Ericeira is a fishing village 50 km (31 miles) northeast of Lisbon, 25 km (16 miles) from Sintra and 10 km (6 miles) from Mafra. It has has the Atlantic Ocean as an eternal companion. Out of this relationship, the sun has given the best of its light and an 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 multiplicity of cultural programming interlace here in a grand way to welcome its visitors…

 

Gastronomy

Gastronomically Ericeira is known for its quality of 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, like the “puré de mariscos” (seafood purée), “frango de caldeirada” (chicken, peas and various condiments) or “sopa de cabozes” (crab, whiting-pout and mussel soup).

 

 Ericeira is famous for its beautiful beaches, located where the high cliffs of the rocky coast meet the Atlantic Ocean.

Surfing is the dominant sport and sunbathing is the most popular activity of tourists who come from all over the world.

However, Ericeira offers a lot more besides surfing to those interested in sport. Body-boarding, skim-boarding, windsurfing, fishing, diving, sailing, jet-skiing, water-skiing and beach-volley are some of the activities enjoyed at the beaches of the village.

In addition, the modern facilities of the municipal gymnasium and the Santa Marta park offer even more sporting facilities. Or you could discover the beautiful landscape on a mountain bike, horseback riding or by just hiking around.

 

Public Transportation

 

Ericeira offers several possibilities for itinerant visitors. Car rental agencies, taxis and public transport companies offer their services. The small buses of the “Turispraia” company run from Ribeira d’Ilhas beach in the North, through Ericeira to Lizandro beach in the South.

 

 

Nightlife

 

The tradition of Ericeira’s nightlife continues to attract a regular and distinctive audience, not only Portuguese, but foreign as well, especially in summer and at weekends. A large variety of bars and nightclubs promise an exiting night.And it is certainly a long tradition: the second oldest nightclub in Portugal, the “Ouriço”, picturesquely located overlooking the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, opened its doors in august 1960.