Is Ericeira good for a beach holiday if I don't surf?
Yes, absolutely. While Ericeira is globally famous as a World Surfing Reserve, its beautiful coastline offers much more. Many visitors enjoy the sandy beaches like Praia dos Pescadores or Praia do Sul for sunbathing, relaxing, and swimming (though the water is chilly). The town itself is charming with great seafood restaurants, coastal walks, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it enjoyable even if you never touch a surfboard.
Is Ericeira or Cascais better for beaches?
It depends on what you're looking for. Ericeira is renowned for surfing, featuring a rugged coastline with powerful waves and a laid-back, surf-centric vibe. Cascais, closer to Lisbon, generally offers more sheltered, calmer beaches better suited for casual swimming and families, along with a more cosmopolitan, upscale resort town atmosphere. Choose Ericeira for a surf-focused or more rugged coastal experience, and Cascais for calmer waters and a more traditional resort feel.
Can you actually swim in the sea in Ericeira? Is the water cold?
Yes, you can swim in Ericeira, particularly during the warmer summer months (June-September). However, be prepared for cold water! As it's the Atlantic Ocean, the temperature typically ranges from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) year-round. Some beaches, like the sheltered Praia dos Pescadores, are generally better for swimming due to calmer conditions compared to the exposed surf breaks. Always be aware of wave conditions and currents.
Which Ericeira beach is best for families with kids?
Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen's Beach), located right in the town center, is often considered the most family-friendly. Its position next to the harbour wall provides shelter, resulting in calmer and shallower waters compared to other beaches. It also offers easy access to cafes, restaurants, and facilities. Praia do Sul is another good option with amenities and generally calmer conditions than the main surf spots.
Where is the best area to stay in Ericeira to be near the beaches?
Staying in Ericeira town center provides easy walking access to Praia dos Pescadores, Praia do Norte, and Praia do Sul. For proximity to the famous surf beach Ribeira d'Ilhas, look for accommodation just north of the town. To be near Foz do Lizandro, consider options south of the center. Many accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments, are available both in the center and slightly outside, catering to different beach preferences.
Are Ericeira beaches crowded?
Crowds depend heavily on the specific beach and the time of year. Beaches right in town, like Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Sul, can get quite busy, especially during peak summer season (July and August) and on weekends. Famous surf beaches like Ribeira d'Ilhas attract surfers consistently but might feel less crowded for sunbathers. Exploring beaches slightly further out, like São Julião or São Lourenço, often provides more space.
Do I need a car to get to the beaches in Ericeira?
It depends on which beaches you want to visit. Several central beaches, including Praia dos Pescadores, Praia do Norte, and Praia do Sul, are easily walkable from Ericeira town center. However, to reach renowned surf breaks like Ribeira d'Ilhas, Coxos, or beaches further afield like São Julião or Foz do Lizandro comfortably and frequently, having a car is highly recommended. Public transport exists but is less frequent, and ride-sharing/taxis are options too.
What's the best beach for beginner surfers in Ericeira?
Foz do Lizandro, located south of the town, is widely recommended for beginners. It features a sandy bottom and generally more manageable waves, making it a popular spot for surf schools. São Julião, further south, is another sandy beach break often suitable for learners. Depending on the conditions, Praia do Matadouro (closer to town) can also work for beginners.
Are there sandy beaches in Ericeira or are they rocky?
Ericeira offers a mix, but most of the popular beaches have significant sandy areas, especially at low tide, making them suitable for sunbathing and relaxing. Beaches like Praia dos Pescadores, Praia do Sul, Foz do Lizandro, and São Julião are predominantly sandy. However, some famous surf spots, particularly reef breaks like Coxos, have more rocky sections, especially near the water.
What is the vibe like at Ericeira beaches? Is it a party place?
The overall vibe in Ericeira is relaxed, authentic, and strongly influenced by surf culture. It's known for being laid-back rather than a major party destination like some resorts in the Algarve. While some beach bars (apoios de praia) can be lively with music, especially during summer sunsets, the focus is generally more on chilling, surfing, and enjoying the natural beauty and good food. Don't expect large nightclubs or a wild party scene.
Are there beaches with restaurants or cafes right on the sand?
Yes, several beaches in Ericeira feature restaurants, cafes, or beach bars (known locally as 'apoios de praia') directly on or immediately overlooking the beach. Popular spots with such facilities include Praia do Sul, Foz do Lizandro, Ribeira d'Ilhas, and São Julião. Praia dos Pescadores is adjacent to numerous options in the town.
Is it very windy on Ericeira beaches?
Ericeira is located on the exposed Atlantic coast and can often be quite windy, particularly in the afternoons. This wind ('Nortada' is the common north wind) is often welcomed by surfers but can sometimes make prolonged sunbathing chilly or uncomfortable. Mornings tend to be calmer. Some beaches might offer slightly more shelter depending on their orientation, but bringing a windbreaker or beach shelter is often a good idea.
When is the best time of year to visit Ericeira for beaches?
For swimming, sunbathing, and warmest weather, the peak summer months of June, July, and August are best, though the ocean water remains cool. For the most consistent and often larger waves for surfing, autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May) are typically prime seasons. Winter offers the biggest swells but cooler air temperatures. Year-round surfing is possible, but conditions vary.
Are there any hidden gem or less crowded beaches near Ericeira?
While Ericeira's main beaches are popular, you can find quieter spots. North of the town, Praia de São Lourenço offers a beautiful wide sandy expanse often less crowded than central beaches. Praia da Empa, nestled between Pedra Branca and Ribeira d'Ilhas, is smaller and can feel more secluded. South of Ericeira, the vast Praia de São Julião, while popular, is large enough that you can usually find a quieter section.
Is it safe to swim at Ericeira beaches? Are there lifeguards?
During the official bathing season (usually June to September), major beaches like Praia dos Pescadores, Praia do Sul, Ribeira d'Ilhas, and Foz do Lizandro typically have lifeguard services. Look for the flags indicating conditions (green=safe, yellow=caution, red=no swimming). However, the Atlantic Ocean here can have strong currents and waves. Always exercise caution, especially on unsupervised beaches or outside the main season. Avoid swimming alone at remote spots.
