The world’s second to be named (2011) and still the only one in Europe! The coastline classified as WORLD SURFING RESERVE is a 4km stretch of Ericeira’s 8km coastline, where seven world class waves are concentrated: Pedra Branca, Reef, Ribeira d’Ilhas, Cave, Crazy Left, Coxos e São Lourenço.
Visit the Surf Interpretation Center in Ericeira for more information about its waves, SURF SPOTS, landscape and community.
In addition to surfing, Ericeira is well known for its beaches, seafood and natural beauty, but almost miraculously managed to combine old and new while retaining its charm as a small fishing village overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the eternal companion.
Walk the cobblestone streets, relax in the sun, admire the sunsets, make some friends. People are nice and welcoming, live is good. Enjoy it!
In Ericeira, the fresh fish and seafood are something else! There’s more than 50 restaurants and “marisqueiras” (seafood restaurants). But of you can also other traditional Portuguese food, Italian, vegan and sushi. Try the typicals “puré de mariscos” (seafood purée) and “frango de caldeirada” (chicken, peas and various condiments). A few restaurants:
Seafood: Brisa | Mar à Vista | Furnas. Grilled Fish: Mar de Areia | Ti Matilde | Furnas | Clube Naval da Ericeira. Fast Food: Taberna Lebre | Sun Set Bambo | Neasha | Galiota. Traditional Food: Caniço | Gafanhoto | Tasca da Boa Viagem. Italian: Pizzaria Pão D’alho | Pinta | Pedra Dura | Bocalino Pizzaria
From beginner to professional surf levels, inside or just next to Ericeira’s World Surfing Reserve stretch, it’s possible to find a large number of outstanding surf breaks in a breath-taking coastline stretching for km and defined by rocky cliffs punctuated with beautiful little bays and secluded beaches.
Some of these SURF SPOTS, such as Ribeira d’Ilhas, Coxos and Cave, are nothing less than iconic.
Mixing locals, surfers from all the corners of the planet and Lisbon’s weekenders, Ericeira’s nightlife is great, especially in the summer and at weekends. The atmosphere is multicultural, young, and relaxed. English is the common language, as almost everyone under 40 speaks it.
There’s a large variety of bars, cozy pubs and nightclubs. The second oldest nightclub in Portugal, “Ouriço”, picturesquely located overlooking the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, is a place to go. Other hotspots include Tubo Bar, Taberna Lebre, Juke Box, Hemingay’s Bar and Puro Malte.
