Historic landmarks
Main monuments, best viewpoints, and what’s worth your time in Ericeira.
Private transfers & day trips
Private Transfers in Ericeira, Airport & Day Trips
Private and reliable transfers in Ericeira, airport, hotel, business travel and day trips across Portugal.
Explore the best of Ericeira
Ericeira is in the Lisbon & Surroundings region of Portugal, about 40 km from Lisbon Airport.
Weather
18°CPartly cloudy
Lisbon time 14:18 • 12 Nov 2026
Nearest airport
LIS40 km
Lisbon Airport (LIS) · 40 kmRegion
Lisbon & Surroundings
Portugal
Population
14,541
Residents
Overview
Plan your visit: the sights of Ericeira, what to eat and where to stay.
Ericeira travel guide
Ericeira is a fishing village on the cliffs north of Lisbon, with white houses trimmed in blue and narrow lanes leading down to the sea. Its coast has so many quality waves that it was named a World Surfing Reserve, the only one in Europe. Add excellent seafood and a laid-back crowd, and it is easy to see why visitors stay longer than planned.
What to see
Wander the old town, with its squares, cafés and the little Santo António chapel above the harbour. Watch the boats being hauled up at Fishermen's Beach. North of the village, Ribeira d'Ilhas is the famous surf beach and hosts international competitions. In town, São Sebastião Beach is good for a swim or a sunset. Surf schools across the village teach every level.
What to eat
Ericeira is a seafood town. Try sea urchins, a local delicacy, and goose barnacles picked from the rocks. Order a fish caldeirada or arroz de marisco in the restaurants above the beach, and finish with a walk along the cliffs.
Nearby
The baroque palace of Mafra is 10 km inland, and Sintra is 30 minutes south. Lisbon is under an hour away.
Getting there
Ericeira is about 50 km from Lisbon Airport. GoToo drives you door to door at a fixed price per vehicle, with surfboards welcome on request.
Landmarks · Cuisine · Hotels
Hotels & stays
Book the right stay in Ericeira: best areas, smart picks, and options for every budget.
Ericeira Old Town
Whitewashed houses with blue trim, cobbled lanes and small squares full of cafés, all leading down to the sea.
Fishermen's Beach
The small beach below the old town where fishing boats are still hauled up the slipway, with cliff-top views from above.
Ribeira d'Ilhas
Ericeira's most famous surf beach, a long right-hand point break that hosts international competitions.
São Sebastião Beach
A sandy cove at the northern edge of town, good for swimming on calm days and for watching the sunset.
Santo António Chapel
A small fishermen's chapel on the cliff above the harbour, with a terrace and one of the best views in Ericeira.
Ericeira World Surfing Reserve
Eight kilometres of coast with seven world-class waves, protected since 2011 as Europe's first World Surfing Reserve.
Sea urchins
Ericeira's delicacy: fresh sea urchins from the rocky coast, eaten raw or in a rich rice, mainly in winter.
Caldeirada de peixe
Fish stew with several fresh fish layered with potato, onion and tomato, the fishermen's dish.
Percebes
Goose barnacles picked from the wave-beaten rocks, boiled briefly and eaten with the fingers.
Arroz de marisco
Soupy seafood rice with clams, prawns and crab, served in the restaurants above the beach.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Some beaches suit beginners, and many surf schools offer lessons and board rental year-round.
A protected stretch of coast recognised for the quality and number of its waves; Ericeira's was the first in Europe.
Sea urchins, goose barnacles, fish caldeirada and seafood rice.
GoToo runs private transfers, about 50 km, at a fixed price per vehicle.
Map of Ericeira
Highlights
Landmarks, food and day trips worth your time in Ericeira.
Private transfers in Ericeira
- ✓ Fixed price · no surprises
- ✓ Up to 90 min airport waiting included
- ✓ Professional licensed driver
Getting to Ericeira
Ericeira sits about 40 km from Lisbon Airport, roughly 35 minutes by road. Public transport often means changes and waiting, and may leave you a walk from where you want to be. A private transfer takes you door-to-door, with a fixed price and no connections, from €62 from Lisbon Airport.
