15 amazing things to do in Ericeira, Portugal

Dreaming of a trip to Portugal’s surf capital? Dive into our guide on what to do in Ericeira and discover why this coastal gem is a must-visit.

Ericeira isn’t just any surf town; it’s a vibrant hub where adrenaline-charged waves meet laid-back charm. What was once a quiet seaside village has since evolved into a top-rated travel destination. But, amazingly, it’s still managed to preserve its unique, easygoing vibe and fishing village roots.

And the best part? You’ll find Rapture Surfcamp right here, offering guests an unbeatable chance to surf in one of Europe’s prime surf spots while experiencing the magic of Ericeira firsthand.

With that said, let’s take a look at our top must-dos when visiting Ericeira, Portugal; let’s dive in!

1. Explore the world surf reserve

Started in 2009 by the Save the Waves Coalition, World Surfing Reserves is a program that’s designed to foster, protect and preserve global surf habitats around the world. Currently, there are 11 World Surfing Reserves, with Ericeira established as the very first European reserve back in 2011.

Chosen for its high density of quality surf breaks and unique environment, Ericeira’s World Surfing Reserve covers a 4-kilometre stretch of coastline and seven separate surf zones, including famous waves like the Coxos and surfing beaches like Praia dos Pescadores.

Checking out the many cliffs, small bays, and surf breaks that fall within the reserve is a must for everyone taking lessons at our surf school in Portugal.

2. Visit the charming Sintra

A day trip to Sintra, a charming Portuguese town nestled in the hills of the Serra de Sintra, is a must! Begin your exploration in Sintra’s enchanting Old Town, where cobbled streets wind through colourful 19th-century buildings, traditional shops, and iconic landmarks like the Palácio Nacional de Sintra with its distinctive twin chimneys.

From there, stroll along narrow streets to discover more of Sintra’s captivating sites, including the Palácio Nacional da Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, and Castelo dos Mouros. The blend of historic architecture and lush natural scenery makes this town an exceptional destination for visitors of all ages.

3. Sample some of the freshest seafood in Europe

Portugal’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. This means that many of the best restaurants in Ericeira are seafood eateries where you can try grilled sardines, octopus salad or any one of the hundreds of dishes that feature cod (or bacalhau in Portuguese). So, trying out the regional cuisine is a must in your list of things to do in Ericeira.

There are also fish markets to lose yourself in and local festivals to attend that celebrate Ericeira’s heritage as a fishing village. If you’re wondering why the seafood tastes so fresh, chances are it’s because your meal has only just been plucked from the ocean that morning. A hot tip from us – keep an eye out for daily seafood specials down by the harbour.

4. Skate Next to the Ocean

There aren’t many things that compare to the feeling of surfing, although skateboarding is about as close as you’ll get while on dry ground. If you consider yourself a skateboarder, then this is definitely one of the fun things to do in Ericeira. You’ll be pleased to know that Ericeira boasts one of the most picturesque skateparks in the world.

Located in downtown Ericeira, only a block from the ocean, is Boardriders Ericeira, a Quiksilver brand store with a bar, terrace, and an expansive concrete skate park that’s open to all ages and skill levels.

This spot provides a great place for those who want to try their luck at riding concrete instead of waves. From here, you can check what the waves are doing across the road at Matadouro and even take in the epic sunset.

5. Check out the Extravagant Portuguese Palace at Mafra

Between the excitement that comes with learning to surf and all the other awesome things there are to do in Ericeira, you may need a day to kick back and cruise. If or when that day comes, the team at our surf camp in Portugal recommends checking out the stunning little town of Mafra.

Mafra is just over 10km/6 miles from Ericeira village, so it’s only a short journey and therefore shouldn’t be missed. The A21 national highway connects Ericeira right to Mafra. If you’re driving, be advised that there are tolls. There are also bus services, such as Mafrense.

Mafra National Palace (Palácio de Mafra) is the town’s main site of interest. Tourists from all around Portugal travel from near and far to marvel at the Palace’s stunning architecture. The convent itself is also famed for its magnificent Baroque architecture and staggeringly beautiful basilica, replete with a complex carillon, which is a large mechanized musical instrument that plays church bells.

