Good to know
Good to Know
- Ericeira uniquely combines sheltered family-friendly coves in the town center with world-class surfing breaks nearby—unusual for surf-heavy destinations.
- All main beaches within walking distance of town center except Foz do Lizandro (30-40 minute walk, taxi/Uber/bus recommended).
- Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Sul are best for non-surfers and families seeking calm water; Ribeira d'Ilhas and northern breaks attract serious surfers and can be chaotic at peak times.
- Most central beaches become calmer at low tide, creating tidal pools and safer swimming conditions for children.
- Bring swimwear and observe local norms; no specific nude/topless beach culture documented as notable to Ericeira beaches.
- Restaurants and beach bars concentrated at Foz do Lizandro (evening activity), Ribeira d'Ilhas, and promenade above Praia do Sul.
- Summer crowds busier; autumn offers fewer tourists but punchier waves for intermediates.
Beaches
Praia Dos Pescadores (Fishermen's Beach)
- Type
- Sandy cove
- Waves
- Generally too sheltered for surfing
- Best For
- Swimming, families, non-surfers, young children
- Location
- Town center
- Accessibility
- Accessible, good parking though limited street parking in town center
- Distance From Center
- ~5 minutes walk
- Description
- Sheltered by the harbor wall and a rocky headland, this is Ericeira's most protected beach with calm waters at low tide. The smallest of the central beaches with colorful fishing boats visible. Limited space but excellent for children.
Amenities
- lifeguards (seasonal)
- bathrooms
- showers
- pop-up beach bar (summer)
- nearby restaurants and cafes
Designation
- family
- quiet
Praia Do Sul (Southern Beach)
- Type
- Sandy beach
- Waves
- Suitable for beginners, white water lessons on far side; advanced surfers use Furnas break
- Best For
- Families, swimming, sunbathing, beginner surfers
- Location
- South of town center
- Accessibility
- Free parking on both ends, paid garage at Praça dos Navegantes; accessible
- Distance From Center
- ~10-15 minutes walk / short drive
- Description
- Ericeira's most popular central beach, slightly protected from winds with calmer waves than northern beaches. Features a natural rock pool at low tide, popular for families. Walking path with restaurants nearby.
Amenities
- lifeguards (seasonal)
- bathrooms
- showers
- beach umbrellas and lounger rentals (summer)
- nearby restaurants and cafes (7Sete, Balagan)
- outdoor showers
- park benches
Designation
- family
- quiet
- full-service
Praia Da Foz Do Lizandro
- Type
- Large sandy beach
- Waves
- Multiple peaks suitable for beginners and intermediates; popular for surf lessons
- Best For
- Families, mixed groups (surfers and non-surfers), beginners and intermediates
- Location
- South of Ericeira
- Accessibility
- Large parking area, accessible facilities, accessible beach
- Distance From Center
- ~2.6 km / 5-10 minute drive or 40+ minute walk
- Description
- Region's largest sandy beach, expansive and never feels crowded despite busy atmosphere. Set in valley between headlands providing wind shelter. Beach bars and restaurants with evening activity. River lagoon at southern end offers sheltered alternative for families.
Amenities
- lifeguards
- bathrooms
- showers
- board rentals
- multiple beach bars and restaurants
- beach umbrellas and lounger rentals
- accessible
- large parking lot with overflow parking on cliffs above
Designation
- family
- full-service
Praia De Ribeira d'Ilhas
- Type
- Sandy beach in valley
- Waves
- World-class reef break, hosts WQL surfing competitions; best for intermediate to advanced surfers
- Best For
- Surfers (intermediate to advanced), sunset watching, photography
- Location
- North of Ericeira
- Accessibility
- Large parking with frequent full lots, accessible facilities
- Distance From Center
- ~3-3.5 km / ~10 minute drive
- Description
- Famous surfing beach set in natural amphitheater valley framed by high cliffs. World-class waves hosting international surfing championships. Large restaurant with terrace and energetic atmosphere. Can be very busy, especially afternoons.
Amenities
- lifeguards
- bathrooms
- showers
- board rentals
- restaurant-bar with terrace
- surf schools
- beach umbrellas and lounger rentals
- accessible
- large parking lot
Designation
- party
Praia De São Sebastião
- Type
- Sandy beach
- Waves
- Moderate waves, suitable for some surfing
- Best For
- Families with small children, couples, quiet beach time
- Location
- North of town center
- Accessibility
- Close to town, accessible via walkway
- Distance From Center
- ~less than 5 minute walk
- Description
- Beautiful natural setting accessible via walkway. Less crowded than nearby beaches. Features natural tidal pool at one end—ideal for toddlers and non-swimmers at low tide.
Amenities
- natural tidal pool (low tide)
- bars and cafes nearby
- walkway access
Designation
- family
- quiet
Praia Do Norte (Northern Beach / Algodio)
- Type
- Sandy beach / small beach
- Waves
- Exposed to north swells, stronger waves and currents
- Best For
- Those seeking quiet, crowds-avoiding alternative
- Location
- North of town center
- Accessibility
- Street parking available
- Distance From Center
- ~5-10 minutes walk / nearby
- Description
- Smallest beach in Ericeira, less touristy and quieter than town beaches. Less sheltered than central beaches with stronger winds and currents. Good alternative when town beaches are crowded.
