Ericeira, Portugal: The Surf Paradise of Europe — Euroglimpse

Surf, drink, or sleep? Ericeira Portugal is here for you!

The US has California, Hawaii, and Miami, Asia has Bali, and other continents have other popular surf spots. Ever wondered about Europe’s best surf spot? Ericeira, Portugal, is the surf paradise and the best surf spot in Europe. Ericeira is Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve. People call it Europe’s Mecca. Honestly, it can also fight for the top 10 or top 5 in the world, too.

This charming coastal town isn’t just another stop on a surfer’s or traveler’s map-it’s a surf paradise that attracts wave riders from across the globe. Whether you are a pro surfer looking to chase big waves or a beginner wanting to learn, Ericeira, Portugal, delivers a perfect mix of beaches for every level.

But this little fisherman’s and surfer’s town is not all about surfing. Ericeira, Portugal, offers a blend of local culture, mouthwatering seafood, and stunning ocean views that make it impossible to leave. It is only 35 kilometers from Lisbon, so it’s close enough for a quick escape but far enough to immerse yourself in a truly unique experience.

Check this out, too: Surfing in Lisbon: Catch Waves in Portugal’s Capital

Ericeira, Portugal, has been a favorite of locals since the 1940s. It’s now one of the country’s top vacation spots. Similar to Lisbon, it has 300 days of sunshine a year, and it doesn’t disappoint whether it’s summer or winter.

Introduction to Ericeira: Portugal’s Surfing Gem

Ericeira, Portugal, is still like a hidden gem in the European travel lists. I never saw Ericeira as a destination to visit, even when people were talking about day trips from Lisbon. Ericeira is a charming surfing and fishing village near Lisbon with a chill atmosphere and an amazing surfing experience. I stayed in Ericeira for a week in 2023 at a surf camp, and it is still one of the best experiences I have had.

Ericeira is special because it’s Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve. This title shows the area’s amazing surf quality and variety. The reserve status protects the surfing environment for the future, so others can enjoy these waves, too. The city has an 8-kilometre coastline, and there are over 15 surf spots on that coastline. Famous spots like Ribeira d’Ilhas, Coxos, and Cave offer an unmatched surfing experience. No matter your skill level, you can have fun with the waves through surf schools and camps in Ericeira.

Europe’s Premier Surf Destination: Ericeira Portugal

Ericeira is Europe’s top surf spot for many reasons. It has consistent swells and a variety of surf spots, making it a go-to place all year. The surf spots in this are also amazingly beautiful, picturesque, and very calm. Because it’s not as popular as other surfing destinations in Europe, you also don’t see many tourists, so it always has a little local feeling.

How to Get to Ericeira, Portugal

If you are planning a trip to Ericeira, finding details such as how to get to Ericeira or even an Ericeira Travel Guide is quite hard. There aren’t many articles talking about visiting Ericeira, surfing in Ericeira, or just about what to expect overall. One thing that you can’t find a lot of information about is how to get to Ericeira.

The closest big city to Ericeira is Lisbon, so flying into Lisbon and taking a bus is probably your best, cheapest, shortest, and easiest route. Carris Metropolitana offers many routes from Lisbon to Ericeira. The quickest way is bus 2801. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour. In 2023, I paid 4€ one-way, and you can buy it from the driver directly when you board the bus. Buses leave hourly from Campo Grande in Lisbon. The trips last until about 11 pm to 12 am. Be careful. You can’t pay with a card. It’s only cash.

If you would like the freedom of a car, you can rent one in Lisbon and drive to Ericeira from Lisbon. The highway takes 30 to 45 minutes, with a €2.90 toll for regular cars. You can take the coastal road and stop in Cascais and Sintra for a scenic route. It’s a great way to start your Ericeira, Portugal trip.

Portugal also has Uber and Bolt or other carpooling options. Generally, it will cost you 30€ to 50€ to go to Ericeira one-way with a carpooling application. If you are a few people, using this option is quite cheap and fast.

