Even though I live in Lisbon which is super close to the beach, I didn’t make it to the beach in the past 3 years. This year, I have made it a mission to get to know all the beaches within an hour of Lisbon. This is the first of those posts, and I started off by exploring the best beaches in Ericeira, which are less than an hour from Lisbon (without traffic). Today’s post will give you a “sneak peek” into the best beaches of Ericeira, just under an hour’s drive from Lisbon.
If you’re jonesing for a day out of Lisbon, Ericeira’s beaches might be just the ticket. Ericeira offers plenty for beach lovers, with four sandy beaches in the center and two outstanding surfing beaches nearby. The town’s unique environment, high density of surf breaks, and wave quality has earned it the honor of being Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, which means it’s a protected surfing area.
Best Beaches of Ericeira, Portugal – Less Than an Hour from Lisbon
Praia do Sul - Ericeira's Main Beach
I’m starting off with this one, since this was the first I visited, and probably the one I will visit most since I am not a surfer. As the name suggests, Praia do Sul is on the southern fringes of Ericeira and is the town’s main beach.
It’s the only easily accessible beach within a stone’s throw of the village, so it’s pretty popular. It is “easily” accessible. You can drive, park your car on top of the hill, and walk down a cobblestone hill to get to the beach.
TIP – Water makes the rocks on the way down slippery, so make sure to wear slip proof shoes.
Running behind much of the beach is a promenade where you will find a few restaurants with terraces. We opted for Balagan since it is dog-friendly and loved it. The restaurant has a cafe downstairs where you can get brunch items, coffee, etc…and a gorgeous upstairs where you can get a view of the water. The food was outstanding.
This beach is perfect for families with young children, as a bathing pool is made from rocks arranged in a circle to offer protection from the ocean.
There is a hotel right on the beach, Hotel Vila Gale, so if you are looking to stay on the beach for a few days, this may be an option.
While not a serious surfing beach, Praia do Sul can have its day, and it’s much more suitable for bathing than other spots in the area.
Surfers, Family friendly
Lifeguards
Yes
Yes
Rentals Available
Nearby restaurants
Not accessible
Nearby Parking
Praia dos Pescadores Beach - Ericeira's Most Central Beach
Not all beaches in Ericeira have surfing waves. If you’re not a surfer and want to swim in calmer waters, this beach, called “Fishermen’s Beach” or “Praia dos Pescadores,” is in the center of town, protected from the winds by sheer cliffs. It faces the port and is where fishermen keep their boats. It’s fronted by a 30m-high wall, above which stand several restaurants, most specializing in seafood.
This beach also acts as a viewpoint where locals sit and enjoy the views. A tile panel nearby recalls that “it was from this beach, on October 5th, 1910, that the Portuguese royal family embarked into exile, in front of the entire respectful population of Ericeira,” as Portugal was proclaimed to be a republic. That panel is on the southern side of the 15th-century Chapel of St. Anthony, where fishermen prayed before heading into the sea.
Fishermen’s beach is a beautiful spot for swimming and sunbathing and can also be a surf spot under specific conditions. It’s easily accessible and has all the amenities you’d expect, including bathrooms, showers, and rentals. In addition, this beach is perfect for families, as it has the calmest waters in town since it’s sheltered from the winds.
This beach produces surfable waves on low tide and with big swells, making it a suitable option for beginner surfers when other surf spots in Ericeira are maxed out. Praia dos Pescadores offers a mellow wave that can either break to the left or right, depending on the sandbanks and swell direction. The left is usually the most consistent. It’s also an excellent spot for beginners, as it breaks over sand, and the jetty provides shelter from the big sneaker sets.
You have a nice view of Ericeira and its harbor from the water. But please be aware when surfing here, as the rip current along the pier can pull you out of the harbor on bigger days!
If you’re looking for something to do nearby, the Chapel of St. Anthony is just a short walk away.
Family friendly
Lifeguards
Yes
Yes
Rentals Available
No nearby restaurants
Not accessible
Nearby Parking
Praia do Norte - The Big Wave Surfer's Paradise
Not all beaches in Ericeira have intense surfing waves, and Praia do Norte is an excellent example of a popular and versatile beach. Also known as “Algodio” or simply “Ericeira Beach,” it is located north of Furnas, close to the town center. The beach attracts a diverse crowd, from local teenagers and seniors to tourists of all ages.
Praia do Norte is well-equipped with wicker parasols providing shade near the low wall that separates the beach from the town. Visitors can enjoy views of the fishing port to the south, while a series of rocks on the north separates it from Praia de São Sebastião.
Lifeguards are on duty during the official bathing season, and amenities such as bathrooms and a bar are available for beachgoers.
This beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing but also for surfing and bodyboarding. The favorable conditions include low to high tide, a west swell that works best with a big swell, an east wind, a difficulty level of 1 out of 3, and wave sizes of up to 3 meters or 9 feet. The long right-hander wave that breaks in front of Ericeira’s center is mostly mellow, making Praia do Norte an excellent option for those still getting ready for barrel waves.
