A GUIDE TO ERICEIRA

Beautiful Ericeira - where to start!

In 2016 we came here for the first time and it was love at first sight. Not only did we choose this place as a retreat destination but we also to lived here for 7 years - we know this place by heart.

Even though we don’t live there anymore we’re happy to call it our second home. Whether you come here for one of our Inspiro Yoga retreats or simply happen to stumble upon this post for another reason, we’d love to share our absolute favourite restaurants, cafés, walks, places to stay and not-to-miss-spots!

Located on the west-coast of Portugal 45 min north of Lisbon city centre and only 35 min from Lisbon airport, Ericeira' is a charming Portuguese fisherman’s village which during the last 5 years has turned into a world-renowned surf-mecca.

WHY WE LOVE IT

What’s really nice with Ericeira’s that there’s such a beautiful mix of people. From locals who come here to spend the weekend to expats who’ve changed their busy business-life for a more simple one close to nature. With a lot of people from many different countries having moved here the last few years, the village still feels very Portuguese (compared to many other destinations in the south of Portugal) which is one of the things we love so much about this place.

Now let us share our gems with you!

PLACES TO STAY

Casa Paco D’Ilhas - our beautiful retreat venue (where we host our Portugal yoga retreats) located on top of a hill overlooking the ocean. Charming, unique small houses in the garden, 2 swimming pools, the best staff and food! To walk into Ericeira takes about 40 min but only 3-4 minutes by car.

Alma Do Paco - The “sister” B&B to Casa Paco D’ilhas, with rooms just as cute, unique and with the same amazing location walking distance to Ribeira D’ilhas beach.

Olá Onda Guesthouse - run by our friends Darcie and Jasper this cute B&B is located almost in the centre of Ericeira but still give you the feeling of being a bit away from town as it’s very quiet. Thoughtfully and beautiful decorated rooms, swimmingpool with views over the ocean and a great spot to stay at if you’re travelling without car and want to be able to reach everything on foot.

Laneez Guesthouse - With a spectacular view over the ocean and all the way to Sintra this guesthouse is perfectly located walking distance from the village. Fun place to stay if you travel alone as many solo-travellers come here for surf-holidays.

Barefoot Portugal - Beautiful guesthouse located near Ribeira D’ilhas Beach, slightly north of Ericeira. Great for couples, families and solo-travellers.

Blue Buddha Beach Rooms & Suites - Located right by the ocean and Praia do Norte. Lots of different room options and walking distance to the centre.

Feels Like Home - Apartments located in the centre of the village. Great if you like to be able to make some meals on your own as you’ll have your own kitchen.

You & The Sea Hotel - Located by the ocean this 4 star hotel offers huge apartments with their own kitchen and bathroom. The hotel has a really nice restaurant, a swimming pool, it’s own Spa and gym.

PLACES TO EAT & DRINK

Miyabi Sushi - An absolute must-visit! Whether you eat fish or are vegetarian/vegan Rodrigo Matos and Brasilian-style sushi is the most delicious we’ve ever tried!

Pepe Verde Pizzeria - Best Pizza in town!

Cucina 37 - Amazing Italian food such as pasta, burrata, carpaccio and amazing desserts!

Tasquinha do Joy - Best typical Portuguese local restaurant with views over Praia do Pescadores right in the village. We go here for Dorada fish, Octopus and other simple but tasty seafood!

O Gabriel - Another typical Portuguese restaurant with really nice seafood! Close to Praia do Sul.

Mar Das Latas Tapas Bar & Restaurant - Located in the village right by the ocean by Praia Pescadores, this is where you can have nice little bites, local beer and wine.

Lento Café & Bakery - Our friends at Monja Breakfast Club just opened their amzing bakery in town, don’t miss out on the best sourdough bread and homemade pastries and nut butters!

Indigo - Beach restaurant at Fox Do Lizandro beach. Great cocktails and beautiful ocean view!

Balagan - Beach restaurant at Praia Do Sul. Dj sets, middle eastern food

Maikai - Restaurant / Café at 58 Billabong Surf Shop. Great for (north)windy days as their balcony has epic sunshine and you’ll be protected from breezes. Nice for lunch and drinks.

Souldough Pizza - Located on a hill south of Ericeira, this is a really cool outdoor pizzeria & food truck serving super nice sourdough pizza, kombucha and locally brewed beer.

Gelatommy - Authentic Italian gelato to die for! Make sure to try the Nocciola E Fichi and Pistacchio!

Dear Rose Café - Small cute café serving high-quality coffee, sandwiches, homemade cakes, chia pudding etc.

Golfinho Azul - Great seafood restaurant located overlooking Sao Lorenco beach.

Barbatana - Beach Bar at Foz Do Lisandro beach. Lots of really nice vegetarian and vegan dishes, smoothies and fresh juices.

Green Is Good - Health food restaurant in the heart of the village serving breakfast all day long!

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BEACHES

Sao Juliao - South of Ericeira where you can have a long walk when it’s low tide. one of the best spots for amazing sunsets!

Praia do Pescadores - Right in town this isn’t really our favourite beach BUT if you want a safer swim with less waves and be protected from the wind (Ericeira is often quite windy) this is the best shot.

Praia do Coxos - Small beach down from Ribamar village, slightly north of Ericeira. Protected from wind but usually quite a bit of waves.

