A Weekend in Portugal’s Coolest Beach Town Ericeira

As someone who grew up in a beach town, I’ve always loved being surrounded by water. When I got the chance to check out Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve in Ericeira, Portugal I was ecstatic. The town looks almost Grecian with white and blue accents running through the buildings which are connected by skinny, cobblestone streets. The food is fresh and healthy with spots serving traditional foods as well as modern fares. You are never far from Ericeira’s famous beaches which are a surfer’s dream and a shell collector’s paradise.

‍To Stay

There are plenty of gorgeous places to stay in Ericeira ranging from chic hostels to five-star hotels. For a luxury experience I recommend Immerso, a gorgeous, modern hotel with views of the ocean. Each room is more like a small apartment equipped with its own balcony overlooking the water. The hotel has experiences available ranging from surf school to yoga on the beach. There is a gorgeous spa and pool area. 

Aethos is a wellness resort set on the rocky cliffs above the ocean in Ericeira. At this beauty on the coast you’ll find a spa, a swimming pool, a gym and yoga classes. At the hotel restaurant you’ll find a locally-sourced, healthy menu. You can also join a surf retreat at Aethos and experience everything Ericeira has to offer. 

To Do

If you’re coming to Ericeira you have to at least try your hand at surfing–even as a beginner. You can join a surf school like family owned Na-Onda where instructors will guide you through catching your first wave. If you want to go solo, you can rent a board along the beaches like Foz do Lizandro and Praia do Sul. 

If you’re looking to be a part of history and also catch a good wave try Ribeira d'Ilhas, a world-famous surf spot that hosts national and international surf competitions. Have a look up at the top of the cliff when you’re in the water and you’ll see the statue of “The Guardian” looking out over this surf reserve. Ericeira is also home to teams of professional surfers who come together with locals and tourists alike on the weekends at Quiksilver Boardriders for a night of skate, surf, music and partying. 

If you’re like me and not ready to hang ten just yet, all the beaches in Ericeira are perfect for lounging and swimming. As a seasoned shell collector, I spent hours along the surf finding shells in different beautiful shapes and sizes. Make sure to wade in the shallows for a bit and scoop up the shells from the water—you’ll be sure to find some gems. 

To Eat

Although you can find the traditional foods of Portugal in Ericeira, the town has surely attracted a number of healthy, Mediterranean cuisines as well. For Brunch I would recommend Dear Rose, a small cafe serving toasts, acai bowls and delicious coffees. Along Praia do Sul you will find Balagan, whose rooftop is perfect for a sunset cocktail or Mediterranean spread. On Foz do Lizandro you’ll find Indigo which serves just about anything you can think of, and becomes a hub of nightlife come sunset. If you are looking for world class seafood you’ll want to try Marisqueira Mar-à-Vista.

Have I Convinced You Yet?

If I haven’t convinced you yet, know you won’t find another place like this California-cool meets European small town in Portugal. Ericeira is like nothing I have experienced before, and is the perfect place to live out your Endless Summer dreams. It has everything from gourmet meals to some of the country's best beaches. You’ll be dazzled by the ocean and cliffs that make up this magical surf town.