Five Best Day Trips from Ericeira

We could happily spend all day every day in Ericeira, but there are several stunning spots nearby that are worth a visit as well. The following five locations are all within an hour and a half of Ericeira, making them accessible from O House for a quick day trip. Each one has its own charm and must-see sights, and we’re here to guide you through each location.

Sintra

One of the most iconic cities in Portugal, Sintra feels like it’s straight from a fairytale. The town center is nestled into the side of a mountain and is filled with quaint pastry shops and art vendors. Above the winding cobblestone streets climbs a lush forest. Across the mountain, several castles and monuments rise from the vegetation, making for a truly striking skyline.

The most famous of these monuments is Pena Palace, which sits at the very top of the mountain. This magnificent yellow and red castle provides an unbeatable viewpoint, and is also an invaluable source of history, culture, and art.

Another popular location is Quinta da Regaleira, an intricately-designed estate with sprawling gardens. This is the perfect place to simply wander; get lost in the winding pathways, explore secret tunnels, and descend the Poço Initiático, thought to have been used in Masonic initiation rituals. Quinta da Regaleira is brimming with legends and secrets, making it perfect for curious explorers.

Lisbon

Feeling the itch for the big city? Lisbon is just 40 minutes away from Ericeira and makes for a perfect excursion. After a relaxed breakfast at O House, head to the city and spend the day sightseeing. You may head to some of the iconic monuments, such as Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Belém Tower, or Castelo de São Jorge. There are also countless museums, which are ideal for a rainy day. Interested in marine life? Head to Lisbon’s famous Oceanário.

The food scene in Lisbon is amazing as well. Explore local flavors as you wander old neighborhoods and beautiful plazas. If you want hands-on experience with Portuguese cuisine, there are several cooking classes in Lisbon that will walk you through traditional dishes. If you stay through the evening, consider attending a Fado show and immersing yourself in the sound of Portugal.

Óbidos

Located just under an hour from O House, Óbidos is famous for the medieval wall that still encircles the village. This wall remains in good enough condition that you can walk along its entirety, enjoying panoramic views of the village and the surrounding countryside.

The village itself is packed with charm. Artisan shops dot every street, including vendors selling the traditional ginja liquor. The village is also famous for its bookstores; in fact, Óbidos has been designated as a UNESCO City of Literature and holds a literary festival, FÓLIO, every year.

Another highlight in Óbidos comes every summer: the Mercado Medieval. This celebration dives into Óbidos’ medieval history and includes performances, vendors, costume rentals, and more.

Nazaré

Home of the 100 foot wave, Nazaré can be an unforgettable addition to your Portugal itinerary. This traditional fishing village has become famous for its massive surf, drawing big wave surfers from all around the world. If you want to catch the waves at their largest, you’ll want to visit in winter. Throughout the rest of the year, there are occasional large swells, but don’t count on it.

Even if your timing doesn’t work out with the big waves, Nazaré is still a charming town in its own right. One of the highlights is the picturesque lighthouse overlooking the bay. There, you can drink in fantastic coastal views, and also explore a small surf museum housed in an old fort.

If you want to learn more about Nazaré before your trip, check out the HBO Max documentary The 100 Foot Wave - it’s a fun way to learn about the science behind the waves, local history, and surf culture before your visit.

Caldas da Rainha

The final city on our list flies under the radar for many travelers. However, it houses some of Portugal’s finest ceramicists and is packed with art and culture. Highlights include the Museu José Malhoa, which is located in the Parque Dom Carlos I. This museum may be small, but it has a beautiful collections and is definitely worth the visit. Explore the art of José Malhoa, a renowned local painter, as well as some inspiring ceramic pieces and sculptures.

Parque Dom Carlos I is also worth visiting on its own. This vibrant park provides welcome respite from the heat on summer days, and has some lovely walking trails. In the center of the park is a serene lake with swans and boats available for rent. There are some benches scattered around the shore, making for an idyllic spot to rest and soak in the nature.

There are dozens of ceramic studios scattered throughout the city. They can be a bit tricky to find and have variable hours, but there are some real gems, such as Carlos Enxuto’s studio and Studio Cê. We also love What the Folk, a community space, tattoo parlor, and ceramic studio. What the Folk teaches ceramic workshops as well, so if you want some hands-on fun with clay, reach out to them through their website and check on availability.

As a note, Óbidos, Nazaré, and Caldas da Rainha are all within 30 minutes of each other, so you can easily combine two of them in one day.

Ericeira is a great jumping off point for other excursions in Portugal. We’re happy to provide recommendations, or even book you a tour for extra peace of mind. Whatever you decide, Portugal’s wonders await to amaze you!