Praia Azul - A bit of a drive (about 25 min north) but definitely worth it! Long, wide beach with a few beach bars. Plenty of space!

Ribeira D’ilhas - Beautiful, medium sized beach slightly north of Ericeira. The busiest surf spot so usually quite a crowded beach.

Praia Da Ursa - Located in Sintra national park this beach is SO worth the drive and hike to get to. Google it and you’'ll see why!

Praia Da Adraga - Another beautiful beach in Sintra national park, easy to reach and has a little beach restaurant.

SHOPS

Loja de Amelia - Super cute typical "supermarket” located right int he village. Great selection of local wine, cheeses and delicatessen!

Gaelle Ceramica - Handmade ceramics, and pottery workshops by our friend Gaelle.

Saints at Sea - Super cute shop with a mix of locally designed products, jewellery, clothing and more.

Magic Quiver - Boutique surf shop selling high-quality surf boards, clothing etc.

O Casinhoto - Portuguese ceramic sold at wholesale prices. Located on a small street across Sao Sebastian Mall.

BEU - Health Food store selling organic produce, products and food to take away.

MARKETS, EVENTS & OTHER THINGS TO DO

The Sea Salt Collective - Pop Up market with local designers, food stalls and music.

Alma Do Paco - Occasional events with great music, food and good vibes.

Altitudo - Monthly market with local produce, clothes and food opposite Sao Sebastiao market.

Gaelle Ceramica - Take a pottery class with our friend Gaelle in her cosy workshop!

Unravel Ericeira - Pamper yourself with a Marma Therapy session or Deep Relaxing Massage with our talented massage therapist Lisanne.

The Ocean Surf School - Best surf school in Ericeira. Marcio Severino and his brothers are the best instructors teaching surf to all levels with a lot of heart, care and patience.

YOGA STUDIOS

Ericeira Yoga Studio - Run by senior local yoga teacher Joana Cadete, this studio offers many different styles of yoga; ashtanga, vinyasa flow, yin and aerial yoga.

Sandhi House - Located right by the ocean this studio offers Vinyasa yoga and Restorative Yoga.

Floresta Encantada - Not located in Ericeira but in Sintra but well worth a visit! Run by our friend Mariana da Lima this space reminds us so of Bali! Surrounded by lush forest this yoga studio hosts many of Lisbons best yoga teachers with weekly classes and events.

CO-WORKING SPACES

Kelp - Lovely community and beautiful space for anyone looking at working remotely in Ericeira. Inspiring events offered every month.

Co-work Salt - Located right in the village close to cafés and restaurants. Also offers evetns and a huge market called The Sea Salt Collective.

HIKES

Ribeira D’ilhas to Coxos - Begin at Ribeira D’ilhas beach and walk north along the cliffs towards Praia do Coxos, or even all the way to Sao Lorenco Beach. Stunning views of the ocean! If you’re lucky you’ll get a glimpse of the pro surfers hitting the waves at Coxos too!

Sao Juliao to Sintra - Begin at Sao Juliao Beach and walk as long as you like towards Sintra National Park. If youi’ve got a lot of time you can walk all the way to Praia Grande.

Praia Azul to Seixo - Begin at Praia Azul (about 25 min north of Ericeira) and walk northwards to Praia do Seixo. You’ll pass the little town Santa Cruz with spectacular views.

Adraga to Cabo Da Roca (in Sintra 45 min south of Ericeira) - Walk from Adraga beach along the cliffs to Cabo Da Roca lighthouse and watch the breathtaking views of the coastline towards Ericeira.

WHAT TO DO & VISIT BEYOND ERICEIRA

Sintra National Park & Village - With stunning beaches and colourful palaces it’s definitely worth a visit. The old village of Sintra gets very crowded with tourists and so does some of the palaces. Out of the 5 main palaces we recommend Montserrate (less crowded) and Quinta Regaleira. If you want to eat in the village make sure you pay a visit to Incomum by Luis Santos Restaurant (the rest are very toursity and not worth the money!).

Noah Surfhouse & Beach Restaurant - Modern, huge and beautiful hotel with a great beach bar, restaurant with rooftop swimming pool and surf shop located n Santa Cruz, 20 min north of Ericeira. We always go here!

Areias Do Seixo - 5 star hotel with unique rooms and style. Worth a visit just to see! We usually come here for a day spa and to enjoy amazing massages, sauna and to have lunch or dinner.

Quinta de Sant’Ana - Beautiful Family Farmhouse (“Quinta” in Portuguese) and Wine Estate about 30 min drive from Ericeira. Come here to buy excellent wine, take in the beauty of this place or maybe book a wine tasting?

Quinta Do Arneiro - Family run Organic farm with a restaurant, farm shop and market.

Bronzear Beach Bar & Restaurant - Located right by the beach in Santa Cruz, about 25 min drive north of Ericeira. We love coming here for the great wine and seafood!

Colares Market - Visit the Sunday farmers market in Alcabidece (Sintra) and get yourself some nice local cheeses, wines and jams!

Do you have places you think we should visit? Please share them with us, we love to get new tips!

For travel tips for Ubud, Bali and Lisbon check out our other travel guides!

THE ERICEIRA GUIDE - OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY, EAT AND VISIT