Thanks to the popularity with surfers the town is dotted with surf shops, beach bars and a skate park and a large Quicksilver Boardriders bar hosting live bands during the weekends.
As you stroll through the small streets, you’ll pass by many surf shops, typical Portuguese restaurants and bars, but also upcoming western restaurants offering vegan food. When you look down on the streets, you’ll notice the small stones that make up the road, giving you the traditional feel of this iconic Portuguese town.
Best restaurants Ericeira
Ericeira has a wide choice of delicious restaurants for very affordable prices. The fish doesn’t get any fresher than this, but also if you are looking for vegan food or meat, Ericeira we have you covered!
Fresh fish and Portugese restaurants
- Avo Restaurante: This restaurant will make you fall in love with Portuguese food. Their kitchen is just phenomenal. When you tried the Octopus Salad, you will already start planning your next visit to Ericeira just because of this restaurant – Add to Google maps
- Toca do Caboz: We ended up at this restaurant, because the Avo Restaurante was fully booked. No regrets at all. Best salmon I ever had and the mixed fish will make sure you get to taste the best fish of the house (portions are huge!) – Add to Google maps
- Tasca da Boa Viagem: Here you should go if you want to enjoy a delicious fresh fish with a fine wine while enjoying the sunset over the ocean. Rather prefer meat? The Entrecote is the best steak you’ll find in town – Add to Google Maps
Worldwide kitchen
- Balagan Ericeira: This is the restaurant you will tell every friend about. It’s not only the interior why people come back to this place, the chef will serve you the best middle eastern dishes varying from fresh hummus to Al Ha’esh (bbq). Tip: Order pita bread with hummus and the Charred sweet potato – Add to Google maps
- Ay Mamita: If you like South American food, this is the place to go. Their Empanadas are mouthwatering – Add to Google maps
- Hayaci: All You Can eat Sushi for just €14,90 – Add to Google maps
- GIG – Green is Good: Looking for a healthy vegan lunch? This place won’t leave you disappointed. Tip: Reserve in advance because they get very busy – Add to Google Maps
A quick guide to the surf breaks in Ericeira
- Foz do Lizandro – perfect for beginners, but can get intimidating on larger swells, close to the centre town
- Sao Juliao – swell magnet. when everything else is low, at Sao Juliao you will likely still find some waves
- Ribeira D’Ilhas – an arena for surf competitions with a very consistent point break
- Coxos – The long, fast and hollow waves make this one of Portugal’s best waves. Experts only
For more information about surfing in Ericeira, check out the SurfAtlas surfguide.
Places to stay
- Aktion hostel – Largest hostel in town, with large communal area’s, big shared kitchen, pool skatepipe and of course, bar with happy hour. Car is useful, but with a 30m walk, brings you already at Foz do Lizandro beach. Dorm rooms start from €20, incl. breakfast
- Surfers’ Den – If Aktion is too large, Surfers’ Den will make you feel home. It’s a small and cozy house where travellers come friends for long time. Its central location makes it easy to wall from the hostel to one of the closeby surfers beaches. Dorm rooms start from €17, incl. breakfast.
- Selina Boavista – This hostel chain offers are more luxurious feel. The bunkbed cabbins with the comfy matrrasses and puffy blankets will make it hard to get up for your early morning surf session. An extra plus for digital nomads: The Balangan restaurant which is part of this hostel suits perfect for co-working during the day. Dorm rooms from €25 p/night, but long term guests can receive discounts of up to 40%.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.