Ericeira is an old fishing town in central Portugal, near Lisbon. It’s first alleged settlers were the Phoenicians and there are those who argue that the name Ericeira comes from a change in the word Eritrea, where the Phoenicians came from. Others believe that the name comes from the Portuguese word “ouriceira”, related with the number of sea urchins (ouriços, in Portuguese) in the area. In the town’s coat of arms the sea urchin is central.

Coast Line: The Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop

Departure from São Sebastião Chapel. Our destination is the South Beach passing through the Ericeira Harbour.

The Sea is always present with its beauty and strength. During winter its remarkable roughness reaches its peak.

Along the coast we can find small vegetation, mainly “chorões de praia” (Carpobrotus edulis). Marine species of birds are with us during the whole tour, especially seagulls, ruddy turnstone and sea crows.

The fishing harbour is currently being transformed to become a marina in the near future and the works will be concluded in 2012. Both professional and recreational fishing is intense here.

Passing the harbour, our walk leads us to our first meeting with the town itself, where you can find important restaurants, in which fresh fish takes over the menus. There’s also a large hotel with a green roof: well situated, it is the ex-libris of the town. It’s also signals that we are arriving to the South beach with it’s natural lagoon that comes and goes every day with the tides. Along the beach several cafés where we can rest for a while, just before a visit to the centre.

The town in white and blue

We leave the beach and return to the town, to have a more detailed look.

Throughout its existence the levels of development varied. But it’s during the 19th century that its port became very important for the whole of the Estremadura province.

In 1910 when the Republican regime was installed, it was from Ericeira that the Royal Family boarded a ship to its exile. This added to the town’s importance in Portuguese History.

From all of what Ericeira has to offer to tourists, surf stands out as the main reason that draws people here. The town has become legendary for surfers and the beach of Coxos is considered one of the best surfing spots in Europe as well as the beach of Ribeira d’Ilhas, where the World Surfing Championships take place.

The narrow streets with the white and blue houses create harmony and make it a very interesting destination for many.

The food is excellent, the weather is fine, its churches and fountains give the town all the right historical and architectural ingredients.

On visiting, our suggestion is to simply wander around the town. And, to get back on your feet, nothing better than to go and have an ‘Ouriço’ (a famous local small, sweet cake).

Back to São Sebastião, there is still time to say goodbye to the Atlantic, standing on the spacious belvedere.

Monuments with history

São Pedro Church

Originally a chapel, it received permission to have a baptistery from the Archbishop of Lisbon, D. Pedro de Noronha (1446) . The high altar has four paintings showing scenes from the life of Saint Peter, an altarpiece, the tabernacle in gold carving and baroque images of Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Peter.

Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem and Santo António Chapel

Already existed in 1609. A stone, placed above the main portal says the chapel was renovated in 1844.

This chapel is the centre of attractions at the annual festivities in honour of Our Lady of the Blessed Journey, organised by the local fishermen. Located in a platform above the Fishermen’s beach (praia dos pescadores), it is the centre of life of the town. It’s said today that it divides the North from the South. We don’t know much about its history, especially prior to the 17th century.

This small chapel also had an important role as a lighthouse, together with the bell in the wall that served as warning for boats entering the harbour.

Santa Marta e Nossa Senhora das Necessidades Chapel

Walking around Santa Marta Park, the promenade leads us to Saint Martha’s Chapel.
The primitive chapel dates from the 15th century, but was demolished in 1760 and reconstructed at the current location.

The Chapel Square with the houses surrounding it dates to the Mariano Sanctuary and the houses served as lodging for the pilgrims. The former chapel was located closer to the sea, and was a place of great devotion related with miraculous cures of the plague. It stood where, nowadays, the Well of Santa Marta lies.

São Sebastião Church

The chapel, whose origin allegedly goes back to late 15th or early 16th century, is located in the extreme north of the town.
It is a very simple-looking building, with a hexagonal dome in buds, which has another body forming the sacristy and the altar (made in the 17th century).
In contrast with the simplicity and the outer gentleness, the interior is rich and colourful, almost completely coated with typically Portuguese glazed tiles (blue and yellow) creating patterns decorated with plants and geometrical patterns with great aesthetic effect.

Where to stay

Vila Galé Hotel

Largo dos Navegantes, 2655 – 320 Ericeira http://www.vilagale.pt/pages/hoteis/?hotel=10’

Vilazul Hotel

Calçada da Baleia, Nr 10 2655-238 Ericeira http://www.hotelvilazul.com/

Beachtour Ericeira Hotel

Rua Mira Parque Nr 2 A/B

2655-213 Erriceira

Camping Mil Regos / www.ericeiracamping.com/

Where to eat

Prims Restaurant

Furnas Restaurant

Pinta Pizzeria