Lisbon to Ericeira Portugal: the Perfect Day Trip to the Coast

If you’re dreaming of a laid-back coastal getaway from the city, take a day trip from Lisbon to Ericeira, Portugal for the perfect mix of surfing, historic old town, stunning views, and incredible seafood. This charming fishing village (now a surf haven) is just 45 minutes from Lisbon. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the Atlantic breeze. This day trip to the coastal surf town of Ericeira Portugal is the perfect way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon.

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Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here is the best Lisbon to Ericeira day tour and the top Ericeira Surf Lessons! Find the top Ericeira hotels!

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How to Get from Lisbon to Ericeira Portugal

Pro tip: If you plan to explore surrounding villages or visit nearby Mafra all within a day trip, we’d recommend renting a car or taking a tour to make the most of your time.

Lisbon to Ericeira Portugal Tours

Most Lisbon to Ericeira day tours combine a visit to Ericeira with either Mafra or Queluz Palace (or both).

Morning: Stroll Through Ericeira’s Old Town

After traveling from Lisbon to Ericeira Portugal, start your day trip by exploring the historic center. You’ll find cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses trimmed in blue, local stores and crafts, and a wonderful market. There’s a relaxed, small-town charm here that feels worlds away from Lisbon’s buzz.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the viewpoints at Praia dos Pescadores and Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas.

• Grab breakfast, pastry, or coffee at Villa Brunch Café or Pastelaria Pão da Vila to fuel up for the day.
• Sit in the square (pictured below) to get a feel for the pace of life in Ericeira.
• Visit the Chapel of St. Sebastian for sweeping coastal views.
• Browse independent boutiques, surf shops, and handmade ceramic stores. While there are chain stores, we were impressed by the large number and quality of local stores.

Pro tip: Be sure to visit Casa da Fernanda, where you can sample Ouriços, Ericeira’s signature almond and egg cream pastry. We appreciate that these are typically gluten free, though double check with the bakery for cross contamination.

Midday: Coastal Walk or Beach Time with a View

Head outdoors and spend late morning soaking up Ericeira’s natural beauty. Take a walk or bike along the clifftop coastal path. This offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic crashing against the rocks. Start at Ribeira dílhas (north of town) and continue walking north along the clifftop.

Or, if you prefer a slower pace, relax on one of the town’s stunning beaches:

• Praia dos Pescadores: In the heart of town, calm and family-friendly.
• Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas: World-renowned surf beach — great for watching the action.
• Praia do Sul: Ideal for sunbathing and accessible from the promenade.

Lunch Break

Complete your day trip from Lisbon to Ericeira Portugal by enjoying lunch at one of Ericeira’s tasty restaurants. Seafood is big, but you’ll find plenty of variety to choose from. Some of our top recommendations:

Another great option is the 10 Tastings private food tour. Check availability below:

Afternoon: Take a Surf Lesson

After lunch, it’s time for a change of pace. Consider giving surfing a try! Ericeira is Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve. Ericeira’s beginner-friendly breaks make it a great place to try surfing for the first time. Local surf schools like Surf 365 and Surf Riders & Co. offer group and private lessons with all equipment provided.

Or, schedule your surf lesson below:

Late Afternoon/Evening: Cliff Walks, Sunset & Sweet Treats

Wrap up your day with a walk along the clifftop promenade to enjoy the spectacular views. If you’d like to stay for sunset and dinner before heading back to Lisbon, we’d recommend visiting Mar das Latas Wine and Food, with its stunning sunset ocean views.

Optional Stop: Aldeia Típica José Franco

On your way to or from Lisbon to Ericeira, consider a short detour to Aldeia Típica José Franco in the village of Sobreiro (just outside of Mafra). This quirky, open-air miniature village recreates traditional Portuguese life in the early 20th century—complete with working windmills and artisanal scenes. It’s a fun, photo-worthy stop, especially for families. There is free admission, so it’s easy to swing by and spend as much or as little time as you’d like.

Optional Stop 2: Mafra National Palace

If you’re leaving Lisbon early (or plan to overnight in Ericeira), consider making Mafra National Palace your first stop of the day before continuing on to the coast. Just 15 minutes from Ericeira, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most impressive architectural achievements in Portugal. The highlights for us were:

• Touring the lavish royal apartments, with a view into the vast basilica,
• Viewing the incredible library with over 36,000 rare books,
• Enjoying a walk through the Cerco Garden

If you have time, exploring the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, a former royal hunting preserve, is an added bonus.

Where to Stay in Ericeira

If you want to extend your trip, spend the night at the Vila Galé Ericeira, a hotel right on the beach with breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The hotel offers a relaxing pool, spa services, and comfortable rooms, making it an excellent base to soak up the town’s coastal charm.

Search for additional lodging options in Ericeira below:

Planning Your Day Trip from Lisbon to Ericeira, Portugal

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, with sunny weather and fewer crowds. Summer is lively and full of energy but more crowded. If you are looking for the best beach weather, summer may be for you. Winter is very quiet, and it can bring more rain. That said, we saw plenty of people out surfing during our December visit.
• What to Bring: Swimsuit, sunscreen, walking shoes, a towel, and your appetite! The town has quite a few nice local shops and markets. We’d suggest to also bring a bag with some room for your souvenirs.
• Getting Around: The town is walkable, and buses or taxis are available from Lisbon if you’re not driving.

Final Thoughts on a Day Trip from Lisbon to Ericeira, Portugal

A day trip from Lisbon to Ericeira, Portugal is the perfect way to enjoy a beach day, while also enjoying the charm of this surf town. Slow down, take a break, and recharge, while enjoying the surf, seafood, scenic walks, and small-town charm. If you want to pack a lot into your day or can turn this into an overnight or weekend getaway, be sure to include stops in Mafra to explore the national palace and Aldeia Típica.

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