This is Ericeira, Portugal
Reid and I on our date day - where we walked for hours exploring all the nooks and crannies (and windmills) of Ericeira
Reid posed an interesting statement the other day. He said ‘I never know what to tell people when they ask how our vacation was. Like, how can I tell them about all the things that are hard to explain in words. All the feelings I felt in a moment.’ I cannot agree more with his sentiment. There truly is no way to describe a trip in a few sentences or even over drinks. I often giggle to myself when someone asks how a trip was and I answer with “it was amazing.” Then the conversation quickly shifts to something else. As if the word “amazing” encapsulates all that a trip is about. All the things we did, saw, felt. All the emotions. All the silly, funny, goofy memories that were built in a trip. I have come to peace with this interaction. It used leave me wondering - how could one not want to know MORE. Isn’t that was life is about? The knowing, the dissecting of ones’ thoughts, inner joys, life experiences? But now I know. No one needs to know the ins and outs, the gratitude or extreme happiness or even sadness I felt in one moment or experience or trip. I realize all these special moments are meant just for me and the people I made them with.
This is Ericeira, Portugal!
Ericeira, like Biarritz, France, holds a special little corner in my heart. Chip did it again. He found another quaint, semi-unknown city, on the coast that we were lucky enough to spend a few weeks in. It allowed us the time to find restaurants that we dined at more than once, beaches that became our every day visit, and neighbors that treated us like, well, neighbors. We slowed life down here and breathed in the moments together. Moments that we often don’t get at home when we are surrounded by work, school, sports, and the busyness of life. This is Ericeira. The surf capital of Europe. Along the absolutely breathtaking and rugged coastline of Portugal. White buildings topped with clay colored terra cotta roofs, outlined with stark borders of blue, matching the vibrant sky and reminiscent of Santorini, Greece. Where locals spend their time worshipping the ocean, sun, and everything that involves the two.
A Stroll through town centre
In the coastal town of Ericeira, vibrant murals bring the streets to life, reflecting the town’s rich cultural heritage and laid-back surf lifestyle. Artists from around the world have chosen this picturesque setting to express their creativity on the walls of local buildings, transforming the alleyways and squares into an open-air gallery.
Ice cream stop!
More beautiful murals
Signage in Ericeira!
Praça da República is the heart of the old town of Ericeira. Cafes and shops surround the open, tree lined square. There are always lots of commotion here. Kids playing with whatever toy is in season, and the older population gathering for a chat on the benches.
Praia Do Matadouro
Praia do Matadouro is the beach situated in front and to the right of our Airbnb. Here, Chip would surf here everyday, the boys would explore at low tide (finding a lot of BLUE starfish), and as a bonus we could watch it all unfold from the little food truck that offered food and drinks.
Praia do Matadouro was the beach just to the right of our Airbnb. Chip would surf here everyday, the boys would explore at lowtide (finding a lot of BLUE starfish), and we could watch it all unfold from the little food truck that offered food and drinks.
Wandering around the ‘Hood with Reid
Reid and I spent three hours wandering all around Ericeira one morning - finding all the secret windmills, beautiful neighborhoods filled with flowering gardens and huge cacti, and views of terra cotta roofs and the ocean beyond.
The Boardriders Skatepark and Store!
The Boardriders Quicksilver Surf store and Skatepark is a hub for the surf and skate culture in Ericeira. We spent a portion of every day here. There was always something going on whether it be a lively skate competition or a packed house featuring Portugal’s World Cup soccer game (which we attended the madness and it was AWESOME!). Nestled close to the Atlantic Ocean, it’s the place to grab surf gear, skate, eat poke bowls, shop for clothing, listen to live music, and the list goes on!
The local skate competition was a BLAST!
World Cup soccer game at Boardriders!
Pico do Futuro - Beach Walk Next to Praia Dos Pescadores
Our Beautiful Neighborhood & House
Porch airbnb views
Our beautiful neighborhood dog, Estrella, who we visited every day (and bought treats for). Her owner, a kind gentleman, gifted us a delicious bottle of Portuguese wine.
Praia dos Pescadores
The main beach right in front of Town Centre, filled with all the action. Here we swam, built sand contraptions, played soccer with locals, got massages under a fabric canopy, ate food and drank wine at the Kayak Beach Bar, and simply relaxed.
Praia dos Pescadores, or Fishermen's Beach, is a picturesque coastal gem located in the charming town of Ericeira, Portugal. Renowned for its golden sands and vibrant atmosphere, this beach offers families a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Kayak Bar on Praia Dos Pescadores
Beach massages too - me and Chip each got one!
Kayak Bar Lounging (at sunset!)
Always boogie boards, always wetsuits (the water is COLD!)
Beach soccer with the locals
Birds eye view of Kayak Bar and Praia Dos Pescadores
Local Cuisine!!!!
Not only is Ericeira famous for its stunning coastline and surfing culture but also for its rich culinary scene. We ate really well here! The town’s local cuisine beautifully reflects its maritime heritage, incorporating fresh seafood, traditional recipes, and locally sourced ingredients. And pairing well with all of our meals was our favorite local wine, vinho verde.
Our absolute favorite restaurant, and one I’ll be dreaming forever about, Cem Lugares. It may have been one of my all-time favorite restaurants to date, where the owners (husband and wife team), focus on one country’s cuisine per month. The service, food, dining concept, atmosphere, and experience are all exemplary!
A Walk to Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas
Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas, a beach that’s part of the World Surfing Reserve, is a stunning stretch of coastline known for its consistent surf and picturesque scenery. This beach is flanked by dramatic cliffs that provide a breathtaking backdrop, making it a popular spot for both surfers and photographers alike. One afternoon we decided to walk the sandy trails along the coast from our home to Praia de Ribeira D’Ilhas (a little over a mile). Being perched high above the ocean on the cliffside offered a birds eye view of the surf and surfers below. It was beautiful. We also came across an old Fortress called Forte de Milreu / Forte de São Pedro that was built in the 17th century used to guard the coastline. Eventually we made it to the beach where we were able to watch part of a junior surfing competition.
Can you tell why this beach is part of the World Surf Reserve?!
Grandpa and Reid making their way to the Fortress.
Exploring the fortress
Over and Out, and On to the Island of Madeira!
Two weeks in Ericeira felt like a dream - I am so grateful for time. Time to slow down, time with grandparents, time as a family, and time to relax. It can be difficult to switch from everyday life to vacation mode, and Ericeira provided such a neat opportunity where we felt like time was able to slow down but we were able to live a bit like a local in this charming town. We didn’t have the stress of trying to fit everything in. We could casually do things (sometimes twice or even three times) because of the time.
Next up on our Portugal travels - we have two places left to explore: 9 days on the island of Madeira and 6 days in Porto! I had no idea Portugal would be such an INCREDIBLE country…just wait until you see Madeira!
Until next time,
Lindsay, Chip, Reid and Bennett
