Things to do and see while in Portugal

During your stay in Ericeira there may be a day where you do not feel up to the waves or the weather is not quite right. Not to worry there are plenty of other wonderful places to explore nearby, while you rest for your next surfing session!

Yes, but what? You have already visited most of the town of Ericeira, walked through most of its quaint little streets, stumbled upon its famous pastries and other unsuspected delicacies. Yet, you want more.

But what is there to do? Well there is always of course the quaint town of Ericeira itself with its cute streets, famous pastries and delicious cuisine. However, if you want to explore further afield you have plenty of options with magical Sintra just around the corner, Cascais and of course the big city, Lisbon, is not far away either.

Why not begin your exploring with a stroll down the coast?

Head south in to the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and discover hidden coves, breath-taking scenery and abundant wildlife as you make your way down the coast. Make sure to ask the locals in the nearby fishing villages for tips on their favourite hidden gems – they will be more than happy to help!

One place you cannot miss is the Cabo da Roca, continental Europe’s westernmost point! It is a great place to relax and watch the waves crash onto the shore, especially at sunset. Time your visit perfectly and you can enjoy an unforgettable view at the edge of the continent! Along the way don’t miss the Praia Grande where tubular wave between 1 and 4 metres are not uncommon. Practice your skills or admire the pro surfers as they strut their stuff.

Onwards from the Cabo da Roca, the coastline becomes rockier and more difficult to navigate. It is best to make your way via inland roads to Guincho from this point. There you can appreciate a beach renowned for it windsurfing. Take the opportunity to try your hand at this sport and add a new skill to your collection. It is another great spot for watching the pros at work.

Visiting Sintra and Cascais

While the Atlantic coastline is very rocky and harsh, as you go further inland, you’ll start noticing more and more greenery, to the point where you’ll barely notice palaces and other historical places popping out of tree canopies. Once you reach Colares on your way to Sintra, it’s as if you’re already in another world, surrounded by green and freshness. Bring a coat, you’ll probably also notice a drop in temperature the closer you get to Sintra.

In contrast to the often rocky and dramatic Atlantic coast, the nearby inland region around Sintra is noticeably green and lush. This magical area is stuffed full of fascinating history with castles, palaces and beautiful towns and villages galore. Make sure to dedicate at least a day to visiting Sintra, as there is just so much to explore! You can check out the striking Palacio da Pena, Castelo dos Mouros, the Quinta da Regaleira and many more memorable sights. There is also a fantastic food scene in the area with many Michelin starred restaurants and many not so fancy, but yet no less good, restaurants and bakeries.

Further south you will find a jewel of the Portuguese Riviera, Cascais. This is where European royals have flocked to for centuries and which is still a popular bolt hole for the rich and famous today. It also hosts the America’s cup and offers plenty to discover.

Discover Lisbon

You probably flew into to Lisbon Airport to reach us at Ericeira, but don’t miss out on the chance to visit the city too!

Lisbon is a great city to visit and is especially interesting to wander around. There are so many things you can see and do here, which cater to different tastes, but what it is often hard to describe is the feeling you get. The city has a sense of timelessness, which you probably already felt if you visited Sintra, but here you are in an urban environment, busy with people and traffic, but you also get a sense of detachment.

Go with it. Leave your rented car somewhere and walk, rent a bike (but beware of the many hills), and go explore all the nooks and crannies of one of the oldest cities in Europe. Alternatively, if you planned to visit Cascais, taking the train to Lisbon would arguably be one of the best choices. Not only it’s cheaper, but the view over the ocean is amazing.

Getting to Ericeira

Most of our guests fly into Lisbon Airport directly, where we will pick you up in our airport shuttle.

This can be added to your booking for an extra cost, but you will be taken directly from the airport to the surf camp! Top tip for visitors from the UK – check out Parkhero.co.uk for cheap parking near Gatwick Airport and a host of other airports across the UK.

It is also possible to catch a bus to Ericeira from the Campo Grande bus station in Lisbon. We will be happy to pick you up at the bus station in Ericeira, just give us a call.