Mafra’s splendour is a testament to the incredible amount of wealth that resulted from Portugal’s colonization of Brazil as well as the autocratic rule of D. João V. Only a powerful, rich monarch could erect such a splendid, sumptuous structure as the Mafra National Palace in so little time – 13 years.

Once used as a secondary residence for the Portuguese royal family, the National Palace is a vast tract of land that includes a massive monastery and a decorative basilica, in addition to a library that’s estimated to house over 36,000 ancient texts. Before you ask, no, there aren’t any surf magazines within their library – we’ve already checked.

6. Enjoy the Nightlife like a Local

As the sun dips below the horizon, Ericeira transforms, buzzing with energy as locals and travellers come together to enjoy live music, great food, and good vibes.

Many of Ericeira’s bars and lounges offer live music throughout the week, providing the perfect backdrop for a casual evening out. Here, you can sip on expertly crafted cocktails, exchange surf tales, and soak in the atmosphere that makes the town so unique.

Beyond the live music scene, Ericeira boasts an incredible food landscape. The town is filled with great restaurants catering to all tastes, from vibrant vegan food to mouthwatering Portuguese classics. Picture yourself diving into dishes like bacalhau (salted cod), grilled sardines, and hearty soups, all crafted with the freshest local ingredients.

The experience is heightened by Ericeira’s inviting venues, where inexpensive drinks, delicious food, and warm smiles guarantee a wonderful time. For all these reasons and more, a night out in Ericeira, Portugal, is one of our favourite things to do in this small village.

7. Try Standup Paddleboarding on Rio Lizandro

If the waves are flat and you forgot to pack your skateboard, you can still get your board sports fix by paddleboarding the Lizandro River that meets the ocean directly in front of the Rapture Surfcamps property in Portugal. Local vendors offer packages to tourists visiting the town, and it’s one of the more scenic ways to drink in the exceptional landscape.

Peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for those down days between learn-to-surf sessions, stand-up paddle boarding is easy to pick up, even if you’ve never tried it before. You can also arrange paddleboarding tours of the World Surfing Reserve and the harbour via reputable local companies.

8. Taste One of the Rarest Wine Varieties in the World

20 minutes southeast of our surf camp in Portugal is Cheleiros village, a small cluster of residential homes surrounded by rolling hills and ancient vines that grow a rare variety of grapes called Jampal.

Rescued from extinction by a Brazilian ex-footballer by the name of André Manz, Jampal grapes make wines full-bodied with citrus and floral aromas. With only a few thousand bottles of Jampal wine made every year, this is a wine tasting you don’t want to miss!

Jampal wines can be tasted as part of a larger wine tour that covers both the Cheleiros and Bucelas localities. It’s a guaranteed good time that offers insight into regional winemaking techniques, the history of the area, and the many interesting personalities found within it.

9. Grab a Bike and Cruise Ericeira’s Streets

Surf camps in Ericeira, like Rapture Surfcamps, are all about crafting an unforgettable experience that goes beyond just catching waves. With thoughtful add-ons like well-maintained bikes at your disposal, you can add a whole new level to your stay. Imagine cruising through Ericeira’s charming streets or taking the scenic route along clifftops, catching the salty breeze on two wheels.

Want to check out the waves at your new-found favourite beach like a local? Grab a mountain bike and go explore! Or perhaps mountain biking is more your thing? If so, Ericeira offers some great trails for mountain bikers of all levels. You can find routes winding through coastal hills and forests and even nearby beaches.

10. Go for Art Displays and Exhibitions

Have a look at exhibits, workshops, and ecology at Skeleton Sea Environmental Art Center in Santo Isidoro between Ericeira and Ribamar.

Ericeira World Surfing Reserve Interpretative Center: a great interactive exhibit of the geological features and weather patterns, even if you are not surfing those waves.

11. Spend some time at the Local Beaches

When you need a break from the nonstop action—whether it’s wine tours, surf lessons, or skateboarding—take a little time to unwind at one of Ericeira’s beautiful beaches and explore nearby surf shops.

