Portugal, Everything to know when Booking a Surf trip to Ericeira

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Alright, so you’re looking to book a surf trip to Europe, but might be unsure of where to go. Ericeira, a small coastal town west of Lisbon, the Capitol, has pristine coastlines, cool architecture, and of course plenty of waves. The area itself is pretty low key and somewhat small, which is what I liked most about Ericeira. There’s a central area with boutiques, surf shops, restaurants, and bakeries. A car helps, but isn’t necessary as you can still walk or rent a bike to get around.

If you’re new to surfing or have been doing it for a while there are a number of hostel style camps that offer cheap lodging as well as lessons if you need them, which I’ll go into more detail later. With that being said, in this post I’ll be going over how to get to Ericeria, where to stay, eat, and surf. Alright lets get into it..

Where is Ericiera

Ericiera is on the west coast of Portugal, pretty much in the middle of the country. A little over a half hour from Lisbon (close to 50 KM/31 miles), getting to the coast is pretty easy and scenic as you drive through towns to get there

What mode of transporation should I use to get there

If you take a shuttle or rent a car, it will be much quicker! I took the bus, which is the cheapest way, but also the longest (about 2.5 hours). If you are doing a surf camp they may offer a shuttle service and can pick you up right at the airport. The shuttle like I mentioned will be much quicker and they can drop you off right at the camp.

If you are looking to save a little bit of money, you can take a bus from the Campo Grande bus station to Ericiera. However, you will then have to walk or a take a taxi to your camp or where you are staying. A full day bus ticket is close to 6.5 Euros and you can buy your ticket and take a shuttle bus from the Lisbon Airport to Campo Grande bus station.

Do you need a car

You don’t need one, however getting to different surf spots will be easier with a car or a bike. Uber is inexpensive and a great way to get around as well.

Where to stay

Depending on how much time you have, I would recommend staying in a VRBO close to the center area (city center) and/or doing a surf camp. There’s a number of inexpensive VRBO’s close to the “city center”, but also walkable to different surf spots, depending on where you stay exactly. The architecture is pretty cool too with cobbled streets, red clay roofs, and the Portuguese tiles on the sides of buildings.

A surf camp is nice because you stay in dorm style housing, meet new people, and learn a lot about surfing. The only downside to some of the camps is depending on the time of year, groups can be large and everyone goes to the same surf spot for a lesson, which means more people and less waves. However, I stayed with Lapoint and the lodging was incredible, equipment included, and free breakfast every morning. They have great instructors for different ability levels from beginner all the way to advanced.

Lapoint also has a skate bowl on site that overlooks the Ericeira country side and ocean! If you only want to do the lodging without lessons, Lapoint offers that as well. Other surf camps include The Salty Pelican and the Ericeira Surf House. Some of the camps also offer yoga too.

Any good restaurants

Although there were a handful of restaurants that I felt were pretty bland, there’s a few that I recommend trying. For coffee, breakfast, or lunch my three favorite places were Dear Rose, Green is Good, and Sunset Bamboo Bar. The pancakes were pretty amazing at Green is Good.

For dinner, I really liked Jangada, about a 15 minute walk from the center area. Friendly staff and cool ambience were what made this my favorite restaurant in Ericiera. The menu was simple, but the food was incredible, including the seafood. Since your right on the coast, there are a lot of seafood restaurants through out the area. Another restaurant I really liked just north of town, outside of Ericiera was the Pizza Mobile. A hidden gem pizza restaurant in Sao Lourenco.

Is there any Night Life

If you stay at a surf camp they will have events through out your stay. Also, every Friday Boardriders, has a party with a DJ and bar on siter. In town the main bar for night life is Tubo.

Where can we rent surfboards and take lessons

If you’re not doing a camp, there’s a number of awesome surf rental shops that offer instruction from beginner to advanced. If you’re traveling solo and don’t know anyone in the area it’s good to go out with people who know the area and different breaks, where to paddle, what to avoid, and the best time to surf different spots. Shops such as Ericiera Surf School, Tiago Pires Surf School, and Surf Riders all offer lessons with rentals. My favorite place to take a surf lesson was the Surf Center in between Quiksilver and 58 surf. The instructors were incredible and the owner was really nice.

They offered private lessons as well as group lessons. There was also a place to keep your things when you were out surfing so you don’t have to leave them on the beach. If you rent, but don’t take a lesson, the owner still allowed me to store my things there when I was surfing. It’s the little things that make a difference when traveling.

If you’re looking to rent, but not take a lesson, the best place for that is Portugal Surf Rentals. They have a number of great performance, higher-end boards for an incredible price compared to a lot of shops in town. Book your reservation online and they deliver the board to your place, throw in a bar of wax, and give you a surf bag for the rental. You then drop the board off at Quiksilver or 58 when your done.

