & 14:00-20:00 | Friday & Saturday: 09:00-22:00
Museum
Arquivo-Museu da Santa Casa da Misericordia
Largo da Misericordia, 2655 Ericeira
Visiting by arrangement. Features history, ancient art, ethnology and archaeology.
Getting There
Ericeira is easily accessible from Lisbon (50 km, ~45 min by car). Regular bus services operate from Lisbon's Campo Grande terminal. The village is also close to Sintra (25 km) and Mafra (10 km) with its famous palace.
