A Digital Nomad Guide to Ericeira

Ericeira Visa

Since Ericeira is part of the Schengen Area, European nationals do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Similarly, US, UK, and Canadian citizens are also allowed to enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Be sure to check out the Schengen website to determine whether you need a visa to enter Ericeira based upon your country of origin. It’s good to know that you can also request a visa extension while in Portugal. In fact, I was told that it’s actually easier to obtain a permit or a visa whilst already in the country so long-term nomads may wish to enter with a visa-free stay of three months and then request an extension. 

For your request, you’ll need to fill in a Portuguese Schengen Visa Application Form and provide documents such as passport-sized pictures, a valid passport, confirmation of insurance, as well as copies of your former visas. In some cases, you may also be asked for proof that you have sufficient funds to sustain yourself in Ericeira for the duration of your trip. Self-employed individuals may additionally be requested to provide copies of their business licence, Income Tax Return, as well as a recent company bank statement. 

Depending on your country of origin, you may be asked for documents such as a copy of your return ticket as well as an invitation letter by a local host or proof of accommodation upon arrival.

Culture and Food in Ericeira

In true Portuguese fashion, Ericeira boasts a scrumptious cuisine with plenty of seafood on the menu, courtesy of the bountiful ocean that surrounds the commune. 

If you’re used to Portuguese cuisine, you’ll know that olive oil features as the base of just about every local dish and Ericeira is no exception. Given the country’s spice trade history, you can also expect an extensive variety of spices, including the popular piri-piri – tiny, flaming hot peppers. 

Below are some classic Ericeira dishes that you absolutely can’t skip during your stay in town: 

Bacalhau Com Todos

Bacalhau is often hailed as one of the most popular dishes in Portugal. While I had the fried version during my time in Porto, I never even knew there was a boiled version until a friendly waiter recommended it to me. 

I must say that at first glance, Bacalhau Com Todos didn’t exactly look appetising: there on my plate, was a rather sorrowful looking piece of boiled fish next to what appeared to be bland chickpeas and potatoes. A plate of raw garlic cloves, parsley, and roughly chopped onion was plopped down next to it. After one bite of my plain boiled fish, I’d all but resigned myself to a pitiful lunch experience when my waiter told me that I should mix everything together with plenty of olive oil, salt, onions, and everything else. 

I tried it – and it was a game changer. Those formerly bland notes suddenly soared to life and on my plate was the most delectable fusion of flavours and textures. This is one dish that I ate over and over again during my stay in Ericeira so if you’re planning on ordering it, just remember to properly dress it up with the provided condiments first! 

Polvo A Lagareiro

Loosely translated as ‘Octopus roasted in olive oil’, Polvo A Lagareiro combines everything that the local cuisine is best known for: olive oil and gloriously fresh seafood. The tentacles are either diced into bite-sized pieces or chopped into chunkier portions before being generously marinated in olive oil. It’s then roasted with plenty of salt and garlic. 

I’ve had Polvo A Lagareiro twice, and both times it was served with roast potatoes. But, I’ve been told that it’s also served alongside crusty homemade bread. If you’d like to try this dish – and I highly recommend that you do – brace yourself for a lot, and I do mean a lot, of olive oil. Most restaurants also place a bottle of cold-pressed olive oil next to your meal, just in case you’d like to drown the octopus some more!  

Now it goes without saying that the best place to try this dish is at an oceanfront eatery where you can be sure to have exceptionally fresh seafood. 

Feijoada à Portuguesa

Okay quick disclaimer: I did not taste this dish at a restaurant. Rather, it was prepared for me by my local friend’s grandmother, so the sheer deliciousness of the Feijoada may just as well be linked to whatever secret ingredient that’s been passed down in her family for ages. 

Having said that, I did hear that this is a staple in Ericeira, especially during those colder winter months. Loosely translated to ‘Portuguese-style Black Bean Stew’, Feijoada à Portuguesa is often mistaken for a Brazilian dish. But like every Portuguese will tell you, the stew first originated in Porto. 

Now, mine was made with red kidney beans, but I was told that variations may include white beans or even lentils. Additions usually include pork, beef, chorizo, Farinheira sausage and, for the more adventurous, blood sausage. Leftovers and seasonal vegetables are also often tossed in for an extra dose of heartiness. 