The beach’s location and accessibility make it popular for locals and tourists seeking a fun day by the sea. Praia do Norte is a must-visit spot in Ericeira with its range of activities and beautiful surroundings.
Family friendly
Lifeguards
Yes
Yes
Rentals Available
Nearby restaurants
Accessible
Nearby Parking
Praia dos Coxos - The Secret Surfer's Beach
Praia dos Coxos is a small but delightful horseshoe-shaped beach known for its clear waters and protection from the northern winds. Although the beach shares its name with the universally famous Coxos waves (part of Ericeira’s World Surfing Reserve), the actual surf spot is situated in the neighboring bay to the south. Praia dos Coxos offers a small support bar, restroom facilities, a lifeguard on duty, and an SOS Beach system.
This secluded and romantic paradise is a must-visit destination, just a 5-minute drive from Ericeira. You can also trek along the coast from Ericeira to Praia dos Coxos, enjoying spectacular views. The beach is accessible from the north and south, with nearby parking. Make sure to bring a picnic basket to fully enjoy your time here.
It’s essential to check the tide before visiting Praia dos Coxos. During high tide, the water can cover the entire beach. In contrast, low tide reveals the beautiful fine sand and allows for the formation of small lagoons among the rocks. These lagoons are perfect for children to swim and play safely.
Praia dos Coxos is suitable for swimming when the waves are small, which is often the case in the summertime. The surrounding cliffs provide protection from the wind, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. Various viewpoints around the beach offer stunning vistas, and a trail leading to a bench above the beach is perfect for a picnic with a view.
In the summertime, a charming cafe operates next to the beach. However, note that the cafe and restrooms are closed during winter. A short walk south from Praia dos Coxos, you’ll find the world-class Coxos surf break, known for its big, fast wave and plenty of wall. When the surf is on, professionals often stop by, offering a fantastic opportunity to watch incredible surfing from the cliff.
The unique and dramatic landscape surrounding Praia dos Coxos makes it an excellent location to watch the sunset. The picturesque village of Ribamar is situated above Coxos, famous for its numerous Marisqueiras (seafood restaurants). After a day at the beach, enjoy a seafood platter and some vinho verde at one of these establishments. For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend O Pescador, a family-owned restaurant offering an authentic Portuguese atmosphere.
Surf, Family & Senior friendly
Lifeguards
Yes
Yes
Rentals Available
Nearby restaurants
Accessible
Nearby Parking
Ericeira’s beaches are some of the best in Europe and offer something for everyone, from big-wave surfers to families with young children. With four sandy beaches in the center, two outstanding surfing beaches nearby, and other quiet beaches in between, Ericeira is the perfect destination for a beach getaway less than an hour from Lisbon. So, whether you’re looking to soak in some vitamin D or catch some waves, Ericeira’s beaches won’t disappoint.
Ericeira Beach FAQs
What Are The Best Beaches in Ericeira?
Some of the best beaches in Ericeira include Praia Do Sul, Praia Dos Pescadores, Praia Do Norte, and Praia Dos Coxos. Each offers unique features and amenities catering to different preferences.
Which Beaches Are The Best For Surfing An Hour From Lisbon?
Praia Do Norte and Praia Dos Coxos are two outstanding surfing beaches in Ericeira, less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon.
Are There Family Friendly Beaches Near Lisbon?
Yes, Praia Do Sul and Praia Dos Pescadores in Ericeira are family-friendly beaches with calm waters and various amenities, making them perfect for a day trip from Lisbon.
What Beaches In Ericeira Are Handicap Accessible?
Praia Do Norte and Praia Dos Coxos are handicap accessible beaches in Ericeira that cater to visitors with mobility challenges.
What are the main attractions at Praia Do Sul?
Praia Do Sul is popular for its easily accessible location, beautiful views, and family-friendly bathing pool made from rocks arranged in a circle.
What makes Praia Dos Pescadores unique?
Praia Dos Pescadores is known for its calm waters, central location, and historical significance as the departure point of the Portuguese royal family into exile in 1910.
Are there lifeguards and rentals available at Ericeira’s beaches?
Yes, Praia Do Norte offers mellow waves suitable for beginner surfers, making it an excellent spot to practice surfing skills.
Can beginners surf at Praia Do Norte?
Yes, most Ericeira beaches have lifeguards on duty during the official bathing season and offer rentals for beach equipment.
What is the best time to visit Praia Dos Coxos?
It’s essential to check the tide before visiting Praia Dos Coxos. Low tide reveals the beautiful fine sand and allows for the formation of small lagoons, perfect for children to swim and play safely.
Are there restaurants near the beaches in Ericeira?
Yes, many beaches in Ericeira have nearby restaurants, offering a variety of dining options for beachgoers. Some like Praia do Sul have restaurants right behind the beach, but at other beaches, the restaurants are in the town, so you’ll have to leave the beach if you want to eat out.