Thinking about visiting Ericeira? Check out this itinerary for must-do activities and iconic sites.

Day 1

Morning: Coffee is an integral part of Portugal’s culture and gastronomy, and Ericeira is no different. Cozy cafes pepper the village’s narrow streets, filling the air with the scent of coffee and pastries.

Start your trip right by diving into Portugal’s rich tradition of coffee at the Capsule. This charming cafe offers specialty coffee, as well as an array of treats such as matcha cheesecake and chocolate banana bread. If you’re looking for something more substantial, give their milk bread a try—these unique sandwiches can either be savory or sweet and are bound to fuel you up for the day ahead.

Mid-day: Head to Praia do Sul, a beautiful beach on the southern edge of Ericeira center. This is our favorite sun-bathing and swimming beach due to its soft sand, calmer waters, and quick access to waterside cafes and restaurants. Lay down your towel, pop an umbrella in the sand, and let the beachside bliss work its magic.

Note: remember to pack sunscreen and water for your beach day!

Early afternoon: When you start to feel hungry, head to Balagan, an O House favorite. This cafe and restaurant sits right on Praia do Sul, making it both convenient and privy to some truly stunning ocean views. In addition to refreshing drinks, Balagan also offers a delicious array of Eastern Mediterranean dishes and is ideal for meat-eaters and vegans alike.

Afternoon: After your meal, either hit the beach again, go shopping in Ericeira, or return to your hotel to recharge after a long day in the sun. Ericeira is the quintessential example of slow-paced, relaxed living; we recommend that you take advantage of the laidback vibes and treat yourself to some well-deserved rest.

Sunset: As the sun begins to dip toward the horizon, head to the Mar das Latas Wine Bar for a glass of wine or cocktail. Enjoy your drink as the sunset blooms across the sky and sea.

Evening: Explore traditional Portuguese food with a satisfying meal at Casa Portuguesa. Located in Ericeira center, this restaurant offers a comprehensive selection of local cuisine, from the iconic Francesinha sandwich to pica-pau (and much, much more).

Note: Depending on the time of year when you visit, sunset may be later in the day, and you may want to grab dinner ahead of time. It’s always a good idea to check when sunset is!

Day 2

Morning: Enjoy another relaxed breakfast downtown. Consider Tiger & Chick, a small but popular cafe with out-of-this world pastries (our personal favorite is the chocolate avocado tart) and speciality coffee. Or, head to Dear Rose Cafe, another speciality cafe that offers healthy and hearty breakfast items.

Note: Tiger & Chick does not accept credit cards, so if you decide to go there, make sure you have cash.

Mid-day: Head into the nearby city of Mafra (just a 15 minute drive from Ericeira) to tour the impressive Mafra Palace. This massive UNESCO World Heritage Site holds a wealth of art, culture, and history within its storied halls. Marvel at the intricate baroque exterior, then head inside, where more wonders await. As you wander the palace, make sure you remember to look up: there are several enormous murals painting on the ceilings, each one packed with detail and symbolism. Another highlight is the library. Home to several rare books (and a family of bats that help preserve the ancient tomes), the library is gorgeous and a must-see for book lovers.

If you’d like, pop into the National Music Museum after your palace tour. Located within the palace, this museum has a large collection of old, rare, and exotic instruments.

Afternoon: Return to Ericeira for lunch at Costa Fria. This iconic restaurant offers Portuguese food with a twist. Because the dishes are tapas-style, we recommend ordering several options to sample and share. As you eat, enjoy the ocean views and warm ambiance.

Note: We recommend making a reservation at Costa Fria to ensure you get a table.

Sunset: Head to Ribeira d’Ilhas, a famous surf beach just north of Ericeira, for a stunning nature walk. When you arrive, head toward the beach and then take the dirt path up the northern hill. After a brief uphill walk, you’ll find yourself on top of the coastal bluff, with panoramic views spreading out from all sides. The trail continues north, sticking close to the ocean the whole way, making it the perfect place to catch sunset over the water. Depending on the conditions, you may also see surfers tackling some of Ericeira’s most famous and difficult waves.

Note: If you brought your own car, you’ll want to factor in enough time to return to the parking lot before it gets too dark—we recommend timing your hike so you’re returning to Ribeira right when the sun disappears. If you used Uber, you may want to hike all the way to Coxos, the next beach, and get picked up from there after sunset.

Evening: If you’re visiting Ericeira, you don’t want to miss Caminito. This vibrant restobar combines Latin and Portuguese flavors to make some truly unforgettable dishes.

Note: We recommend making a reservation at Caminito to ensure you get a table.

Day 3

Morning: A visit to Ericeira isn’t complete without dipping your toes into the world of surfing. One of only fourteen World Surfing Reserves, Ericeira is often considered to be Europe’s surf capital. There is so much to explore in the surfing realm, and Boardriders sits at the center of it all, making it a fun place to visit. Not only is Boardriders a surf and skate shop, but it also houses its own eateries, an outdoor skatepark, and live music on Friday nights. It’s an important community hub, great for locals and visitors alike.

After getting inspired in Boardriders, participate in a surf lesson with one of our surf partners. No matter your level, our partners will meet you where you’re at, ensuring you are properly supported and challenged. Learn from local experts as you play in the ocean, practice your pop-up, and experience first-hand what made Ericeira so famous.

Mid-day: After your surf lesson, grab lunch at Cervejaria 7 Janelas. With its cozy/casual vibes and excellent food, this is one of our go-to restaurants. Cervejaria 7 Janelas offers Portuguese food, and specializes in its extensive seafood and meat options. If you’re vegetarian, give their veggie burger a try—it’s delicious.

Afternoon: Portugal is famous for its wine, and there are some outstanding vineyards right by Ericeira. Head to Manzwine for an immersive wine tasting. Not only will you get to try some incredible wines (including a white wine made from grapes that are only grown and processed at Manz), but you will also tour a quaint village.

Sunset: Cap off your trip with a cone of gelato and sunset views. There are several gelato shops in town, but one of our favorites is Nutwood. Their unique flavors are always a joy to taste. Once you have your cone, head to the viewpoint above Praia dos Pescadores, just down the street. Watch the sun slip beneath the horizon, closing out yet another phenomenal day in Ericeira.

Evening: Finally, check out LAB for dinner. This restaurant may be relatively new, but it has already made a name for itself as one of Ericeira’s best restaurants. Enjoy their innovative dishes and full flavors before heading back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Note: We recommend making a reservation at LAB to ensure you get a table.

Ericeira may feel small when compared to Lisbon or Sintra, but this charming village has so much to offer. If you’re interested in learning more about any of these suggestions, or if you want help booking custom experiences (such as surf lessons or a guided nature hike). please contact us for more information! We love introducing visitors to Ericeira’s local gems.

Three Day Ericeira Itinerary: Here’s What You Can’t Miss

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Top Four Best Hikes in Ericeira