Since music lies at the very heart of the local culture, you can expect plenty of festivals and shows during your stay in Ericeira. Their local philharmonic, Filarmónica Cultural Ericeira, often hosts musical events in various neighbourhoods. 

In July, for example, this group usually organises various festivities to commemorate the Feasts of Santa Marta. If you’re visiting during that time, expect three days of musical traditions throughout Ericeira, including impromptu street performances and plenty of homemade goodies being distributed for free. 

On the first of July, you’ll also be treated to the annual Sumol Summer Fest, an oceanfront celebration that honours the town’s skate and surf culture. Plenty of local and international hip hop artists usually fly out to Ericeira to partake in the festivities.  

Digital nomads who will be there in January can attend the popular Festival of the Drunk and as the name suggests, booze flows rather freely during this two-day event.

Ericeira Nightlife

Buzzing with young entrepreneurs and Lisboetas seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Ericeira has a surprisingly great nightlife for such a small town. If you ask me, the best thing about the local nightlife is the lack of crowds that you’ll normally find elsewhere in Portugal – not to mention those quaint, hole in the wall places that offer a delightfully authentic experience! 

Rest assured that plenty of places stay open until quite late, especially on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. It’s good to know that, unlike elsewhere in Portugal, Ericeira’s nightlife is particularly buzzing on Wednesday evenings instead of the usual Friday nights. If you want to avoid the crowds, your best bet would be to head to a club on a Saturday evening.  

In terms of safety, I personally found Ericeira to be just as safe after dark as it is during the day but of course, it goes without saying, you should always be cautious when exploring a new area at night. 

Here are some of my personal favourite nightspots in Ericeira: 

Hemingway’s Cafe Bar

As any local will tell you, this place is absolutely an institution in Ericeira. While it offers delectable Portuguese coffee during the day, Hemingway’s morphs into a tiny cocktail bar at night, complete with lowlights, soft music, frosty pints, and sometimes even live entertainment. Prices are quite reasonable for such a popular spot. 

While you’ll find plenty of small metal tables cramped inside, patrons usually spill out into the alley outside to enjoy the weather on balmy summer evenings while sipping on their drinks. Hemingway’s Café Bar is open from 6pm to 1am, Tuesday to Saturday. 

Discoteca Ouriço

According to my local friends, this is one of the oldest discos in Ericeira – and probably one of the rare nightspots where you’ll find senior citizens dancing until the early hours of the morning. Despite its older-than-average patrons, this ocean-facing disco is hailed as one of the liveliest in Ericeira. 

This is also one of the rare establishments in town that literally stays open all night. In fact, it doesn’t even open until 11pm and closes at 6am. If you’re going there, I can absolutely recommend their Pisco Sour. Drinks are admittedly on the more expensive side, but I would say that the experience is totally worth the splurge. 

Things to do in Ericeira

Okay, here’s the thing about Ericeira: while tourists usually like to vacation in the larger Portuguese areas like Lisbon, Algarve, or Porto, Ericeira is the holiday destination of choice for locals. As such, expect summers to be quite crowded and noisy, perfect for soaking up that distinct Portuguese vibe! 

Because it’s a prime holiday destination in the country, you can be sure that there’s plenty to see and do in this charming seaside community. Here are just a few of my favourite activities in Ericeira: 

• Take Surf Lessons

  A local friend told me that Ericeira is one of the best-kept secrets in the surfing community – at least as far as tourists are concerned: indeed, while most international tourists usually flock to the Algarve to brush up on those surfing skills, locals normally head to Ericeira. In fact, back in 2011, the town was actually recognized as Europe’s Only World Surf Reserve and as such, the coastline is protected by the Save the Waves Coalition. While virtually all local coastlines offer terrific waves, locals tend to favour spots like Pedra Branca, Crazy Left, Cave, Ribeira de Ilhas, Coxos, Reef, and Sao Lourenco. Don’t worry if you’ve never surfed before: I can assure you that there’ll be plenty of lessons geared for beginners. In my experience, most surf lessons last around two hours, including theory, warm-up, actual practice, and feedback. Since it would be pretty unfathomable to head to Ericeira and not surf, here are some of the best rated surfing schools that you can consider during your stay:

• Ericeira Surf School by 7ª Essência

  Located on Praia do Matadouro Estrada Nacional Beach, this surf school is open daily from 9am to 7pm. Along with surfing classes, this company also hosts Stand Up Paddling and Body Boarding lessons. Single classes cost 30€ per person but you’ll also find discounted family packages.

