The TOP Beaches in Ericeira for relaxing
Subjective Ranking from Skubday Guide Portugal
The gentle hum of waves crashing on the shore, stunning, breathtaking views, Portuguese rays of the sun, delicate whisper of the breeze…
Portugal is a country of the ocean with 1793 km of coastline, and Ericeira, with the World Surfing Reserve, has more than 10 beaches, but this is not the end!
The neighborhood of Ericeira has even more to offer.
For those who love relaxing by the sea, check our Subjective Ranking of the TOP 10 Beaches in Ericeira and the nearby area. If you visit them, you may want to stay here forever…
Let's jump in!
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PRAIA DE SÃO SEBASTIÃO
LOCATION
This mystic place is just a few steps from the center.
AVAILABILITY
Available only during low tide - high tide covers the major part of the beach. The tides you can always check in the Surfline app.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Usually, a less crowded, peaceful place with a mystical cave. Some geological sources are pointing out that this cave was created by an old volcano. This may be the reason why this beach has so much energy. This spot is one io those where you can feel more alive and full of prana - life energy.
AMENITIES
You will find a toilet next to the beach, below the parking place. This beach is not accessible to people with disabilities due to the steep stairs.
SKUBDAY PRO TIP
During the full moon or the new moon, when the tides are wider, this beach uncovers an underwater universe of ocean creatures, plants, and stones.
FOR WHOM IT IS THE BEST
If you want to stay calm, meditate, relax, or just read a book in a stunning place, this option may be for you! This place has no bar, so we recommend taking your favorite drinks and snacks.
HOW TO GET THERE
You can park a car at São Sebastião square in Ericeira or walk a few steps from the center of the town. On the square, you will find the Capela de São Sebastião - a lovely and magical chapel from the 13th century. Behind the chapel, you will find the stars that will guide you to the beach.
FOR SURFERS
Not recommended for beginners due to the rocky bottom and powerful waves. It can be less crowded than other surf spots. You can sometimes meet pro surfers and get some surf inspiration from the best riders!
2. PRAIA DA URSA
LOCATION
Yes, Ursa Beach, the beach of the bears, has its place in our ranking, even though it’s not located in Ericeira but 56 km from the center of the town. Why is it in this ranking? Because we literally cannot overlook it due to breathtaking views, mystery, and unique energy. It’s an adventure to get there, but we love adventures! This beach is located in Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais. This is one of a few beaches near the majestic Sintra town.
AVAILABILITY
Rather, it can't be said that this place is within reach. Hike to Praia Ursa is not recommended for old people and those with any physical problems…and for those wearing flip-flops. This hike requires at least sports shoes, preferably with a firm sole. This walk reminds us mountain hike, not the easiest one. To reach the beach, you need to walk around 40 minutes to -1 hour down. Be aware of the tides, because with high tide, there is not much space on the beach.
Remember that after your beach time, you need to climb up, which can be a bit tricky after a day in the sun.
WHAT TO EXPECT
While getting there, you will suddenly see a stunning rock that looks like a bear emerging from the bottom of the ocean. Then you will walk for around 40 minutes down the mountain path, which in some places is quite steep. After reaching the spot, you will instantly forget about the hike.
The views and energy of that wild place are so splendid, like in a fairytale. Usually, no crowds - not everyone will reach that place. You will not find any beach bar or restaurant, just peace and calm.
Sometimes there are people playing volleyball, but as far as we know, Ursa is never crowded.
There is something very mystical here; you are a bit outside the world in another dimension, like all the Earth is somewhere else, and there is nothing more than that…
AMENITIES
At the spot, you will not find any toilets or showers, so keep this in mind to not being surprised.
Unfortunately, this beach is not available to people with disabilities, but no worries, there are many more places to see, much more accessible!
SKUBDAY PRO TIP
There are amazing walls to climb, which is why many climbers practice at this spot. If you are one of them, take your equipment, you won't regret it!
Don’t decide about returning too late, it’s much better to start your hike up during the day.
Your “must-haves” to visit this place are comfortable shoes, water to drink, and snacks, and checking the tides to not being surprised by high tide.
Better not stay there in the tent for the night. Pieces of rock sometimes fall from the cliff, so it’s not a super safe place to spend the night, even the romantic one.
FOR WHOM IT IS THE BEST
Adventurous explorers, searching for a quiet and majestic place to hike and relax, stunning views are in the package! Families can have a picnic on the beach if everyone is willing to hike.
