Why Ericeira? Destination Guide: Ericeira, Portugal

ERICEIRA DESTINATION & PROPERTY INVESTMENT GUIDE

Video transcript.

There’s an unwritten rule within the surfing community; never drive away from good surf.

And whilst this town’s coastal legacy dates back thousands of years before people put a board in the waves, it’s easy to see why Ericeira was named the first world surfing reserve in Europe, and only the second in the entire world.

Heavy barrels, reefs and beach breaks, are just some of the seven types of waves available within 4km of pristine coastline.

They all roar in towards a bustling town that unravels beautifully through a maze of narrow cobbled streets, flanked by charming white cottages with blue-painted corners.

Winter or summer, it would be reminiscent of southern California, if it wasn’t for its understated Portuguese style and culture, an intoxicating mix that pulls in tens of thousands each year for short breaks, long stays and global events.

And it’s close to Lisbon too. Just 30 minutes from the centre and airport, which is why it’s becoming a place for hybrid working.

In fact, in 2023, with tourism returning to almost every coastline in the country, Ericeira defied a trend and actually had less rental accommodation available after Covid than it did before. When people stay, they don’t want to leave.

It also saw a 150% increase in visits outside of the surf season. More evidence of people obeying the rule and not moving away from good surf.

These trends are having their effect elsewhere though, with the demand for property intensifying, rental prices increasing and big players in hospitality finally noticing, with two five-star hotels opening here in 2023 alone.

But when you step off the beaten paths, numbers mean nothing when you’re amongst truly iconic spots such as Ribeira d’Ilhas and Coxos.

"You can only explain this to someone who has already been here. It's not just one thing. It's a combination of many things that make Ericeira special.
It's the waves, the climate, the people, the infrastructure, the proximity to Lisbon, and the easy access that allows you to go back and forth quickly because there's a very good road. There are bars, restaurants, parking spaces everywhere, and it simply feels like an extension of your home.

I think the waves are the main catalyst that makes Ericeira and everything around it happen."

Two kilometres to the north, Ribeira d'Ilhas, is set in a valley between high cliffs and is widely regarded as one of the best surf beaches in Europe. A big hit during summer and even bigger in winter, it’s busy almost all year round and its beach bar is a hit for the surf-before-work crowd.

"I have been living here in Portugal for 3 years, and Ribeira d’Ilhas is my favorite surf spot.
We know that there will always be some waves here. The seabed is predictable. It can handle a lot of wind, so regardless of the wind direction, it’s okay 90% of the time. And it has exposure to the swell, which always brings a really nice pull. The chance of coming here one day and not surfing is very low."

Just like any coastal Portuguese town, Ericeira is also known for its fresh fish and seafood. Yet here you can eat beachside and on the cliff tops, but for prices that won’t make you want to jump.

Afterwards, if you can draw yourself away from the allure of the waves, get lost in the central areas with traditional handicraft shops, fashion boutiques, cool bars and surf shops.

As the saying goes, ‘there are a million ways to surf, and as long as you're smiling, you're doing it right’.

For Ericeira, smiling is easy, as long as you don’t drive away.