• Ericeira Waves

  Open daily from 9am to 8pm, Ericeira Waves usually holds lessons on Praia de Ribeira d’Llhas beach. This school offers various packages, such as a kids group lesson for 60€ per class or a group session of 160€ for five persons. Adult group lessons start from 40€ per person while private sessions will set you back around 90€ per person.

• Surf Riders Ericeira

   Located at Rua do Carmo, Surf Riders Ericeira is made up of a vibrant team of surf-obsessed locals who offer surf and yoga lessons, as well as a surf camp for the more dedicated. This actually ended up being my favourite surf school in Portugal, namely because lessons were so exceptionally affordable. In fact, a beginner’s class only costs 30€ per person. You also have the possibility of booking a half-day or full-day Surf Safari.

• Take a Day Trip to Sintra

  A quintessential Portuguese Town, Sintra is nestled within the gorgeous Serra de Sintra hills. Since it’s just half an hour from Ericeira, this town is dotted with historic buildings such as the Castelo dos Mouros, the Quinta de Regaleira, the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, as well as the Palácio Nacional da Pena, which is my favourite site in Sintra. This Portuguese town is also reputed for its excellent shopping opportunities. Believe me when I say that there’s nothing quite like the thrill of touring a traditional open-air market in Sintra, serenaded by live music juxtaposed by the loud announcements of the stallholders. The municipal market is particularly vibrant with colourful rows of textiles, fresh produce, and souvenirs. Now if you have some time to spare, you may even consider spending a weekend in Sintra which is especially renowned for its super-affordable accommodation. Personally, I took a bus from Ericeira which cost around 2.70€ for a 50-minute journey, but if you’re not on a strict budget, you can always get a taxi which will cost 40€ for a 20 to 25-minute trip.

• Go on a Wine Tour

  Ericeira is known for its excellent wines so, if like me, you happen to be something of a wine aficionado, believe me when I say that you’ll be spoilt for choice. The area is brimming with some of Portugal’s best wineries and most tours are relatively affordable. Personally, I opted for a wine tasting bike tour that took us through the countryside and into the scenic town of Cheleiros where we explored the vineyards and sampled no less than six wines. This particular region is known for its Jampal, a unique variety of grape used in the local brews. If you’re planning a similar tour, I would recommend that you set aside around two hours for the trip and 90 minutes for the actual wine tour. Do remember that you’ll be biking for two hours. And while we did stick to a comfortable pace, make sure that your fitness level will be up for the tour. Alternatively, you’ll find plenty of regular wine tours that you can book if you want to skip the whole biking thing. I can also recommend the many wineries at Mafra, located just ten minutes from Ericeira. Popular options include Vinho Comigo, Terroir BioWines & Spirits and Ramilo Wines.

• Explore the Many Beaches

  Well, if there’s one thing that puts Ericeira on the map – other than its spectacular surf spots – it’s no doubt its extensive array of gorgeous beaches. In fact, locals will proudly tell you that Ericeira has the very best beaches in all of Portugal. Now, if you happen to be staying near the town centre, fret not: Ericeira is a relatively small commune, so you’ll find no less than five beaches within walking distance. The first time that I visited Ericeira was in summer, so the major beaches were always crowded. I’d all but resigned myself to squeezing through throngs of people until I found a small spot to lay out my towel when I discovered Praia de São Julião Beach, an absolute gem of a place located in Mafra, just ten minutes away. With towering sand cliffs, this beach was surprisingly tranquil and far less packed than others. Owing to its natural beauty, this place is also popular among photographers and influencers. When the sea’s rough, it’s not uncommon to see locals wading out in the water with their surfboards. But if you’re looking for a less-crowded shoreline, this is definitely the spot.