A fit couple for a romantic date or a group of friends, mountain lovers to explore new, stunning places!
HOW TO GET THERE
Drive by car to Cabo da Roca, which is the westernmost point of the European continent. There is a little parking place next to Cabo da Roca, but the beginning of the Ursa track is a bit before, on the right, you can find a few cars parked by the main road.
FOR SURFERS
They said that Praia da Ursa proved to be a symphony of solitude and beauty for surfers with pristine waters, but this place is available to surfers only for advanced riders. We prefer easier spots, but “practice makes perfect" so maybe someday…
3. PRAIA FOZ DO LIZANDRO
LOCATION
15 minutes walk from the center of Ericeira. There is a parking place on the cliff or down by the beach.
AVAILABILITY
You can reach this beach from the parking on the cliffs by stairs or from the parking below.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Wide beach with soft sand and spectacular landscape. Perfect for a morning or evening walk. Not often crowded. On the left side, you will find the Lizandro River that enters here to the ocean.
Some people, especially families, like to relax by the river, which is usually not deep, so kids can play in the water. Lizandro River usually changes its structure depending on the tides, so every day can look different.
Nevertheless, this combination of ocean and river energy has something magical and gathers many lovers of this beach.
Usually, this beach has quite big waves and strong currents it is not the best place to swim.
Walking on the beach to the town direction you may find a magical little lake that is formed during the low tide by the ocean waters.
AMENITIES
You will find here a few restaurants, beach bars, and clubs, so social life thrives here. There are also some parties with live music. You have toilets and a wooden promenade, perfect for those who don’t like to walk on the sand.
SKUBDAY PRO TIP
This place is a lovely choice for the New Year's Eve celebration if you are not a fan of the crowds. From this spot, you may see magnificent fireworks that are a part of the New Year's Eve celebration in Ericeiea.
It is also here that celebrations of the Dia da Espiga festival are held. Celebrated 40 days after Easter as an agricultural holiday: espigas - ears of grain, chamomile, poppies, rosemary, oil, and vines - are gathered then, and a bouquet symbol of the so-called “ramo da espiga” is created, which is taken home as a talisman for the whole year.
This holiday is associated with gratitude for the harvest and good fortune and has both Christian and Pagan roots.
In Ericeira, Foz do Lizandro is of special importance - crowds gather from the evening, set up tents, create bonfires, warm up, eat food, and drink until dawn - the atmosphere comes from generations.
Noite da Espiga - the night before the tussock harvest, locals and visitors set up tents, burn bonfires, eat, sing, and await dawn by the ripples of the Lizandro River
FOR WHOM IT IS THE BEST
We don't know any person who doesn't like this beach. This place nourishes everyone with its wonderful energy, extremely unbeatable views, and the presence of the river creates an unparalleled experience that you can't miss!
HOW TO GET THERE
15 minutes on foot from the center of the town or by car - you have 2 parking places, one on the cliff, the second below by the beach. Sometimes in the high season, the parking can be full; in this case, you may try to park in the parking spot on the cliff.
FOR SURFERS
This spot is very famous for surfing, considered one of the best surf spots in Portugal. This beach is a good match for beginners to intermediate surfers, but you may also find advanced surfers here. During the summer, you may catch some of the small waves, perfect for beginners. This beach offers sand bottom, which is not so common in Ericeira and the World Surfing Reserve. Many surf schools are training here throughout the year. While bigger swells, currents are strong, so keep that in mind, as it can be dangerous.
4. PRAIA CALADA
LOCATION:
10 km from Ericeira center to the North. There is a parking place just down by the beach
AVAILABILITY:
This beach is located below a super high cliff, so to reach the sand beneath, you need to drive down by car, through a beautiful road with a spectacular view.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This place offers, among other things, no mobile connection! You are entering a very magical and quiet place where you can feel that time has stopped. Calada gives an amazing opportunity to meditate, contemplate, practice yoga, or just relax without crowds and noise.
Calada spot is surrounded by high cliffs, so reaching the beach is possible only through the side of a road from the high cliffs.
Cliffs are also a barrier to the sound of the waves, so you may feel here like in the cave by the ocean listening unique sound of the crashing on the shore.
AMENITIES
A beach bar and restrooms operate during the summer season, and this bar is one of the calmest and peaceful in the Ericeira surroundings.