Exploring Ericeira

Ericeira is a surfer town, but the city was initially a fisherman town. The locals were fishers, and they used to make money off of fishing. That’s why there is still a lot of local charm of the old world here. Nowadays, it’s meeting with modern life, creating a nice charm. The town’s history is clear, especially from the 19th century when it became popular with Lisbon’s elite.

The food scene in Ericeira is amazing for food lovers. It’s similar to many other Portuguese towns, full of fresh seafood and other local cuisines. They’ve got great restaurants that are not just Portuguese. There are also Italian and other types of restaurants. Places like Kayak Bar, which is directly on a beach, have amazing sunset views.

Shopping and Nightlife in Ericeira

If you are into shopping or souvenirs, Ericeira is not Lisbon or Porto, but they still have a good and special selection. There are many unique stores and surf shops that sell special t-shirts, surfboards, jackets, and other stuff. At night, the town gets busy. Craft beer cafes and beach bars are popular spots. Vibes Ericeira is great for dancing, and Adega Bar (it’s a small bar, though, we went with a group of 8 and it felt too stuffy) is ideal for drinks and events. Ericeira also hosts fun events like music festivals and food festivals. It’s a great place for those who love culture, food, and nightlife.

Surfing in Ericeira: A Wave for Every Skill Level

As I mentioned over and over again in the beginning, Ericeira is a surf town nowadays. Has over a dozen surf spots that match the energy and skill level of every surfer. Generally, except for the pros, many people go to surf schools or camps. If you choose that option, you don’t have to worry about which beach to go to or where to surf. They will pick the best spot for you. However, here’s a small breakdown of beaches for every level.

Beginner-Friendly Beaches

For beginners, Ericeira’s Foz do Lizandro beach is ideal. It’s a big beach break south of Ericeira, great for new surfers. In summer, the waves are smaller and easier for beginners to ride.

Intermediate Surf Spots

When you get better at surfing and feel like you can ride unbroken waves and get up on the water, São Julião is a good challenge. It’s best around mid-tide and suits intermediate surfers. The waves get bigger in fall or spring than in summer, so it’s a good choice.

Best Time to Visit Ericeira for Surfing

The best time to visit Ericeira Portugal depends on your surfing skills and what you like. The weather is nice all year, but each season has its own special things for surfers.

Summer (June to August) is perfect for beginners. The waves are smaller and easier to handle, which is great for learning. But it’s also the busiest time, so expect crowds and higher prices.

For experienced surfers, from late September to April is quite good. The waves are bigger and more fun during this time. However, the water gets extremely cold, especially during peak winter, so be careful with that. September and October are especially good, with the best waves, weather, and wind.

Winter (November to February) is quieter and cheaper. You’ll see fewer people and pay less for places to stay. Just remember, days are shorter, the sun sets around 5.30 pm, and the water gets as cold as it gets. Always bring a wetsuit, no matter when you go. A 3/2 suit is good most of the year. But by mid-October, switch to a 5/4 for the cold water.

I think the best time to visit Ericeira, Portugal, is in spring and fall. You get good surfing, nice weather, and not too many people.

Accommodation Options in Ericeira

Ericeira has a wide range of places for every traveler to stay. You can choose from budget-friendly surf camps to luxurious hotels. Each spot is perfect for resting after surfing or exploring the town. In my opinion, if you are in Ericeira mainly to surf, the surf camp is the best choice. You meet with a lot of people around the world, have a great surfing experience, learn a lot, see the city in your free time, and rest.

Surf Camps and Hostels

Ericeira surf camps are great for meeting other surf lovers and getting tips on the best surf spots. Generally, work in a way where you check in and have four to five classes in a week. The length of a surf camp is generally a minimum of five to seven days but can be longer. In 2023, for a seven-day surf camp in Ericeira, I paid close to 500€, including classes, accommodation, and breakfast.

Other options like WOT Ericeira Surf Hostel are also a top pick. Their website says that their prices start at 85€ per night. Those on a budget can opt for a hostel. They are cheaper, and you don’t have to book a set number of days or surf classes; you take them as you go. Ericeira Chill Hill Hostel offers private rooms and a welcoming atmosphere for $43.42 per night.