Alternatively, you may also wish to check out Praia dos Coxos and Ribeira d’Ilhas, which just so happens to be an excellent surfing spot for beginners.

Best Time to Visit Ericeira

While it’s located next to the Atlantic Coast, Ericeira has its own microclimate which runs about 3 to 5 degrees colder than the capital city of Lisbon. Because it’s windier than elsewhere in Portugal, summer is fairly tolerable in Ericeira. 

High season normally runs between July and August when summer’s at its peak, but if you would like to avoid the crowds, you may wish to head there between May and October. The weather is still warm during this time, but there’ll be less tourists than usual because evenings tend to be a bit cooler, so be sure to pack adequately.

Digital nomads who are going to Ericeira to surf should preferably head there from September to November to enjoy some truly spectacular waves and sunsets. Now, if you’re travelling on a tight budget, you can always check out Ericeira in the winter (December through March). While the weather will be no doubt cold, humid, and rainy, you’ll benefit from the very best deals in terms of accommodation and tours. This is also the ideal time to avoid the crowds, so rest assured that you’ll have the beach to yourself in winter.  

Spring in Ericeira normally runs from May to June and this is the prime time to go cliff diving if that’s your thing. Not only are the waves perfect for this thrilling activity, but you’ll be treated to gorgeous cliff views before your jump. Spring is also ideal for biking and hiking across town. Ericeira looks especially wondrous in spring since all the fruit trees and flowers are blooming. And while this season does bring a bit of rain, I would say that it’s entirely worth it.

Ericeira for Families

In the interest of full disclosure, I’ll admit that I did not travel to Ericeira with my family, nor do I have kids. However, it didn’t take me long to notice that the town beautifully caters to the little ones. Most restaurants had a child-friendly menu, and kids-oriented products were readily available in all drug stores and supermarkets.

Families who are planning on staying in town for a long time may wish to consider sending their kids to private schools. Public schools usually conduct classes in the local language so this may be an issue if your kids aren’t fluent in Portuguese. 

Unfortunately, there aren’t quite that many English-speaking schools or day-care centres in Ericeira, with a few exceptions such as the International School of Torres Vedras, located in the northern area of town. As such, digital nomads usually choose to home-school their kids. 

Another option would be to give your kids a crash course in Portuguese prior to enrolling them in a local school. It’s important to know that parents will be asked to produce their child’s vaccine booklet as well as a National Health System Number (available once you’ve completed three months in Portugal).  Some schools may also request a Registration Certificate from a local doctor. 

On a more positive note, Ericeira is practically brimming with an assortment of family-friendly activities bound to thrill adults and kids alike. As one of the best surfing spots in Europe, you’ll certainly find plenty of surf schools for all ages and activity levels.

If surfing’s not your thing, however, you may wish to check out Claustrophilia Ericeira which, despite its ominous-sounding name, is basically a fun escape game that draws plenty of local and international families alike. Located in Largo Santa Marta 19, Claustrophilia Ericeira is open every day from 9am to 10pm. 

Alternatively, you can also take the kids to Santa Marta Park, a waterfront playground with plenty of thrilling activities, including ice-skating, mini-golf course, tennis courts, and more. This place is open from 8am to 10pm Monday through Friday and from 8am to midnight on the weekend.

Living in Ericeira

Ericeira Transportation

Since Ericeira is basically a tiny Fishing Town, it’s relatively easy to walk around and enjoy the views. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to realise that plenty of beaches were within walking distance to each other, including the popular Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Sul. The town also has a pretty good public transportation system that links Ericeira to the airport, Sintra, and Lisbon city centre. 

I do have to point out that unlike more developed places like, say, Lisbon or Porto, the roads in Ericeira are narrower and I noticed that some people tend to drive pretty recklessly, so it’s always a good idea to double up on vigilance if you’re renting a car. The roads are in fairly decent condition, but there may be the occasional pothole that you’ll need to watch out for. Digital nomads should also remember that cars drive on the right side of the road in Portugal, and you’ll need to keep a valid licence on you at all times. 

Another important thing to bear in mind – especially if you’re travelling with your family – is that kids less than 1.50 metres in height and under 12 years old are not allowed to travel in the passenger seat at the risk of being fined.  