Are there any good surf shops

58 Surf on the north end of Ericeira has just about everything you need from wetsuits, to fins, shortboards, longboards, and hybrid shapes. There’s also Magic Quiver. It’s more of a boutique style shop, with locally shaped boards. Really cool spot that will premiere surf films sometimes.

Is the water cold

Yep, cold water in Portugal. You’ll want to wear a 3/2 wetsuit and then as you reach mid to late October a 5/4 wetsuit. These numbers are the thickness of the wetsuit. I would also recommend a hood and booties in the colder months too. Some of the breaks will be rocky as well so having booties to protect your feet from getting cut up, will be very helpful!

When is the best time of the year to surf in Portugal

Late September through April are when the waves will be the largest, but also most powerful. I went in October and there were some smaller days in the two weeks that I was there, but also some really heavy days, so keep that in mind when booking a trip. One of my instructors said that If you are looking for smaller waves, August will be the best month. Summers are nice as well because it doesn’t rain very much, but as you get into late fall, you will have more rainy days throughout the winter months.

Where can I check the Surf Forecast

The best website for checking the surf forecast in Portugal is MEO. A was recommended to use this site by a handful of locals and found that it provided the most accurate information!

What are the best places to surf

There’s a number of great surf breaks in Ericeira and below are the top five. The best time of day to surf Ericeira is MID TIDE, either when the tide is going from Low ->High or High->Low. If you surf during low tide the waves will close out early and if you surf during high tide the waves will be Flat. However, sometimes you can still surf these spots during low and high tide!

1. Foz Do LIzandro- This spot is on the south end of Ericeira and can be a little more low key. When the waves are good there will be people in the water, especially in the morning! There are mostly rights here with some lefts mixed in as well. Be careful surfing this spot during low tide as it does get shallow and rocky in some areas. Also because it is near surf schools, in the morning the water can get pretty crowded.

   There is a free parking lot at this beach as well as a boardwalk with restaurants and a surf rental shop. You can either surf in the middle of this break or farther down towards lookers right, depending on where it’s breaking that day!

2. Praia Do Matadouro- Lots of fun breaks here. It’s best to surf this beach with someone who knows exactly where to go. I would also recommend wearing surf booties to protect your feet as there is a rocky bottom. Mid Tide will be the best time to surf this spot and if you’re able to time that for an evening surf session it is pretty magical. There’s different peaks through out the break, lefts and rights.

There’s a parking lot across the street near Quiksilver if you are driving or if you want to walk and are staying near the city center its about a 20 minute walk.

3. Ribeira D’llhas- Located on the north end of Ericiera this break is one of the stops for the World Surf Tour and when it’s pumping, you will see a lot of people in the water. This will be a right hand point break, with different peaks through out. You can also surf this spot during high tide and the waves are a little smaller and more fun if you are an intermediate surfer. There is also some fun waves outside the main peak if you want to avoid a crowded lineup and increase your wave count.

There is a parking lot as well as a restaurant and public restrooms. This is also a rockier break so where booties if you don’t want to cut up your feet! This spot also has a nice beach to relax if you take breaks while surfing.

4. Praia do Sul- Probably my least favorite spot to surf, this break is only good to surf during mid tide with a farther paddle out to get to the peak. When it’s pumping this break can get pretty heavy and there will be some localism in the water as well. Just remember to be respectful in the water, even if someone gives you a hard time! There will be lefts and rights at this break, giving you more options and also sometimes there’s good waves on the shoulder of the main peak.

Be careful paddling back in as the shore break area can be pretty heavy too! This spot is right in town and there will be parking down towards the beach on the side of the road.

5. Praia de São Julião- My favorite spot in all of Ericiera, this mellow beach break doesn’t draw the crowds like the other breaks I surfed. Less crowds means more waves for you. I only surfed here once, but had wished I had rented a car for a few days to drive to this spot. If you can’t rent a car, take a lesson and discuss with your instructor about surfing this spot. The break has lefts and rights and the paddle out isn’t too bad either. Parking will be a big dirt lot right at the beach.

The other nice thing about this break is it is a sandy bottom, no rocks.

Last minute things to know when booking a surf trip to Portugal

• Make sure to bring warm clothing as it does get cold at night and even during the day sometimes.

• It can rain during your trip so make sure to pack a rain jacket! Burton makes my favorite rain jackets, especially anything with Gore-tex

• The sun is less intense, however, still pack zinc sunscreen

• You’ll need a passport to get into the country

• Make sure to bring an outlet adapter, a type C and F adapter work great

• If you bring a film camera, customs is strict and won’t do a hand check on your film. Buy a pouch that protects your film from X-Rays. They sell them on Amazon.

