Ericeira
The Village
When visiting Ericeira, walking through the village is almost mandatory. You can enjoy symbolic monuments, amazing coves, typical neighborhoods and the fishing harbor with all its traditional boats and people. The little narrow streets and traditional houses hide nooks and charms like the sunset view from Miradouro do Sul or the lively atmosphere at the popular “Jogo da Bola” little square.
Beach and Leisure
Beaches are the ex-libris around Ericeira and they deserve all the reputation. The natural beauty of sands, rocky cliffs and the clear and intense sea rich in iodine, do the delight of locals and visitors from all around the world.
There are beaches of all kinds. You must try out surfing, windsurfing, sailing, jetskying, diving or fishing, among many other activities. But if you’re looking for some peace and quiet moments, just sit back and relax in the sun, enjoying the magnificent views.
Excellent accessibility and modern infrastructure support around the area with four Blue Flag beaches, Ericeira became even more popular because it’s the world’s 1st surfing reserve of Europe and the 2nd one in the entire world.
Food
Located along the coast, Ericeira offers the best of the sea – high quality fresh fish and seafood, served in restaurants, esplanades and typical pubs, combined in a variety of dishes, such as the seafood rice (Arroz de marisco), fish and seafood stew (Lombaça) and the special fish soup (Sopa de Cabozes). At its origin, Ericeira means “land of hedgehogs” and that is also the name of its most famous sweet – the Hedgehog, made with eggs, milk and sugar.
Attractions
Rich and alive, Ericeira is one of the country’s most desirable places to be and to visit. From hiking and biking trails, water sports, horse riding, golf, bird watching and visiting museums, there is much to unveil.
Discover the region popular culture at fairs, festivals and processions, gastronomic routes, and learn about ancient arts, such as basketry, tinwork or cooperage.
And when the day comes to an end and the night falls down, covering the town center, there are restaurants and bars to explore, as well as one of the oldest clubs in the country – The Hedgehog, a true reference in the nightlife.
Nearby
The verdant Tapada Nacional de Mafra of great environmental value, unique scenery of wildlife where you can observe birds, deers, wild boards, foxes, badgers, and many other wild interesting animals.
The Convent of Mafra is the most important Portuguese Baroque monument, immortalized by the Portuguese Nobel Prize José Saramago in his novel “Memorial do Convento”.
Cabo da Roca is Europe’s most western point, described by the poet Luís de Camões as the place “where the land ends and the sea begins”.
Around the magical village of Sintra you can find the mysterious and beautiful mountain, Pena Palace, Monserrate, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Museum of Modern Art.
The José Franco Typical Village, a permanent exhibition in Sobreiro, a small town nearby, which depicts all the ancient professions, the map of the region and its traditions.