Hotels and Guesthouses

Ericeira Portugal hotels offer more comfort for those who want it. I don’t want to give any recommendations, so I will skip naming any places. You can do your own research at websites like Booking or Airbnb. However, hotels and guesthouses are much more expensive than hostels or surf camps.

Vacation rentals in Ericeira can provide a homey feel even though they are pricey. They often have kitchens, free parking, and air conditioning. With 860 properties and over 25,000 reviews, finding the right spot is easy if you look at the websites I mentioned.

Beyond Surfing: Other Activities in Ericeira

I adore Ericeira, Portugal, for its surfing, but there’s much more to see than just surfing. This coastal town has activities for everyone, whether you like food, dancing, drinking, or something else.

If you are a nature fan, go on sunrise or sunset walks along the coast and see Ericeira’s beautiful views and colors. The town has five amazing beaches close to the center, which are great for chilling or water sports. Praia da Foz do Lizandro and Praia de São Julião are just great for some sunset picnicking.

If you are more into history and culture, check out Ericeira’s historic center or visit Jose Franco village. Food lovers will like the vegan spots, Be U and Sunset Bamboo Bar. Ericeira is close to Lisbon and Sintra, so it’s easy to visit these famous places for a day visit.

Conclusion

Ericeira, Portugal, is a true surf paradise in Europe. Some call it Europe’s Surf Mecca. Whatever you call it, Europe’s first and only World Surf Reserve with kilometers of coastline and beautiful architecture is a trip you shouldn’t miss. Surfers of all levels love this place for its variety of waves.

It’s just 45 kilometers northwest of Lisbon, and you can easily reach it from Lisbon by bus, Uber, Bolt, or car in under an hour. You can enjoy golden sandy beaches like Praia do Sul and Foz do Lizandro for sunbathing and walks. There are many places to stay, from surf camps to boutique hotels, for every traveler.

One other thing is that Ericeira stands out for its unique lifestyle. In summer, it’s lively, with tourists and locals enjoying the beaches and streets. In winter, it’s quieter, but outdoor activities like hiking and surfing are still big. This mix of surf culture, nature, and a friendly vibe makes Ericeira unforgettable.

If you want the perfect wave, a beach getaway, or to experience Portuguese culture, Ericeira has it all.

FAQ

What makes Ericeira a premier surf destination in Europe?

Ericeira is known as Europe’s top surfing spot because of its steady waves all year. It has many world-class surf spots and a special environment. This made it Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve.

How do I get to Ericeira from Lisbon?

You can take a bus, Uber, or Bolt, or go with a car, whether yours or a rented car. All these options take between 30 minutes to an hour. The bus takes the longest but the cheapest at 4€ one-way. Uber or Bolt is the most expensive.

What cuisine and nightlife options are available in Ericeira?

Ericeira has traditional Portuguese food, fresh seafood, and many dining choices. You’ll find Italian, vegan, and smoothie places too. The town comes alive at night with craft beer cafes, beach bars, and events like outdoor Fado concerts.

What are the best surf spots in Ericeira for different skill levels?

Beginners should check out Praia do Sul, Foz de Lizandro, and São Julião. For those improving, Ribeira d’Ilhas, Matadouro, and São Lourenço are great. Experienced surfers will love Coxos, Pedra Branca, Backdoor, Reef, and Cave.

When is the best time to visit Ericeira to surf?

Ericeira is sunny for 300 days a year, so it’s a year-round surf spot. Summer is warm with smaller waves, perfect for beginners. Fall and spring have good weather and surf conditions. Winter brings big waves for the experts.

What accommodation options are available in Ericeira?

Ericeira has many places to stay, from surf camps and hostels for those on a budget to hotels and guesthouses. You can also camp at Ericeira Camping and a free camper park if you’re with an RV.

What other activities can I do in Ericeira besides surfing?

Besides surfing, Ericeira offers yoga, food tours, hiking, and water sports like bodyboarding and SUP. It’s close to Lisbon, Sintra, and Obidos for day trips too.

Originally published at https://euroglimpse.com on August 24, 2024.