Ericeira highlights: hotels, restaurants & things to do
Until early 2022, I had never heard of Ericeira. A good friend told me about this picturesque town on the Portuguese coast, about a 40-minute drive from Lisbon. He even has plans to move there. After so much enthusiasm, I decided to change my travel plans in Portugal and explore Ericeira. And yes, I am a fan too now… Ericeira is a digital nomad heaven and bursting with creatives. Freelancers from all over the world find a seat in beautiful coworking spaces, surf occasionally to de-stress and enjoy the many, good restaurants in the evening. The fairytale city of Sintra is a 30-minute drive away. These are my favorite Ericeira highlights!
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Ericeira highlights & tips | things to do
The best brunch spots Ericeira
Sunset Bamboo: feels like you’re in Bali. Love the coffee here.
Gig (Green Is Good): delicious veggie and vegan dishes. The coffee is not that uplifting though. It can get very busy, so making a reservation is recommended.
Purple Açai
Brunch me
Nalu Bowls
Croissant da Vila Ericeira
Dear Rose: unfortunately I am not a fan of this popular spot. A bit overpriced…
Brunch at Sunset Bamboo and Gig | restaurants | Ericeira highlights
The best shops in Ericeira:
Wana
Saints at Sea: would have loved to put every single item in my suitcase…
Harvest Moon: beautiful, new concept store with creative jewelry, clothing and skin oils.
Mothersurf
Magic Quiver Surf Shop
Wavegliders Surf Shop
Be U: large, organic supermarket with delicious, fresh products.
Ericeira highlights & tips | shops and things to do
The best restaurants in Ericeira:
UNI Sushi: the best sushi I have EVER had. Seriously.
Cucina 37: romantic, Italian restaurant that offers blankets when it cools off at night. Try the delicious pasta with gambas and pistachio!
El Chilito: highly recommended for both lunch and dinner. Order the ‘Sayulita Taco’ with, grilled prawn and pico de gallo. The ‘signature’ Margaritas are also dangerously good.
Ay Mamita: homey, Mexican restaurant, where it’s easy to meet other travelers and locals because of the friendly, flamboyant owner.
Avó Restaurante: pricey, but incredibly delicious. This family restaurant has been passed down from generation to generation. Grandma and grandson are pictured on the logo.
Onegai Sushi Bar
Balagan
Secret Oven
Calavera Mexican Food
Maika’i the good food place
Tik Tapas: very popular, although I must honestly say I may have eaten better at the other restaurants listed. Reservations are required.
El Chilito | restaurants | Ericeira highlights
Drinks in Ericeira:
Mar das Latas: the best sunset spot.
5 e Meio Taproom
Jukebox Bar
Jolly Ericeira Bar
MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN LISBON
Coworking in Ericeira:
The Base
Kelp
The Salt Studio
Create
Ericeira highlights & tips | sights and beaches
Great hotels and hostels in Ericeira:
(Click on accommodation name for best rates)
Laneez: hostel with beautiful (private) rooms and the best view in town.
Olá Onda Guesthouse
Ocean House Ericeira
Chill In Surfhouse Ericeira: colorful hostel, with unique rooms.
The Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat
Ericeira Soul Guesthouse
You & The Sea: if you want a little bit more luxury, this is the place to be.
Reserva FLH Hotels: perfectly located in the heart of Ericeira.
Surf Vida
WHERE I STAYED DURING MY DAYS IN LISBON
Laneez Ericeira | hotels and hostels
RATES & AVAILABILTY AT LANEEZ ERICEIRA
Beaches Ericeira:
The main beaches are Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Sul. To the north, you will find Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas. This is the spot for most of the surf lessons for beginners. A little further south you will find Foz do Lizandro. Another great spot for surfers! There are some nice beach bars, such as Indigo and Barbatana.
Get an ice cream at Nutwood Gelataria. Keep an eye on the events at You & The Sea; there are often fun markets, open air cinema nights and there is a skate camp, for those who dare…. I could already see myself with a split upper lip heading straight to the hospital, so I skipped this little adventure. Through Ocean Sisters you can sign up for Whatsapp groups for surf and skate lessons in the area! Check out their Instagram.
THE BEST BRUNCH SPOTS IN LISBON
Pro tip: watch out at seaside restaurants where you choose your fish before entering the restaurant. We had no idea what the price would be and paid €60 per person for 2 courses. Way too much compared to other restaurants that have a menu. The local wine from the Mafra region is very good! Definitely try it.
Laneez Ericeira | hotels & hostels
Climate Ericeira
The area around Sintra has a microclimate. When it is 33 degrees in Lisbon, about half an hour away, it can be foggy and 21 degrees in Ericeira. August in particular seems to be somewhat unreliable.
THE BEST RENTAL CARS FOR A ROAD TRIP
MY FAVORITE SURF & YOGA RETREATS
Surf retreat – Dreamsea Surf House – Sintra
If you are looking for a nice surf retreat nearby, book your stay at the Dreamsea Surf House. I had a fantastic week here. After a week in Ericeira, I spent a week sleeping in one of the beautiful glamping tents and ended my vacation with 3 days in Lisbon. All very close. The Surf House is a bit quieter than the Dreamsea’s surf camps and attracts a slightly older, mostly female, crowd. Don’t expect wild parties here, but peace and quiet, friendliness, good food and a lovely pool. The old town of Sintra is within crawling distance. The famous yellow-red castle can be seen from the pool! Retreats can be booked HERE.
ROOM RATES DREAMSEA SURF HOUSE – FOR A SHORT STAY
Lisbon is just a 40-minute drive from Ericeira. I have lots of recommendations for a city break online!
The best flights to Lisbon
For my upcoming trip back to Lisbon I booked my flights with Vueling again #nospon. I love the rates and felixibility that they offer. I changed my dates 2 times already after booking without an additional fee and the app is super easy to use!
THE BEST FLIGHTS TO LISBON
The flexible Lisbon Card gives you unlimited access to public transport and free access to museums and other highlights in the city. Available for 24, 48 and 72 hours. You can purchase one HERE.
MY FAVORITE RENTAL CARS
THE BEST BRUNCH SPOTS IN LISBON