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GREAT Day trips from Ericeira
So when you’re tired of surfing or have enough of laying around on the beach, it is good to know there are several towns you can visit at 1 h or less from Ericeira. The peaceful village of Ericeira is actually a great base from which to explore the wonderful Lisbon region. The best way to discover the area is to rent a car so you have total flexibility and can also include more remote villages or beaches on the way. Have fun planning your trip!
Sintra
Sintra is a beautiful village surrounded by lush green mountains full of romantic palaces and fairy tale estates.
It’s a magic and fascinating place to explore and a daytrip to Sintra is quite an experience! There is a large number of sites to visit: Quinta da Regaleira, Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, Montserrat Park, amongst many others.
Sintra is about 20 minutes away from Ericeira. Make sure to park your car outside the historic town and be prepared to walk to the sites.
During summer hours, the lines in front of Pena Palace can be very long, so make sure to arrive early. Alternatively, skip the Pena Palace and head straight away to the Quinta da Regaleira, such a magic place!
Obidos
Obidos is a romantic and very picturesque little town at 1 h drive from Ericeira, surrounded by a castle wall, a typical and well-preserved example of medieval architecture.
The hillside location gives you an amazing view of the Estremadura area. You enter the town through the southern gate of Santa Maria, which is decorated with eighteenth-century tiles (azulejos).
Inside the walls you walk through winding streets filled with tiny white houses with blue or yellow borders and wonderful flowers.
There are some beautiful churches, good restaurants and nice small shops. Make sure to try the ginginha de Obidos, a cherry liquor typically from the region.
Peniche/ Berlengas Islands
Peniche is a traditional fishing town at 1 h drive from Ericeira. Set on a peninsula on the Silver Coast, it’s midway between Lisbon and Nazaré.
With several long beaches, Peniche attracts holiday makers in summer and surfers when the big winter swells arrive. But the town itself also has a few things worth seeing such as the fortress built in the 16th century, the cozy old town and many seafood restaurants.
A must do is to visit the Berlengas Islands, which you can reach by a 45 min boat trip from Peniche. In 2011 UNESCO classified Berlengas as “World Biosphere Reserve”, because of the rich fauna and flora that can be found on the islands. Make sure to buy your boat tickets ahead during summer!
Check here for tickets & further info of boat trips to Berlengas.
Watch this video, Berlengas islands are a true paradise!
Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city, is definitely a must visit, and 40 away from Ericeira.
The city is easy to walk and the views from the several miradouros are just amazing.
Make sure to climb to Augusta Arch and soak in the amazing view over the most beautiful square of Lisbon, walk the old cobblestone streets of Alfama, listen to the fado music, take a simple lunch at one of the local tasca’s and feel Lisbon, walking up and downhill towards the Tagus River.
Check out Chiado and its cafes and watch the amazing street art all around the city. When you have time, discover the ultra modern Parque das Naçoes district and the massive Oceanario aquarium, chosen as best aquarium in the world by Tripadvisor.
Nazaré
When you’re a surfer you should definitely visit Nazaré at approximately 1 h drive away, home to the worlds biggest waves! The views from up the hill at Sítio de Nazaré, are one of the most famous views of the Portuguese coast. It is a 318 metre rock face with a sheer drop to the sea, and is reached on foot by the bravest, or by going up the funicular.
The long half-moon shaped golden sand beach, which is also the town’s sea front, is known for its grandeur and for the brightly-coloured awnings that decorate the white sandy beaches, contrasting with the blue of the water. Watch this video and check out the beauty of Nazaré!
Nazaré has catched the world’s attention especially for its monster waves. While the pictures and videos are undoubtedly impressive, until you’ve seen it with your own eyes you’ll never really understand the scale, energy and brutality of one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular shows.
Check out this page to have an idea of the magnitude of the monster waves in Nazaré!
Cascais
The beautiful beach town of Cascais is 40 minutes away from Ericeira.
This former typical fishing village has developed into a cosmopolitan beach town and is is often referred to as the “Portuguese Riviera” as it has a beautiful beach promenade that gives access to several protected beaches in the bay and is excellent for a relaxing stroll, for jogging, cycling or just having drinks or a meal in one of the many bars and restaurants that line the boulevard.
Since King Luis choose Cascais as his royal summer retreat in the late 19th century, the once minor fishing village has attracted royalty, nobles, and aristocrats, who constructed beautiful villas and mansions and turned the village into a glamorous beach town.