One Of Europe's Best Surf Towns Is A Historic Gem In Portugal With Gorgeous Beaches

When people think of Portugal, they often picture themselves snacking on sardines above the red-roofed homes of Lisbon or sipping port wine and enjoying delicious bites in the hillsides of Porto. While these are certainly popular places for tourists, a few remaining coastal areas still reflect a more traditional side of Portugal — one where fishing boats bob in the water, seafood is served fresh from the ocean, and long stretches of beautiful beaches give way to the waters of the Atlantic.

One town in particular stands out among the rest for offering visitors both tradition and transformation, often a hard balance to strike with the booming tourism industry. A little less than an hour's drive from Lisbon sits Ericeira, a coastal area that has grown from a simple fishing town into an international surf destination. In fact, this town's beaches are so popular with surfers that in 2011, it was named an official World Surfing Reserve by the Save the Waves coalition, a non-profit organization that aims to protect surf ecosystems.

And although Ericeira has changed over the years to accommodate its booming surf industry, the town has managed to hang on to its original cultural identity. Here, visitors still find fishermen casting their nets, locals gathering in town square, and tiled-roof homes lining the cobbled streets. However, now these same streets host surf shops, hostels, digital nomad coworking spaces, and buzzing bars. The town offers a laid-back atmosphere without losing its cultural depth, attracting travelers who come not only for the waves but the food, the architecture, beautiful beaches, and that slow-paced Portuguese lifestyle. 

Start your visit to Ericeira off with none other than surfing! As mentioned, Ericeira holds the title of Europe's first and only World Surfing Reserve, an honor it shares with only a handful of other global surf destinations like Malibu and Australia's Gold Coast. This distinction protects a three-mile radius of coastline home to some of the best and most diverse waves on the continent. Whether you're an experienced surfer or just starting, the surf here is great for all skill levels. 

For those just beginning their surfing journey, check out Foz do Lizandro, a beach where the waves are generally milder than others in the area. Several surf schools operate directly on the beach, offering lessons and equipment rentals, making it one of the best places to learn in the region. Despite being more mellow, the break is still consistent, so even experienced surfers will find value in a session here when conditions line up.

It's also a great location if you're looking to grab a bite, as restaurants and bars abound. Speaking of grabbing a bite, Ericeira's identity is deeply tied to the sea, and its cuisine reflects that. Fishermen still bring in fresh catches daily, and nearly every restaurant in town offers pristine seafood. Ribeira d'Ilhas is one of the most popular beaches and a must-visit. It's best for intermediate and advanced surfers, and boasts gorgeous sunsets and delicious food. Coxos is a beach located in the nearby village of Ribamar, and an ideal spot for advanced surfers due to its powerful waves. Praia dos Pescadores is popular with those looking to sunbathe and enjoy family-friendly waves, while São Lourenço and São Julião offer wider expanses of sand in more remote settings.

The best times of year for visiting this beautiful seaside escape will ultimately depend on what you're looking for. Summers are met with the warmest weather and a livelier atmosphere, but also crowds. Fall is a great time of year for those who come to surf, as the swells are consistent, the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists. Winter will see bigger waves, which is great for the pros, but will also be chillier and more humid. Spring brings mild temperatures and decent surf, but it can be windier and rainier than other seasons (however, this does mean everything will be in bloom). Also, no matter which season you decide to visit Ericeira, know that the water will be colder than you think (A sunny European destination with cold water? Blasphemy!), so prepare yourself with a wetsuit or some thick skin. 

Getting from Lisbon to Ericeira is fairly simple. You can rent a car from the Lisbon airport or take a bus from the Campo Grande terminal, which runs frequently and is cheap. Those looking to spend the night have many different options to choose from, suitable for all price ranges.

Ericeira's location also makes it an ideal base for exploring central Portugal. You're less than an hour from Sintra, home to fairy-tale palaces and lush forests. The Mafra National Palace, a grand baroque complex and UNESCO World Heritage site, is about six miles away. Wine lovers can also head inland to Colares, one of Portugal's oldest wine regions, where vines grow in sand and winds from the Atlantic shape the flavor of the local reds. Ericeira is a hidden Portuguese gem perfect for lovers of the beach, food, and tradition.