2 Days in Ericeira: The Perfect Itinerary
The vibrant surf town, Ericeira is unlike any town in Portugal. There’s definitely something special about this quaint fishing town… the gorgeous coastline, the surfers, the seafood- the list goes on! Wondering how to spend your 2 days in Ericeira? I got you covered!
Jump To...
How Many Days Do I Need?
Situated about 35km south of Lisbon, Ericeira is perfect for a day trip. However, if you’re looking to catch a breather, a surf lesson, or a tan – then 2 days in Ericeira is more than enough.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Ericeira?
The best time to visit Ericeira is between May and October. If you’re an advanced surfer, then the best time for you to visit is between September and May. We arrived in Ericeira on the 15th of April and the weather was pleasant, there were no crowds and accommodation was affordable. Although the water was a little too cold for us, there were many surfers making the most of the waves. It’s also worth noting that many eateries operate on limited days prior to peak season.
How to get to Ericeira
If you’ve got a car, you can easily reach Ericeira from anywhere in Portugal. However, if you are not traveling by car you can take a bus from Lisbon. The trip was about 1.5 hours long and it was very comfortable. The village is really walkable and with 2 days in Ericeira, you’ll have more than enough time to explore without a car. We bought our tickets on the bus in cash and you can check out the bus times here. Google Maps is really helpful with this or try Rome2Rio.
Stay
Although Ericeira is extremely walkable, the coastline stretches far and wide and so if you’d like to be close to the hustle and bustle then consider staying in the village center. Or if you’re there for the surf, you may want to stay closer to the beach you’ll be frequenting the most.
There are an array of accommodation options to suit any budget and so it depends on the vibe that suits you. If you are there for surfing, then you should definitely stay in a surf camp or hostel. We stayed in a lovely place called Hostel & Surf Camp 55. It was cheap and cheerful, filled with colorful characters, a shared bathroom, and a self-catering communal kitchen. We stayed in a private double bedroom during our 2 days in Ericeira and we had a balcony with a stunning view of the ocean.
Day 1 – Itinerary
Day 1 is all about exploring the village, stuffing your face, and enjoying the surfer vibes.
Breakfast At Surf Cafe
Start your day with an Acai Bowl and a coffee at Surf Cafe. This delicious Brazillian dish truly encaptures the relaxed summer vibes and it’s fully customizable. The gorgeous rooftop provides a lovely view of the town and you’ll catch a tan too! There are plenty of Acai cafes in Ericeira- give them all a try if you can!
*Top Tip: Make sure to pack your beach gear before you leave.
Explore The Village
The picturesque streets, houses and benches are a feast for the eyes (and the gram!). Take some time to browse through the quaint boutique shops, admire the gorgeous architecture and discover hidden gems you might want to explore further during your 2 days in Ericeira.
Pastries and Praia dos Pescadores
Make your way to the beach -Praia Pescadores near the center of the village. On the way, make a stop at one of the many bakeries in the square for a mandatory ‘Pasteis De Nata’ and then head to Casa Fernanda for an ‘Ourico’- another traditional almond pastry that originates in Ericeira. Once you’ve stocked up make your way down to the beach and grab a spot in the sunshine. Relax and admire the surfers while you soak up the sun.
*Disclaimer, in peak season the beach will no doubt be very busy so adjust accordingly.
Lunch Time
Right about now you must be starving. If you head back into the town you’ll find a variety of restaurants to choose from. Fancy something cheap and light? Head to Restaurante Prego e 1/2 recommended by the locals for its affordable and tasty Portuguese delicacies. Craving something a little more vibey? Try Casa Portuguesa.
Igreja de Santa Marta
After lunch, take a 3min walk to the gorgeous Chapel- Igreja de Santa Marta. It’s a quaint little chapel built in the 18th Century and dedicated to Santa Marta- ‘the lady of necessities. Admire both the interior and the exterior- painted in the familiar blue and white you’ll see throughout the village.
Surf’s up!
If you’ve signed up for a surf lesson, now is a good time to get ready for your afternoon/ early evening lesson. If you’ve signed up for a morning session, simply adjust your itinerary to begin afterward. In 2011, Ericeira became a World Surfing Reserve and the only one in Europe to date. Surfers from all over the world flock to the stunning coast to catch the best waves. From beginner to advanced, there’s a wave for everyone so don’t let the lack of experience deter you. There are many surf schools that provide lessons and so you need to do some research to find the best fit (and price) for you. In peak season, consider booking online and well in advance.