SKUBDAY PRO TIP
This beach is like a fairy tale, so you may find couples having a photo shoot in their wedding clothes.
If you are searching for a place to create stunning pictures or videos, this may be that place!
FOR WHOM IT IS THE BEST
For everyone who searches for calmness, peace, and zen.
Couples for a romantic date
Families for a beach day far away from the crowds - just beware of the currents, which can be very strong here
Surfers who search for solitude
HOW TO GET THERE
You will drive by car for around 10 or 15 minutes, and you will see on the road Calada Beach sign.
Just be sure that your brakes in the car are great, this cliff is high!
FOR SURFERS
Here, intermediate surfers can find very gentle waves with lower tides and less crowded spots. Keep in mind that higher tides bring stronger shore breaks.
5. PRAIA DE SÃO JULIÃO
LOCATION
Praia de São Julião is located 5 km south of Ericeira. You may drive 10 minutes by car or walk through Foz do Lizandro beach and the river if it’s not too big.
Be aware that the river is changing dirung the day depending on the tides. So, low tide is always the best time to pass to the other side
AVAILABILITY
There are a few parking places, the first on the right from the main road, or to the left by the lovely cafe “Gota D'Álcool" on the cliff. You may also turn left to take the road down and then turn onto a little road to the right, then you will see a quite large parking place where you usually can see a group of campervans.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This place is breathtaking - magnificent, wide landscapes, usually high waves crashing on the cliff.
Not often very crowded - sometimes you may find a small river reaching the ocean here - there are moments during the year when that river becomes quite large!
São Julião is an incredible place to watch waves. It’s quite common that waves here reach 4 meters, so we recommend watching this fantastic show of the ocean.
We heard that during winter storms, waves may reach more than 10 meters, but during these storms, we all prefer to stay cozy at home..
AMENITIES
You will find here one of the best pizzas on Earth at Voyage Pizza Beach bar - it's down by the parking spot. They also serve drinks and snacks.
Next to the pizza place, there is also São Julião Surf School and the toilet.
Another place that is great to visit here is Gota D'Álcool" cafe - just keep in mind that they do not accept payments with cards. They have a lot of sweets, heavenly coffee, and some snacks.
SKUBDAY PRO TIP
Near the beach, you can visit an old chapel, Ermida de São Julião, and a little mysterious village with the monument of a cross from 1784. Just walk 5 minutes up from Gota D'Álcool cafe.
A small, rustic country hermitage was built in the 18th century on the site of what was probably a 16th-century hermitage.
From the chapel, take the magnificent path back to the beach by walking just by the cliff.
From here you may see one of the most spectacular views looking out to São Julião beach and further, where the coastline meets the stunning picture.
From here, you may take a fairy tale walk by the Foz do Lizandr Valley.
You walk near the shore, on the cliff from São Julião beach to Ericeira.
Before reaching the Lizandro River, you turn right and walk by the river, up the hill. This hike will guide you to the lovely village of Valbom Baleia with a little square and the cafe Centro Cultural de Bleia Valbom. You just need to turn up right from the Lizandro Valley at the end of the road, where you will reach the crossroads.
FOR WHOM IT IS THE BEST
Ocean lovers - for you, this spot will present an ocean & wave show in the most sophisticated way.
Content lovers - this beach on the left side offers a unique color of the rocks, made from the sand. Pictures and videos made here are fantastic!
Zen seekers - usually, you will find a lot of peace and calmness, so meditation and yoga, or just contemplation and reading a book, will be fabulous.
HOW TO GET THERE
10 minutes by car from Ericeira or 1-hour walk from the center - remember that you need to cross the Lizandro river at Foz do Lizandro beach.
Crossing the river during the high tide may be a bit of a problem. You can also catch Bolt or Uber while going back!
FOR SURFERS
São Julião offers a beach break, suitable for beginners only on calm days. During these moments, you will find many surf schools. This spot is not easy in the bigger days - you need to know its specific conditions. It may happen that you will you will find a nice barrels here. Best conditions: At mid-low tide and mid-low tide. Be aware of strong currents pulling in on the left side of the beach (looking at the ocean) - not recommended for beginners!
6. PRAIA DO SUL
LOCATION
This beach is located 5 minutes by walk from the center of Ericeira to the South.