Here are some of the easiest ways of getting around in Ericeira: 

Bus

If you’re coming into Ericeira directly from the airport, you can always hop on a metro to Campo Grande for less than 2€. From Campo Grande, it’s quite easy to get a bus that will take you directly into Ericeira for 6€. You can look up the bus schedule on the official website. 

If you’re visiting Ericeira in high season, you can always take the Ericeira Beach Bus to get around town. While this bus is only operational during high season, it does connect all the best beaches and runs from 9am to 8pm. Tickets usually cost between 1€ and 2€. Given the dominant surfing culture in Ericeira, you’ll find that buses are often equipped with board racks for your surf boards so don’t hesitate to bring your gear along. 

Uber & Taxis

Not only is Uber available in Ericeira, but I never once had a driver cancel on me so I would say it’s pretty reliable. The service is available round the clock and most fares should only cost between 3€ and 6€. 

While locals usually opt for Uber to get around Ericeira, I noticed they tend to rely more on regular taxis for out-of-town trips like Lisbon. This 40-minute journey usually costs between 85€ and 110€. 

Bikes

Most locals tend to go around on their bikes, so you’ll see bike lanes just about everywhere in Ericeira. In fact, biking is so popular in town that plenty of agencies offer bike tours to explore some of the most popular attractions. Prices normally start at 10€ per day. 

Some of the highest-rated bike rental agencies in Ericeira include: 

• TAKE OFF E-bike
• Ericeira Bike – Tours & Rentals
• Bike Garage
• Seaside Bikes

Fitness and Health

It didn’t take me long to realise that, compared to literary Porto and artsy Lisbon, Ericeira has a very distinct fitness culture. People there are very health-conscious which may explain the sheer number of diet-friendly options available on most menus. Heavily processed ingredients are simply not acceptable over there and kids often (willingly) have fruit or chopped up raw vegetables as their after-school snack. 

Locals are heavily into surfing and jogging so you’ll often see them flocking to the beach in the early hours of the morning or in the afternoon. Mountain biking also seems to be quite popular in Ericeira, but most locals tend to save these expeditions for the weekend. 

Owing to the town’s sheer adoration for fitness, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice when it comes to gym memberships. Here are just a few that I can recommend: 

• Yoga – Surf therapist / Massages

  Well, here’s one that seamlessly offers the best of both worlds. Open daily from 9am to 9pm, this place offers yoga and surf-skating classes. Meditation and massage sessions are also available.

• Rep Centro de Fitness Ericeira

  This fitness centre offers all the usual gym equipment with some interesting classes such as boxing. Best of all, you’ll be trained by former boxing champions and you may even get to challenge them to a match once your instructor thinks you’re ready. They also offer personalised coaching, sports massages, as well as cross training and surfing lessons. This gym is open every day from 7am to 10pm and you can send in a quote request through their social media page.

• Sandhi House

  This guesthouse offers yoga and well-being retreats to suit various schedules and budgets. Their most popular package is the 3-Day Getaway Retreat (320€) which features 2 to 3 yoga classes per day, massages, breakfast, and accommodation. If you’ve got more time to spare, you can also opt for the 5-Day Wellbeing Getaway for around 510€ or the 7-Day Work, Inspiration & Selfcare Getaway which is priced at 650€ per person.

Ericeira People

Digital nomads who are planning on doing business in Ericeira should know that locals aren’t exactly sticklers for punctuality. In fact, it’s not surprising for them to arrive 5 to 15 minutes late to a meeting. Written documentation is considered extremely important in Portuguese culture, so it’s always a good idea to bring along handouts to your meetings. 

As far as greetings are concerned, a firm handshake is often the way to go in a formal setting. Friends, relatives, and acquaintances usually give each other an air kiss behind each ear, beginning with the right one. While this is more common between women, men tend to greet each other with a handshake followed by a quick hug. 

When talking to the elderly, it’s considered poor form to address them by their first names. Instead, you should call them ‘Senhora’ (Mrs.) or ‘Senor’ (Mr.). Wait for them to extend their hands or lean in for a kiss and a hug before returning the gesture. In Ericeira, and virtually everywhere else in Portugal, senior citizens are treated with the utmost respect. As such, it’s not uncommon for grandparents to live with their adult kids in their later years. At mealtimes, grandparents are often served first and waited on until they finish their food.

