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Ericeira sports several seemingly untouched sand-and-rock beaches and is cleansed by the mighty waves of the Atlantic Ocean every high tide.
Watching the roll of the waves can be peaceful and mesmerizing or may
provoke a bout of soul-searching. The constant musicality of the endless
water provides a perfect soundtrack for rest and relaxation.
The sun is friendly in Ericeira, its face sometimes obscured by the high bank of clouds that frame the ocean, but usually reappearing after a short time. Sun-worshippers will find the temperature of the early summer to be ideal.
The powerful waves and uncrowded locale make the beaches popular local surfing spots. Other courageous souls impervious to cold temperatures brave the waves to swim and float. These are very family-friendly beaches, with vigilant lifeguards and hospitable shade awnings.
***image2***Ericeira offers more than 50 local restaurants. Well-situated on the coast of Portugal and supporting itself as a productive fishing town, seafood is prevalent. Seafood restaurants are called “marisqueiras” and offer many local favorites, such as steamed whole prawns served with rock salt and lemon.
Ice cream parlors are almost everywhere in the center of town to assist in indulging the sweet tooth of locals and visitors alike. Or you can eat your cool treat near the community stage and watch children put on impromptu dances and sing songs and rhymes.
There are plenty of shopping opportunities and friendly proprietors smile on locals and visitors alike. Take a pleasant stroll through Ericeira to find locally-made handicrafts featuring the famous rooster of Portugal. Legend has it that the rooster crowed on command to proclaim a condemned man’s innocence. His cheerfully arrogant figure is easy to find on everything from postcards to cheese boards.
Many grocery stores, called “mercados,” are strewn through Ericeira. Their tiny aisles are heavily laden with almost anything you could desire. The local produce is especially good. In early July, the scent of perfectly ripe peaches floats on the ever-present ocean breeze.
The shopkeepers and citizens are very friendly and easily have pleasant conversation with visitors in Portuguese or English. If you walk through the peaceful neighborhoods in the evening, you can smell the freshly-caught fish transforming into a delicious family dinner.
***image3***Ericeira is a quiet place, not frequented by large amounts of tourists. Many people choose to fly into Lisbon, rent a car and drive to Ericeira. Other intrepid travelers choose to drive the entire way from Germany, to enjoy the journey before reaching their desired destination.
If you seek a restful, naturally beautiful coastal town to relax in, you will be hard-pressed to find a better place than Ericeira, Portugal.
