Best Things to Do in Ericeira: Beaches, Surf, Food and Coastal Views
Ericeira is one of the best coastal destinations near Lisbon, known for its surf culture, scenic beaches, seafood restaurants, and relaxed small-town atmosphere. While it is famous for its waves, there is plenty to do here even if you don’t surf, from walking the cliffs and exploring the old town to enjoying sunset views over the Atlantic.
The best things to do in Ericeira include visiting beaches like Praia dos Pescadores and Foz do Lizandro, taking a surf lesson, eating fresh seafood, and spending time in the whitewashed town center. It also makes an easy day trip from Lisbon if you want a quieter alternative to Cascais.
In this guide, you’ll find the best beaches, what to do for surfers and non-surfers, where to eat, and how to plan your time in Ericeira.
Quick Picks: Best Things to Do in Ericeira
Best beach in town: Praia dos Pescadores
Best beach for beginners: Foz do Lizandro
Best for surfing: Ribeira d’Ilhas
Best sunset views: Praia do Sul and the clifftop viewpoints
Best for food: Seafood restaurants in the old town
Ericeira is a small coastal town northwest of Lisbon that combines surf culture, local character, and dramatic Atlantic scenery. It feels more relaxed and less polished than Cascais, which is exactly why many travelers love it.
The town is known for its beaches, seafood, and walkable center with whitewashed houses and ocean viewpoints. Even if you are not here to surf, Ericeira is worth visiting for its atmosphere alone.
One of the biggest advantages of Ericeira is that it works for different travel styles. You can come for a quick beach day, stay for a long lunch and sunset, or build a full itinerary around surfing, coastal walks, and nearby sights.
Easy coastal escape from Lisbon
Great for surfers and non-surfers
Beautiful beaches and cliff views
Excellent seafood and relaxed atmosphere
Located north of the capital, Ericeira makes an easy
day trip from Lisbon
if you want a more local and less crowded coastal experience.
Best Beaches in Ericeira
One of the best things to do in Ericeira is spend time at its beaches. Some are better for surfing, others are better for swimming, relaxing, or sunset views, so choosing the right one depends on what kind of day you want.
Beach Name
Best For
Good for Swimming
Surf Level
Access
Ribeira d’Ilhas
Surfing and views
Limited
Experienced
Best by car
Foz do Lizandro
Beginners and beach day
Yes
Beginner-friendly
Easy access
Praia dos Pescadores
Central beach near town
Usually calmer
Not the main surf beach
Walkable
Praia do Sul
Views and sunset
Depends on conditions
Moderate
Short walk from center
Ribeira d’Ilhas is the best-known surf beach in Ericeira. Even if you don’t surf, it’s worth visiting for the views, the atmosphere, and watching experienced surfers in the water.
Foz do Lizandro is one of the best choices if you want a more relaxed beach day. It has more space, easier access, and is better suited to beginners, families, and anyone looking for a mix of beach time and casual restaurants.
Praia dos Pescadores is the most convenient beach if you are staying in town. It is easy to reach on foot and works well for a quick stop between walking around the center, eating lunch, and enjoying the sea views.
Praia do Sul is a good option for a slower afternoon, especially if you want sunset views and an easy walk back into town afterwards.
Choose Foz do Lizandro if you want an easier beach day
Go to Ribeira d’Ilhas for surf culture and coastal views
Stay near Praia dos Pescadores if you want everything within walking distance
Check ocean conditions before swimming, especially outside summer
Ericeira’s coastline is part of Portugal’s scenic
Silver Coast,
known for surf beaches, cliffs, and a more rugged Atlantic landscape.
Best Things to Do in Ericeira Beyond the Beach
There is more to Ericeira than surfing. Even if you never get in the water, the town works well for a half-day or full-day visit thanks to its atmosphere, food, and coastal scenery.
Walk Around the Old Town
The center of Ericeira is compact and easy to explore on foot. Whitewashed houses, small squares, tiled facades, and ocean viewpoints give the town its character, and simply walking around is one of the best things to do here.
Take a Surf Lesson
If you want to try surfing for the first time, Ericeira is one of the best places to do it. Beginner-friendly beaches and local surf schools make it easy to book a lesson without needing your own equipment.
Watch the Sunset from the Cliffs
Sunset is one of the best times to be in Ericeira. The clifftop viewpoints and beaches around town are ideal for a slow evening walk with sea views.
Walk the Coastline
The coast around Ericeira is made for scenic walks. You do not need a formal hiking route to enjoy it — even a short walk between the beaches and viewpoints is rewarding.
Best for non-surfers: old town, viewpoints, seafood
Best active option: surf lesson
Best low-effort activity: coastal walk at sunset
Best for photos: cliffs, beaches, and the town center
Where to Eat in Ericeira
Eating fresh seafood is one of the best things to do in Ericeira. The town has a strong food culture built around the ocean, and even casual restaurants often serve excellent fish and simple Portuguese dishes.
If you are visiting for the day, plan your time around lunch or dinner. A slow seafood meal with a sea view is a big part of the Ericeira experience.
Fresh fish and seafood
Traditional Portuguese dishes
Casual cafes and bakeries in town
Sunset drinks near the coast
Relaxed restaurants with local atmosphere
Seafood restaurants are the obvious highlight, especially if you like grilled fish, shellfish, and simple coastal cooking. The best approach is often to choose a busy local-looking place and ask what is freshest that day.
Cafes and bakeries are also worth your time, especially if you arrive in the morning. Coffee, pastries, and a short walk through town make a good start before heading to the beach.
If you want a longer coastal day, Ericeira also works well as part of a broader itinerary from Lisbon. It is one of the more relaxed day trips from Lisbon if you prefer surf culture and local atmosphere over bigger resort towns.
DO try seafood if you eat fish
DO book ahead in summer or on weekends
DON’T expect every good place to be fancy
DON’T rush your meal — Ericeira is best enjoyed slowly
How to Get to Ericeira from Lisbon
Ericeira is easy to reach from Lisbon, which is why it works well as a day trip. The fastest option is by car, but buses are also practical if you do not want to drive.
Transport
Time
Best For
Car
45–60 min
Flexibility and combining stops
Bus
About 1 hour
Easy day trip without a car
Taxi / rideshare
Varies
Convenience
If you prefer not to drive, buses from Lisbon are usually the easiest public transport option. If you want more flexibility for beaches and viewpoints, a car is more convenient.
If you are comparing transport options in the capital first, see our guide to
taxi apps in Lisbon
for practical tips on getting around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Ericeira is worth visiting for its beaches, seafood, old town, and coastal views even if you never surf.
Yes. Ericeira is an easy day trip from Lisbon, especially if you want a relaxed coastal town with beaches and good food.
It depends on your plans. Ribeira d’Ilhas is best for surfing, Foz do Lizandro is great for a relaxed beach day, and Praia dos Pescadores is the easiest beach near town.
The best things to do in Ericeira for non-surfers include walking around the old town, enjoying seafood, visiting the beaches, watching sunset, and exploring the coastline.
Half a day is enough for a quick visit, but a full day is better if you want time for the beach, food, and walking around town.
Beginners can learn to surf at schools like Ericeira Surf School or Rapture Surf Camp, which offer lessons on calmer beaches like Foz do Lizandro. These centers provide equipment, qualified instructors, and group or private classes tailored for novices. The best time for beginners is during summer when waves are gentler.
The journey begins with a ticket. And it continues with the right route.
All that remains is to decide what to see. Now comes the most interesting part.
