Breaking Down Ericeira’s Beaches
Summer is in full swing and there’s no better way to spend it than at the beach. Luckily for us, Ericeira is surrounded by gorgeous beaches that are perfect for surfing, soaking up the sun, tide pooling, and so much more.
Because there are so many options, choosing which beach to visit might feel overwhelming at first. Let’s break it down.
Our first beach is located just 10 minutes south of Ericeira center. Foz do Lizandro is ideal for both lounging and surfing. Its plentiful sand makes it a great place to set up an umbrella and relax. Plus, it sports a boardwalk that houses several cafes and restaurants, making it easy to grab food or drinks whenever you like. We particularly enjoy Indigo, especially at sunset - the views are top notch, and the casual vibe is perfect to cap off a sun-soaked beach day.
Lizandro is also unique because it sits on an estuary; the Lizandro River flows into the Atlantic here, making for beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife (this is a great spot for bird watching, especially early in the morning).
Praia do Sul is on the southern end of Ericeira center and is another one of our go-to beaches for relaxation and swimming. Like Lizandro, Sul is quite sandy, and in the summer, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas if you don’t have your own.
Unlike Lizandro, which often sees larger waves, Praia do Sul is one of the best places in Ericeira for swimming. At low tide, there’s a pool on the northern end of the beach that is formed by a barrier of rocks. For a gentle, refreshing ocean dip, this is the place to go. You don’t have to worry about waves, and once you’re done in the water, you can dry off on the sandy shore.
For those that like to play in the waves, the rest of the beach also features a long stretch of unaltered coastline, ideal for body surfing and boogie boarding. When the waves are big, you may even see surfers out. We recommend checking the live beach cam before your visit, as well as the tide tables, to get a sense of what the waves look like.
If you get hungry, there are several restaurants and cafes right next to the beach. Our personal favorite is Balagan, an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant with delicious food and incredible views.
Located right in the center of town, Praia dos Pescadores is a hub of Ericeira’s culture and community. Grab a gelado from Nutwood or an ouriço (Ericeira’s specialty pastry) from Casa da Fernanda, then stroll down the hill to the sandy beach. Praia dos Pescadores is another good spot for sunbathing and swimming; the protected harbor enjoys calmer waters.
In the summer, you can rent a chair and umbrella, and also help yourself to drinks from the pop-up beach bar. This is also a popular spot for beach volleyball, and there are plenty of local groups who do pick-up games.
This is also where the famous fisherman’s boats are, making it a fun place to get a sense of Ericeira’s rich history of fishing and seafaring.
Just north of Ericeira center is São Sebastião. Despite its proximity to town, this beach has a more rugged feel. Rocky cliffs tower over the sand, and stone slabs make up portions of the beach itself (keep an eye out for quartz embedded in the stone - there are some beautiful crystal formations).
During low tide, it’s a great place to go tide pooling. You can find anemones, mussels, fish, and of course, sea urchins (Ericeira’s namesake). If the tide is low enough, you can walk all the way to Ribeira, exploring fascinating geologic formations and marine life.
Although it’s not the best place for a swim due to its larger waves and rocky shore, São Sebastião is popular among surfers of all skill levels.
Finally, we have Ribeira d’Ilhas. This is arguably the most iconic surf beach in Ericeira, and is home to the annual World Surf League competition every September. Perfect for advanced surfers and beginners alike, this is a great place to try your hand at catching some of Europe’s best waves. If you’re not a surfer, this beach is still great for relaxing, tide pooling (remember to check the tide tables and beach cam), and enjoying tasty food at Ribbaí.
If you’re interested in exploring the coastline in a different way, Ribeira is also the starting point for one of the most beautiful nature hikes in Ericeira. Just head up the hill on the north end of the beach and follow the coast to Coxos. On this walk, you’ll get spectacular views of the surfers and coastline, immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna, and get your steps in. To learn more about this trail, check out our recent blog post on Ericeira’s top nature hikes.
Each of Ericeira’s beaches has its own charm and perks. Looking for refreshing ocean dips and beachside cocktails? Look no further than Praia do Sul. Itching to break out the surf board and catch some waves? Your best bet will be Ribeira or São Sebastião.
We’re so grateful to have such incredible beaches in our backyard, and we can’t wait to share them with you!