Sunset Drinks At Mar Das Lata Wine & Food
It’s about that time for sunset drinks. Mar Das Lata is a super cute wine bar with astonishing views. Grab a seat in the sunshine and enjoy a sunset with a cheese board and some sparkling wine.
*They do not accept reservations for the wine bar, so make sure to get there early enough.
Seafood Dinner At O Gafanhoto
Ericeira is known for its amazing and fresh seafood and this traditional restaurant is a must-try! The affordable seafood dishes were out of this world and the atmosphere was great. We arrived quite late and had to wait a while in the queue to be seated but it was so worth it.
*Give them a call to make a reservation or arrive early.
Day 2- Itinerary: Hike Along The Coastline
Day 2 is all about exploring the breathtaking coastline, picnics, and sightseeing.
Breakfast at GIG
No doubt by now you’ve scouted the perfect breakfast place for this morning. If you’re craving good coffee and a healthy breakfast try GIG- Green Is Good or if you are an early riser head to the square to one of the many bakeries.
Hike From Praia dos Pescadores To Ribeira d’Ilhas
This is a stunning hike and a must-do if you have 2 days in Ericeira. It’s not a strenuous walk and you can choose to stop as often as you like and make sure to stick to the coast. Now before you head off, don’t forget to grab a mandatory Pasteis Da Nata to snack on along the way!
You’ll walk past some beautiful sights and lookout points.
*Miradouro de São Sebastião & Praia de Sao Sebastiao
Your first stop is the beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Praia De Sao Sebastiao. Follow the stairs all the way down to the quaint platform and admire the view or continue down towards the beach. Next you’ll walk to Miradouro de São Sebastião – another beautiful lookout point on a wooden deck.
*São Sebastião Chapel
A stone’s throw away from the Miradouro you’ll find the Sao Sebastiao Chapel. It’s a quaint little chapel with a gorgeous interior building that dates back to the 13th century. It’s dedicated to Saint Sebastian and it’s a beloved landmark in Ericeira.
*Praia do Matadouro and Villa Ana Margarida Beach
Continue along the coast towards Ribeira d’Ilhas and in about 10minutes you’ll reach another beach called Matadouro. You’ll also walk past the quirky villa Ana Margarida Beach holiday accommodation with traditional fishermen’s houses.
*Praia da Empa & Pedra Bancra
As you continue walking you’ll soon come across a dirt road that veers off to the left. Follow the sign and you’ll soon reach the breathtaking Praia Da Empa. This small beach is part of the world surfing reserve and the rocky shore is truly breathtaking- great for the gram!
Head back to the main road and you’ll soon pass by a BP across the road. Pop in here to pick up a couple of beers and a snack or two.
*Forte do Milreu & Beers
Once you’ve picked up your drink of choice, head back across the road and walk down to the Forte do Milreu. From here you will have a gorgeous view of the famous Ribeira d’Ilhas- throw out your picnic blanket and enjoy the view!
*Ribeira d’Ilhas
Wrap up your picnic and continue your journey to Ribeira d’Ilhas- the best surfing beach in Portugal. You’ll reach the iconic statue on your way down the winding wooden staircase that leads down to the beach. There are quite a few stairs, so if you’re not able to climb so many, I do not recommend this route for you. Spend some time on this gorgeous beach, admire the surfers and soak up the sunshine.
Ribeira d’Ilhas Surf Cafe
It should be lunchtime right about now- head to the Ribeira d’Ilhas Surf Cafe for a jug of sangria and seafood! Make sure to grab a lounger in the front- for maximum holiday vibes.
After lunch, you can either retrace your steps back to where the hike started or if you’re all done walking for the day- you can get a cab or a bus back to town.
*Dinner At Tik Tak
Tik Tak is a vibey restaurant that serves wonderful seafood and fresh vegetables- we did not need to make reservations but during peak, season reservations are advised.
Tip* If you can’t seem to reach reservations via the phone, pop into the restaurant to make a reservation in person.
There you have it folks- the perfect itinerary for 2 days in Ericeira. I hope you’ll fall in love with it just like I did. Let me know what you think of the itinerary or if you have any additions to add. If you’re planning on a visit to Porto, check out my article here!