AVAILABILITY
It’s very easy to reach, with a beach break and some coffee shops, beach bars, and restaurants.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This spot is for some Ericeira lovers, number one! Why? One of the reasons is that it is usually less windy, covered by the hotel Vila Galé, and cliffs.
On summer days and great weather, you will find many people here, but always in Ericeira relaxed vibe.
AMENITIES
If you are here, check Balagan, an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant with vegan and gluten-free options, a super delicious plate of tapas, tasty drinks, a relaxing vibe, and a stunning view from the terrace.
There is also Baia Do Sul, a lovely coffee place with drinks, snacks, and sweets.
This beach is a neighbor of Vila Galé, a picturesque, located hotel, the biggest in Ericeira.
There is a public toilet and a fabulous promenade to take a walk with calming ocean views.
SKUBDAY PRO TIP
From the right side, looking at the ocean, there is a small cove fantastic for swimming. It may be the best place for kids to play in the water in this neighborhood.
Also, Praia do Sul is the best for windy days. While at other spots, the wind blows your head off, here you can usually relax in your bikini easily.
FOR WHOM IT IS THE BEST
For families, due to fairly calm ocean waters.
For everyone, less wind than on the other beaches nearby
HOW TO GET THERE
5 minutes walk from Ericeira center.
There is no dedicated parking place, so you need to search for a place nearby. If you struggle, just take another side of the beach - drive 1 minute to the South and you will see a small parking place, usually less crowded.
FOR SURFERS
At Praia do Sul, also called Praia da Baleia, surfers can expect the best surf during low to medium tide conditions. Typically less crowded. Often, it can be the only place to work in Ericeira in a big N or NW swell.
7.PRAIA ADRAGA
LOCATION
Ok, yes, you are right. This is not a beach located exactly in Ericeira, but for us, this spot is so picturesque that we have to add it to our ranking.
Driving 50 km from Ericeira to the South, you will reach this stunning place.
AVAILABILITY
There are 2 parking places near the beach, one paid and the other free. Reaching this beach break spot is very easy by car, and it’s also a great place to visit for people with disabilities.
WHAT TO EXPECT
When you see this place, you want to stay here forever. For many visitors, the most beautiful
beach in Portugal. Mysterious caves covered with sea creatures knock you out with their beauty.
You can meet here a Portuguese delicacy - percebes, which is a luxury seafood resembling the claws of some creature.
There is usually shallow water near the shore, so it’s it brings a lot of fun to play in the water here.
It is surrounded by hills and cliffs that are part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park (Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais).
Directly from the beach, you will see the cliff coast, which is formed mainly by limestone dating back to the Upper Jurassic period dating back around 150 million years old. The landscape is also complemented by several rocks already located directly in the ocean, and all along the beach, you can see the erosive effect of wind and water on the coast.
The most spectacular cave here is Fojo dos Morcegos and the Alvidar stone.
The spot is recommended in British newspapers and mentioned in many rankings.
AMENITIES
It is a Blue Flag beach with handicapped access, a lifeguard, parking, and public restrooms.
You will find here a restaurant with delicious seafood and a little bar with snacks and drinks.
SKUBDAY PRO TIP
It is thought that the Romans believed that at the bottom of the Fojo well, there was a 90 metre Tritan, the sea god who played a conch shell. These marvelous grottoes give off unearthly sounds of the sea, waves creating an oceanic singing of rocks. Just go there and check, maybe Tritan will play for you!
FOR WHOM IT IS THE BEST
The mountain and ocean landscape lovers with a beach atmosphere.
Peace seekers - it's just mostly you and the ocean.
Cave fans - you will adore his place forever!
Everyone will love Praia Adraga. No one will be disappointed. You have our word.
HOW TO GET THERE
Around 50 50-minute drive from Ericera by a picturesque road.
FOR SURFERS
This spot is not recommended for beginners; an intermediate skill level is more suitable.
Be aware of the presence of rocks, especially large rock formations in the middle of the bay.
Ultimately, less crowded Praia Adraga can be a fantastic spot for a surf adventure with stunning views!
Yes! We did it! Finally, we took you on a little trip through Ericeira beaches and a stunning neighbourhood by the ocean. Thank you for being with us.
Did you like it? We hope that our tips will be useful, and that we will meet soon in one of those spectacular divine places! Remember to take an open heart and a clear mind with you so every trip will be a paradise! Dear Traveller, see you soon on the beach <3