Why Honeymoon in Ericeira
Ericeira gives you a laid-back beach town with real character. Narrow lanes lead to viewpoints over the sea. Fishermen still haul boats up the ramp at Praia dos Pescadores, the beach where the last king of Portugal, Manuel II, left the country by boat during the 1910 revolution.
The surf is the headline. Ribeira d'Ilhas, about 2 km north of town, has hosted professional contests, while Coxos ranks among the most respected waves in Europe. Calmer beaches nearby suit lessons for complete beginners, so couples with different skill levels can both have fun.
It is also a good value base. Hotels and restaurants cost less than in Lisbon or Cascais. The vibe is casual. Expect board shorts, sandals and long lunches more than dress codes and resort spas.
When to Go
For a beach honeymoon, June through September brings the warmest weather and the smallest waves, making it the best time for beginners. July and August are busiest, especially on weekends when Lisbon locals arrive.
September and October are a sweet spot for many couples. The crowds thin, the weather often stays warm and swells start to build, so surfers find more consistent waves while beginners can still find gentle spots.
November through February brings the big Atlantic swells that make Ericeira famous among experienced surfers, along with rain, wind and cooler temperatures. It is a fine time to watch surfing from the cliffs but not to swim.
The ocean stays cool all year, usually in the low to mid 60s Fahrenheit in summer. A wetsuit is standard for surfing in any season.
Where to Stay
Staying in the old town keeps you close to restaurants, viewpoints and the harbor. Small guesthouses in traditional houses are common, many with rooftop terraces facing the sea.
Immerso is a design hotel just outside town with ocean and countryside views, a pool and a calm, minimalist feel that suits a honeymoon. Vila Galé Ericeira sits on the cliffs above the sea with an outdoor pool and a central location.
Surf-focused couples may prefer the stretch toward Ribeira d'Ilhas, where surf lodges and rental villas put you closer to the waves. Many offer packages with lessons and board rental.
For more privacy, look for a farmhouse or small rural guesthouse in the hills inland, a short drive from the coast.
Romantic Things to Do
Book a private or small-group surf lesson for two at a beginner beach such as Foz do Lizandro, where an instructor can match each of you to the right board.
Watch experienced surfers from the cliff at Ribeira d'Ilhas, then walk back along the coastal path. End the day at a cliff-top bar or on the terrace near Praia dos Pescadores for sunset.
Take a short drive to the National Palace of Mafra, a vast 18th century palace and basilica with a famous library. Visit the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, a walled former royal hunting park where you can walk or cycle among deer.
Sintra's palaces are about half an hour away by car. On calm days, rent stand-up paddleboards or go snorkeling in the rocky coves near town.
Getting There and Around
Lisbon Airport (LIS) has nonstops from many US cities. From there, Ericeira is about 40 to 50 minutes by car via the A8 and A21 motorways. Express buses link Ericeira with Lisbon's Campo Grande station, taking roughly an hour.
The old town is compact and walkable, though streets slope steeply toward the sea. Taxis and ride-hail services are available but less common than in Lisbon.
A rental car helps if you want to explore beaches north and south, visit Mafra or combine Ericeira with Sintra and Cascais. Parking in the old town is limited, so choose a hotel with parking or leave the car at the edge of town.
Surf schools often provide transport to the best beach for the day's conditions.
Food and Drink
Ericeira is a seafood town. Fish restaurants display the day's catch on ice. You choose by weight. Look for grilled sea bass, sea bream and sardines in summer, plus seafood rice and percebes, goose barnacles prized by locals.
Shellfish is a specialty, especially lobster and crab. Sea urchins appear on some menus in winter and spring. Ask about prices before ordering market-price items to avoid surprises.
The surf crowd has brought cafes serving smoothie bowls, specialty coffee and brunch. For drinks, try a local craft beer or a crisp white from the Lisbon wine region.
Pastry shops sell ouriços, sweets shaped like sea urchins, a nod to the town's name. Have one with a coffee on a terrace facing the sea.
Honeymoon Tips
Respect the ocean. Ericeira's waves and rip currents are powerful. Many of the best surf spots break over rock reefs. Beginners should only surf with a qualified instructor. Everyone should swim at lifeguarded beaches and follow the flags.
Bring layers. Mornings and evenings can be cool and windy even in summer. Sea fog sometimes rolls in.
Book surf lessons and popular restaurants a few days ahead in July and August. If one of you surfs and the other does not, the town makes it easy to split up for a few hours: one goes out on the waves while the other walks the cliffs or relaxes at a cafe.
Combine Ericeira with Lisbon or Sintra for variety. Three nights here plus a few in the city makes a well-balanced honeymoon.