• You can rent wetsuits and booties, but having your own will be a plus. You can purchase these on Hansens and save 10% on your order. Size down a whole size for your surf booties.

• Know surf etiquette and be respectful in the water.

• Summer is a busier time so book your lodging ahead of time!

• There is a skatepark in Ericeira, it’s great for working on your surfing or if you just like to skate.

That’s it for a surf trip to Ericeira, if you have any questions or anything to add please leave a comment below! Also subscribe to our email list below for information on the latest travel and outdoor content. Thanks for reading the blog and I’ll see you on the next post.

Looking to spend some time in Lisbon? Check out top 7 things to do in Lisbon in 48 hours.

Lisbon Portugal, top 7 things to do in 48 Hours

Disclosure: When you buy something through the Affiliate product links I have created below, I earn a small commission. I only promote products and companies I support as well as believe in

So you’ve decided to travel to Portugal, in particular Lisbon, the capitol! This coastal city is known for it’s cool architecture, art, music, and colonial history. If you have 48 hours or even 24 there’s a number of cool things that are easy to check out, all within close proximity. What was nice about Lisbon is the city isn’t too big or crowded which makes it easy to get around and maximize your time while you your there.

Although it would’ve been nice to have just an extra day or two to hang out in the city, I felt like two days was enough time to get feel of Lisbon and see a lot that the city has to offer. In this blog post I’ll be going over where the city is, ways of transportation, what to pack, where to stay, and seven activities I recommend when spending time here. Alright lets do this!

Where is Lisbon

Lisbon will be towards the southern end of Portugal in Europe, right on the Atlantic Coast and is the largest city in the country. With a population close to 3 million people (New York City is almost 9 million), Lisbon is 39 square miles. The Tagus river runs along the capitol which is part of the Iberian peninsula. If you fly, the airport isn’t too far from the downtown area, depending on traffic.

What is the history behind the City

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in western Europe and has been the capital since 1252! From the 15th to the 18th Century the city was a main port for overseas trade and Portuguese expeditions. Discovering places like South America and Africa, Lisbon was given the nick name, “the enchanted port.” The city has a colonialist history, as different groups of people have taken control over different centuries. In 1640 the country regained independence as the largest colony at the time, Brazil, transformed the country into a wealthy city.

The city has gone through some tough times such as a serious earthquake in 1755 and in the 19th Century, buildings were destroyed again after being captured by Napoleon Bonaparte. However, each time the city rebuilt itself and what you see today is modern architecture and buildings.

Pretty interesting, During World War II Lisbon remained a neutral country and became a refuge for many people fleeing axis power countries. From Lisbon they would sail to Great Britain or the United States.

Where to Stay

There’s a lot of nice apartments that are rented out all over the city that are not too expensive! You can find nice 1 or 2 bedroom flats for under $100 USD a night. I personally liked staying close to the city center, because I liked to walk around this part of the city.

Popular neighborhoods to stay in are Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Baixa de Lisboa. I booked my reservation through VRBO, as there were many options and the booking process was easy and smooth.

What are the best modes of Transportation

Lisbon is a very walkable city, which was one of my favorite parts about it. Just make sure to wear some good comfortable footwear. If you need to get somewhere farther away, such as LX Factory, you can take an Uber. I found taking an Uber was one of the cheapest modes of transportation other then taking the Metro Bus after spending too much money on a taxi.

The Metro Bus is also a great way to get around, especially from the airport. You can purchase a bus ticket in the airport or at the Campo Grande bus station. From the station use the Moovit app, and it will tell you exactly what bus you need to take, the time it leaves, and the cost based on the destination you enter. You can get a full day pass for six and a half Euros.

The two other common modes of transportation are a Tuk Tuk and the Tram. A Tuk Tuk will be more expensive because most give a tour of the city. However, if you have a group or a family it looked like a cool way to get around. Lastly there is the tram, which covers most areas of the city. There’s the historic yellow Trams and also your modern day tram. Again, use the Moovit app for schedules, tram stops, and fares.

What is the Currency in Portugal

One of the first countries to transfer over to the European Euro, Portugal has been using this currency since 1999. They’ve also been part of the European Union since 1986.

What to Pack

• Rain Jacket- The occasional rain shower does pop up in Portugal. So make sure to pack one of these for your trip! I think Burton makes some of the best rain jackets to keep you dry while walking around the city.

• Great Footwear- I would wear a good pair of comfortable athletic shoes, especially if you plan on walking all day. The VANS ultra range series has been my go to shoe. Lightweight with amazing cushion.