Amenities
- minimal facilities
Designation
- quiet
Praia De São Lourenço
- Type
- Sandy beach
- Waves
- Great for surfing, powerful during big swells; right-hand reef breaks
- Best For
- Surfers, seafood lovers, quiet beach time
- Location
- North of Ericeira, far north end of reserve
- Accessibility
- Less crowded but further from town
- Distance From Center
- ~7 km / ~10 minute drive
- Description
- Powerful waves during big swells. Wide sandy beach with high cliffs and river. Family summer vibe with quiet, natural atmosphere. Popular with locals, less crowded than central beaches.
Amenities
- restaurant-bars specializing in fresh seafood
- parking available
Designation
- quiet
Praia Dos Coxos (Praia De Ribamar)
- Type
- Sand and rock mix
- Waves
- Legendary Coxos reef break nearby for experienced surfers
- Best For
- Surfers, those seeking wild, secluded setting
- Location
- North of Ericeira, above Ribeira d'Ilhas
- Accessibility
- Small, limited infrastructure
- Distance From Center
- ~6 km north
- Description
- Small, unique bay backed by tall cliff. Wild, beautiful, less crowded than town beaches. Near legendary Coxos surf spot.
Amenities
- minimal facilities
Designation
- quiet
Praia De São Julião
- Type
- Sandy beach in cliffs
- Waves
- Good for surfing
- Best For
- Surfers, those seeking quiet and nature, sunset watching
- Location
- South of Ericeira toward Sintra
- Accessibility
- Convenient parking, less developed than central beaches
- Distance From Center
- ~10-15 minute drive
- Description
- Tucked away in cliffs, typically less crowded. Feels more connected to nature. Good for surfing and hiking along coastal trails.
Amenities
- street parking
- small cafe overlooking beach
- pizza restaurant on beach
Designation
- quiet
Praia Da Empa
- Type
- Rock-strewn beach
- Waves
- Serious surfing spot for experts
- Best For
- Experienced surfers, those seeking quiet, secluded spots
- Location
- Between São Sebastião and Ribeira d'Ilhas
- Accessibility
- Often deserted, limited development
- Distance From Center
- ~nearby
- Description
- Small beach with very little sand, largely rocky shoreline. Quiet, peaceful atmosphere due to rocky terrain. Serious surfing spot for experienced surfers.
Amenities
- bathrooms (seasonal)
- limited facilities
Designation
- quiet
Praia Do Matadouro
- Type
- Small beach
- Waves
- Good for beginner lessons
- Best For
- Beginner surfers
- Location
- North of São Sebastião
- Accessibility
- Near town
- Distance From Center
- ~nearby
- Description
- Small beach popular with beginner surfers. Close to Quiksilver store and associated surf school, so often sees learner groups in mornings.
Amenities
- nearby surf school
- Quiksilver store
Designation
- quiet
Praia Da Calada
- Type
- Sandy beach
- Waves
- Various conditions
- Best For
- Those seeking quiet, less-visited beaches
- Location
- Further afield, north
- Accessibility
- Best accessed by car, ample parking
- Distance From Center
- ~15 minute drive on N247
- Description
- Usually much quieter than spots nearer town. More secluded with natural beauty.
Amenities
- parking available
Designation
- quiet
Overview
Ericeira is home to approximately 12 beaches within and around the town, ranging from sheltered sandy coves in the center to world-class surfing breaks. The town sits within Europe's first World Surfing Reserve, established in 2011.
General Info
- Parking
- Free parking available at nearly all beaches; hardest to park at Praia dos Pescadores due to limited town center street spaces
- Beach Bus
- Runs mid-June to mid-September for those without cars; can download app for schedule
- Water Conditions
- Turquoise with significant waves except central beaches at low tide which can be very calm
- Blue Flag Beaches
- Most beaches fly Blue Flag, guaranteeing cleanliness and safety
- Water Temperature
- Cold year-round; wetsuits recommended for extended periods
- Lifeguard Presence
- Lifeguards present at main beaches seasonally; SOS Praia system available
- Seasonal Variations
- Summer offers calmer, friendlier waves for beginners; sand disappears at high tide on some beaches
- Sand Characteristics
- Soft, golden/pale sand with variations; thick yellow sand common along coast. Sand fluctuates with currents seasonally, sometimes exposing rocky areas in winter
- Safety Notes
- Strong currents and riptides can be present especially on days with larger waves. Always swim in lifeguarded areas and pay attention to beach warning flags
Seasonal Best Times
- Families
- Summer months for calmest water
- Beginners
- Summer; Foz do Lizandro is most beginner-friendly year-round
- Experienced Surfers
- Autumn, spring, and winter for consistent swells
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Ericeira
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.