Things to do
Things to do in Ericeira
You do not need a board to enjoy Ericeira. The town rewards slow wandering, and the coastline is made for watching, whether it is surfers, fishing boats or the sunset.
Wander the old town
The historic centre is a tangle of white houses trimmed with blue, cobbled lanes and tiled façades. Find the Praça da República, the small Museu da Ericeira on the town’s maritime past, and the cliff-edge Largo das Ribas looking over the harbour. It is compact enough to see in an hour, and rewarding enough to keep circling back to.
Find the viewpoints
Ericeira is a town of miradouros. The clifftop above Praia do Sul frames the bay and the sunset, while the Miradouro at Ribeira d’Ilhas is the place to sit and watch surfers work the famous right. Bring a coffee and let the sets roll in.
Watch a surf competition
As Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, Ericeira hosts professional events at Ribeira d’Ilhas, including a World Surf League Challenger Series stop, usually in late September or October. Even outside contest season, the cliff above the beach is the best free grandstand in town. Check the surf section to plan around the swell.
The harbour, the market and the Furnas
Down at the working fishing harbour you can still watch boats land their catch. Nearby, the Furnas are natural saltwater pools carved into the rock that once kept the day’s fish fresh, a fine spot for a late-afternoon drink. Time your visit for the local market to pick up fruit, cheese and the day’s fish.
Shopping and surf culture
Surfing runs through the town’s veins, and the centre is dotted with board shops, skate stores and independent boutiques. The skate park by Matadouro is a hub of the scene, and the Largo do Jogo da Bola is the place to sit with a coffee and watch the town go by.
Working remotely from Ericeira
Ericeira has quietly become a favourite of remote workers and digital nomads who come to surf before and after the laptop. You will find cafés with good coffee and wifi, a handful of coworking spaces, and a friendly international community, all within walking distance of the waves.
Sunsets and coastal walks
Facing due west, Ericeira serves up superb Atlantic sunsets almost nightly. Clifftop paths run north and south of town for easy walks with the ocean on one side and almost no crowds. Pair a walk with a seafood dinner and you have the perfect evening.