Between Porto and Lisbon I spent a few nights in the surf town of Ericeira. It has charming traditional architecture and is renowned for breathtaking ocean vistas and over 10 local beaches to visit. Ericeira is officially a World Surfing Reserve, meaning it has become the permanent home for many world surfing champions. It is equally loved by lisboêtas who come here for a weekend getaway.
A little further south along the coast is the picturesque town of Azenhas-do-Mar. A 30 minute taxi ride from Ericeira it has great food options and spectacular views. Seeing the crashing waves against the rock pool reminds you that this wild patch of Portugal is more Atlantic than Mediterranean. If you’re looking for a place to stay in the area, Areias do Seixo sits between blonde beaches and a forest of pines.