• Sunglasses- Often overlooked, throw these in the suitcase or carry on for your trip. I personally like Dragon Shades because the designs have a classic look and the lens technology (Luma Lens) reduces glare and increases depth perception.

• Small bag or backpack- If your trekking around in the city all day, you’ll want something to carry all your stuff. Burton Has some great daypacks worth checking out to store your camera, water bottle, room key, and anything else you might need.

What are seven top things to do in Lisbon

1. Praça de Luís de Camões

In the middle of the square in between Chiado and Bairro Alto you’ll see a statue of the 16th century poet, Luis de Camoes with other well known Portuguese authors below. It’s a historical landmark and one of the oldest monuments in the city. It’s a quick thing to check out and take a couple photos of while walking around the city. Also not a bad place to sit down and rest your feet if you’ve been walking all day!

2. LX Factory

If you like food, art, and unique shops all in one place, this is something you should really check out while in Lisbon, especially on Sundays!. It was probably my favorite thing to do while I was in the city. It’s a 15 minute drive from the city center on the east side of Lisbon. The quickest and cheapest way to get there would be by Uber or if your up for a stroll through the city, it takes a little under an hour to walk there.

There are no entrance fees for LX factory and on Sundays there is the LX market that has vendors for food, clothing, art, and vintage items. This area has been around since 1846 as the warehouses were used for weaving and textiles at one point. If you’re looking for a healthy place for lunch check out The Therapist. It’s vegan spot that has some cool options for breakfast or lunch.

3. Tram 28

Usually a pretty popular attraction for most tourists, therefore it’s best to go late in the evening or early in the morning. The cost is 3 euros as you get on or you can buy an all day transportation pass at the metro station for around 6 and a half euros. The ride will be somewhat shaky as you head through the narrow streets in historic parts of Lisbon, with stops along the way.

The tram runs from 6am-10:30pm and 11pm on weekdays taking just under an hour for the entire route. The starting point is Martim Moniz, which will usually have a line mid day. Try to grab a seat if you can and watch out for pick pick-pocketers.

4. Stop at a Pastel de Nata Shop

The name Pastel De Nata means cream pastries in Portuguese and you will find these sweet deserts at just about any bakery or desert shop in Portugal. These deserts were first made over 300 years ago in Portugal and are a baked custard filling, surrounded by a light outside crust. They are somewhat addicting and my favorite shop for these in Lisbon was Manteigaria.

5. Eat at Time Out Market

If you’re looking for a place to grab lunch or dinner, Time Out Market is great. Lot’s of different food options with a food court style seating area. It’s open from 10am to as late as 1am on certain days of the week! They have options across the board for food including seafood, sushi, pizza, and traditional Portuguese food. There’s also vendors for beer and wine and even desert. It’s a fun place to walk around, just make sure to have a credit or debit card on you as most places don’t take cash.

6. Walk through the Alfama District

Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon with most of the district being on a steep hill.. It even survived the Earthquake in 1755 that destroyed a lot of the cities buildings. As you stroll through the streets and alleys you’ll notice the white wash buildings with tile roofs and even a few restaurants and cafes. It’s a step back in time as you walk down the cobble streets with tight alleys, weather worn buildings, and laundry hanging from windows. On Saturdays and Tuesdays, there is a large Flea Market called, Feira da Ladra.

7. Catch a Sunset at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

Although it was cloudy when I visited this overlook, I can imagine a sunset here would be pretty amazing. Not far from the Lisbon center, this spot gives you a panoramic view of the city including Saint Georgia’s castle off in the distance and Miradouro da Igreja da Graça, one of the oldest churches in Lisbon.

If you go down the stairs there will be a landscaped area with benches and an area to walk around. I liked the upper viewing area tho because you could really see the city from above. If you want to grab a beer while you catch the sunset, there’s also a beer stand up top too.

What else would you recommend doing in Lisbon

Other things that I wanted to check out, but ran out of time and were recommended are..

• Jerónimos Monastery- Built in 1502 this monastery has incredible Portuguese architecture and is open from 10am-5pm Tuesday through Saturday.

• Castelo de São Jorge- A historic Castle located on the highest hill in Lisbon and found around the 10th and 11th centuries, this castle is open everyday from 9am-7pm.

• Museu Coleção Berardo - A contemporary art museum located in Belém, a district of Portugal. For more info on exhibits and visitor pricing visit the musuems website.

• Belem Tower- Used as a gateway to the city and fortress against possible attacks, the Tower was built between 1515-1521. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5:30 pm tickets can be purchased online with the first Sunday of each month being free.

That’s it for a two day trip in Lisbon Portugal and if your interested in more outdoor/travel content, subscribe to our email list below! Thanks for reading and I’ll see you on the next blog post.