In fact, the family unit in Portugal lies at the very core of the country’s social structure which is why you’ll often see relatives living on the same street. The Portuguese also happen to be some of the warmest and most hospitable people I ever met in the course of all of my travels. I was even invited to a local fisherman’s house for dinner and even though it was fairly obvious that they weren’t exactly a wealthy family, they left no stone unturned to prepare an absolute feast for me – all with the sole aim of making me feel welcome. 

During my stay in Ericeira, I quickly came to the realisation that the Portuguese don’t merely look after each other, but they also look after foreigners too. Not unlike exceptionally hospitable countries like Japan, locals in Portugal will more often than walk or drive you to your destination if you ask them for directions. Contrary to bigger Portuguese cities like Lisbon or Porto, I also did not encounter any tout in Ericeira, nor was I harassed by vendors to buy something from them. 

Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised to realise that taxi drivers would often take shortcuts to quickly get me to my destination, even though it had a direct impact on the metre, and consequently, their fare. I must say that this was a nice change from most of my taxi experiences in Europe, whereby drivers would often take impossibly long routes in a bid to charge me more. 

Now, if you really want to connect with the Portuguese and integrate the local community, you may wish to learn the following phrases before flying out: 

• Ola/Oi: Hello 
• Bom Dia: Good Morning 
• Boa Noite: Good Night
• Boa Tarde: Good Afternoon 
• Por Favor: Please
• Prazer: Nice to meet you 
• Obrigado: Thank you 
• De Nada: You’re welcome 

Com licença: Excuse me

Ericeira Insurance and Medical Care

Because Portugal has a tax-funded public healthcare system, basic medical services are free for both locals and EU citizens with a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). In some cases, citizens of select EEA countries (European Economic Area) are also entitled to free healthcare in Portugal. 

Now, here’s the not-so-good news: it’s not exactly easy for digital nomads and non-European citizens to access the local public healthcare since they do not pay social security and aren’t employed in the country. Expats must sign up as legal residents before receiving free healthcare while remote workers will need to get private health insurance. 

A lesser-known fact is that the Portuguese healthcare system is actually considered among the best in the world and ranks even higher than the United Kingdom in terms of health outcomes, accessibility, waiting times, and information. As such, you can expect excellent ambulatory care in case of an emergency. 

The great majority of doctors and nurses in Ericeira understand English, so language shouldn’t really be a barrier. I do need to point out that since it’s a small town, hospitals in Ericeira mostly offer basic treatments and serious cases are often transferred to Lisbon. The main healthcare centres in and near Ericeira include USF Ouriceira and Cintramedical Clinic – Ericeira.

As far as medication is concerned, I noticed that there are plenty of drugstores and pharmacies in Ericeira. You’ll also find international names like Well. Vitamins, supplements, and painkillers like paracetamol are available over the counter, but you’ll need to provide a doctor’s prescription for sleep aids and the likes. 

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Ericeira

Okay, I’m not going to beat around the bush here: it’s not exactly easy for expats or digital nomads to land a job in Ericeira. Like I’ve said before, this is a very small town and locals often have to migrate to larger, more developed Portuguese cities to land a job. The average salary in Ericeira hovers around the 700€ mark. 

Another important thing to keep in mind is that it’s illegal to work in Portugal without having a work permit and all the necessary documentation. If you’re caught working without proper papers, you risk being fined, deported, and your visa revoked permanently. 

Now, if you have your papers in order and want to try your luck at landing a job in Ericeira, your best bet would be to apply for a position in the hospitality sector. Bonus points if you happen to be bilingual. Local lodges and B&B’s are often on the lookout for staff that are fluent in English, French, or Spanish so it’s worth checking out various establishments to see if they’re hiring. 

Alternatively, you can also consider working as an English tutor on the side to pad your income: Portuguese high-school students or graduates often take crash courses in English before applying to British universities so if you’ve got a teacher’s diploma, you may wish to look into that. 

When browsing for jobs in Ericeira, it’s always worth checking the local newspapers and job seeking websites such as LinkedIn, TipTop Jobs, Glassdoor, and Indeed.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.