Things To See And Do Nearby
Ericeira and it’s surroundings is all about surf. The Ericeira world surfing reserve was established in 2011 and is currently the first and only world surfing reserve in Europe. The reserve consists of a wide variety of breaks with waves for total beginners to highly advanced surfers.
Our own beach of Sao Lourenço is the last break towards the north included in the reserve, and it’s suitable for intermediate surfers. But if you’re not intermediate yet, no worries, we’re not exactly professionals neither. We provide daily transport to the other breaks. Just a few minutes in the car and we’re out in the waves.
However, if it it’s (god forbid) flat, or the waves are not breaking according to your taste, there are plenty of other activities to choose from.
Ribamar and Beyond
Our own small village of Ribamar is actually still very picturesque and nice to just stroll around in for a while. It has a wide variety of both traditional and more modern Cafés. Our personal favorite being Clamar. And if you need to do some grocery shopping there are two supermarket with a good selection.
A little bit after the sun has set in the bay, the funky bar – Barzinho, opens up its door with bands and jamnights several times a week.
And if you are interested in an even livelier scene, the bars and bustling nightlife of Ericeira, is just a very cheap and short Uber ride away.
Trekking and Jogging
Trekking or jogging along breath taking cliffs is an activity enjoyed by ourselves as well as our visitors. We’ve even had guests who specifically pointed out that we had to mention it on our Airbnb page, so it definitely had to get it’s own section here.
On a clear day you can even see Europe’s most western point, and of course plenty of surfers in the water
Delicious Food
If you’re into seafood, Ericeira and especially Ribamar is the Portuguese village to be in. When we traveled all over the coast of Portugal looking for the perfect spot to open our guesthouse, we didn’t encounter any other village with more seafood restaurants.
Since we’re next door to one of Ericeiras top ranked seafood restaurants on Tripadvisor – Terra Mar, you don’t even have to walk further than 100 meters to sample the traditional Arroz de Marisco.
If seafood is not really your thing, we’re also next door (on our other side) to the highly popular Pizza Mobile. And once we’re at it, we can’t forget to tell you about the chicken grill up in Ribamar, super tasty.
Daytrips
As far as destinations perfect for day trips there are a lot of these as well. Our personal favorites off course includes the poetical Lisbon as well as the beautiful national park and village of Sintra. Both of these destinations are a short bus ride away.
Other destinations that you definitely should check out if you have the time is the medieval village Obidos, Europe’s most western point – Cabo da Roca, and the ocean pool of Ascendo do Mar.
Alternatively, why not just make it a half day trip to the iconic Thursday market of Malveira, or one of several vineyards close by and enjoy some wine tasting.
Relaxing
We know everything about a vacation doesn’t have to be about doing stuff. After all, holidays is supposed to be about resting and relaxing, and we’ve had plenty of guests staying with us who really enjoyed doing just that. The bare minimum.
The beach of Sao Lourenço is a 500 meter beautiful walk down the hill.
Crashing in it’s sand with just a book as your company, will leave you truly relaxed.
Another more secluded and highly appreciated beach is Coxos. About 1 km walk along the dramatic cliffs and you can let your feet sink down in its fine sand. And if you feel like having a break from the beach, there are plenty of hammocks and balconies in the villa.
Other Activities
Besides the activities mentioned above, there are lot’s of other things to do. Even though we have yet to try it for ourselves, we have heard that the mountain biking trails around here and Sintra are sick. And if that’s a little bit to much adrenaline for your taste, there are a few golf courses around the Lisbon area that we’re happy to organize transport to.
Another nature experience available close by is Stand Up paddle boarding. You can do it in either a river or the Atlantic, and even join a yoga session on the board. Regardless of where you choose to paddle, it will definitely be a highlight of an already awesome vacation.
To find out more about Ericeira, we recommend our website; Ericeirainsider.