Top 10 Reasons To Make Ericeira Your Destination in Portugal
Ericeira, Portugal is where historic charm meets world-class surf breaks. If your idea of a perfect day includes exploring cobblestone streets, surfing, hiking trails, wine tasting or simply relaxing on sun-filled beaches, Ericeira promises you an unforgettable vacation experience.
#1 LOCATION
Ericeira's location on the Atlantic coastline makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider region. It's 40 minutes away from Portugal's capital, Lisbon, for day trips offering a vibrant urban culture and easy access to an international airport. Ericeira is also a mere 15-30 minutes away from the historic towns of Sintra and Mafra, known for their enchanting palaces and castles. Drive up the coastline 75 minutes and you are in Nazaré, famous for the 100 foot surf wave!
At Beach House Outeirinho we offer free, easy parking so you and your car can relax at the end of each day rather than worrying about parking in the crowded city center. No car? We can arrange transportation to airports and all the sites.
#2 HISTORIC SEASIDE TOWN
Ericeira started as a fishing village and has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Its picturesque city center is filled with cobblestone streets, traditional Portuguese architecture, and distinctive white houses with blue accents, reflecting Ericeira’s long-standing maritime heritage.
Beach House Outeirinho is located 3 km from the hustle and bustle of the city center of Ericeira. It is easy to catch an Uber or inquire about renting a bike if you do not want to walk or drive.
#3 BEACHES, BEACHES, BEACHES!
Ericeira is situated along the Atlantic coastline, 40 minutes northwest of Lisbon. It is famous for its stunning cliffs and sandy beaches, offering breathtaking landscapes and a variety of beaches for all levels of surfers and beach lovers alike.
Beach House Outeirinho sits above the city center with views in every direction and easy access to backroads direct to all the best beaches north and south.
#4 SURFING
Ericeira is internationally renowned for its surfing conditions, boasting some of the best waves in Europe. It was designated as Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve in 2011, and is one of only 12 in the world today. Ericeira is known for its exceptional quality of waves, unique environment, and strong local community commitment to preserving its surf culture.
Drive up the coastline 75 minutes north of Ericeira and you are in the town of Nazaré, famous for the 100 foot surf wave!
#5 HIKING, BIKING & ROCK CLIMBING
Beyond the beaches, the area around Ericeira offers natural beauty full of outdoor activities. Whether it's hiking, biking, rock climbing or just exploring the scenic views along the coast, there's a sense of being close to nature.
At Beach House Outeirinho, we are happy to help you organize a guided trip for any and all outdoor activities or we can simply rent you bikes so you can explore the area yourself.
#6 SHOPPING, CAFES & SEAFOOD
Dozens of cafes and restaurants can be found in downtown Ericeira with many different cuisines represented. The town is renowned for its seafood, with a plethora of restaurants serving fresh catch from the Atlantic. The culinary scene allows visitors to experience authentic Portuguese dishes, especially those centered around the ocean's bounty.
There is also a vibrant shopping scene with everything from large-scale surf shops to specialty pottery and clothing boutiques.
We are happy to share our favorite places for dinner, coffee, souvenirs, nightlife and local specialties :)
#7 SUNSETS
Facing west on the Atlantic ocean, it is hard to beat the spectacular sunsets you will find in Ericeira. Whether you are relaxing in the sand of one of the many beaches, enjoying a cocktail at a local beachside bar or hanging out on your private balcony at Beach House Outeirinho, the sunset views will take your breath away.
In addition to the private balconies off several of our king suites, the pool deck at Beach House Outeirinho offers one of the best views for sunset you could ask for.
#8 UNBEATABLE WEATHER
Sunny days combined with an Atlantic breeze offer a respite where summer days in Ericeira are often 5 degrees cooler than Lisbon. Ericeira's weather combines mild temperatures, oceanic influences, ample sunshine, and enough seasonal variation to appeal to a wide range of visitors and activities throughout the year. Whether you're visiting to surf, explore the cultural heritage, or simply enjoy the natural beauty, the climate in Ericeira contributes significantly to its charm as a destination. Note, it can be windy in the winter so keep this in mind when planning your trip.
Outside dining can be enjoyed for several months and we are happy to assist in getting reservations at particular restaurants.
#9 FRIENDLY LOCALS
The lifestyle in Ericeira is laid-back and welcoming, with a strong sense of community among both locals and visitors. The town has a dynamic social scene, with numerous cafes, bars, and shops that cater to its diverse population. Despite the hustle and bustle of the summer crowd, locals are happy to stop and chat and offer insights about the culture and community.
One of our favorite locals is Logan (pictured here) who sits perched in his window just north of Casa da Fernanda at Largo das Ribas 29 in downtown Ericeira.
#10 MINI SUPER BOCK
Ask any local and they will agree, Super Bock is a tasty Portuguese beer :) It is true you do not need to travel to Ericeira to enjoy a Mini Super Bock but there is nothing like sitting poolside and enjoying one at sunset!
And the minis are small enough to stay cold for every sip, even in the summertime!