For a peaceful, sun-soaked escape, Lizandro Beach offers the perfect setting to stretch out with a book and enjoy the sea breeze. But if you’re craving the energy of the town, Central Beach, AKA Praia do Sul, is Ericeira’s main beach and the place to soak up the local vibe. Framed by cliffs, this beach combines a lively scene with a sandy shore, ideal for both locals and tourists alike.

Elsewhere, if you’re looking for other beaches, there’s Matadouro Beach or Praia do Matadouro, a popular beach located just north of Ericeira, Portugal. Known for its rugged coastline and consistent surf, it’s a favourite spot for surfers of various skill levels.

If you’re willing to venture outside of Ericeira, there’s Praia da Foz, AKA Foz do Lizandro Beach, a beautiful beach located just south of Ericeira, Portugal. It’s a favourite among surfers and families due to its wide sandy stretch and consistent waves, making it suitable for various water activities. The beach sits at the mouth of the Lizandro River, which creates a unique landscape with both river and ocean access, offering shallow, calmer waters.

12. Visit Portugal’s capital

Want to explore Portugal in more depth? Just a 45-minute drive away, Lisbon is packed with tourist attractions that will captivate all the tourists who visit. Wander through the historic streets of Alfama, soak in the breathtaking views from Belém Tower, and marvel at the iconic Jerónimos Monastery.

For those looking to shop, LX Factory offers unique finds and trendy spots, while Lisbon’s coffee shops and famous food scenes serve up flavours you won’t want to miss. All that to say, day trips to Lisbon are the perfect addition to any travel itinerary, with something for every traveller!

13. See Ericerira’s natural amphitheater from ribeira d’ilhas beach

When people refer to Ericeira as a natural amphitheatre, they’re usually talking about the way the coastal cliffs curve and rise around the beaches and surf breaks. This part of the Portuguese coast seems to embrace the sea, creating a kind of “stadium” where nature is the performer, and anyone perched along the cliff edge has a panoramic view.

The amphitheatre effect is especially noticeable from the cliffside paths around places like Ribeira d’Ilhas and Praia do Sul, where you can watch surfers riding the waves below or just take in the sweeping ocean views.

14. Visit cabo da roca

Visiting Cabo da Roca is a fantastic day trip if you’re staying in Ericeira, offering a chance to experience Portugal’s beautiful country in all its natural glory. Just a short drive away, this dramatic viewpoint lets you stand at the edge of mainland Europe, surrounded by breathtaking cliffs and vast ocean views. It’s a spot loved by both visitors and local people for its stunning scenery and unique atmosphere, making it a must-see addition to your Portuguese coastal adventure.

15. Hit the Waves and Learn to Surf

We can’t finish this article without talking about the number one reason why people stay at our surf camp in Portugal and visit Ericeira – to catch some epic waves surrounded by good friends in a beautiful location. Seriously, you couldn’t fabricate a better place for a surf session than in this charming seaside town.

With just about everything you need at your disposal, including wetsuits, surfboards, leashes and wax. In addition to decades of local knowledge, you should always be in the right place at the right time. Our Foz do Lizandro surf camp is ground zero for good times and unforgettable surfing experiences.

Ready to turn your dream of visiting Ericeira, Portugal, into reality?

We hope that, having read this blog post, you now have a better idea of what to do in Ericeira! From its stunning beaches and charming town centre to its perfect spots for exciting day trips, Ericeira invites you to explore its cobbled streets and soak up the enchanting vibe of this coastal gem.

Ericeira is more than a destination—it’s an experience waiting for you. Whether you’ve visited Ericeira before or it’s your first time, you’ll be drawn to the waves, the fresh seafood, and the beautiful landscapes. It’s no exaggeration to say that this Portuguese gem has something special for everyone.

…And when you’re ready to dive into one of Portugal’s best surf schools, Rapture Surfcamp awaits to make your stay unforgettable. What are you waiting for? Grab your surf gear and book your first surf lesson in Ericeira, Portugal, today!

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