The fishing Village and surrounding areas of Ericeira (pronounced Eery-Say-Rah) has plenty to offer those who want to take a break from the white sandy coastline and their Surf Holiday. There are incredible beaches to laze on and enjoy the 25 degree plus sunshine, the most popular being Foz do Lizandro with its new promenade and its cafes and bars.
Days can be spent getting lost among the narrow cobblestone streets, or chilling out in the town cafes and bars while chatting with the friendly locals.Spend a few hours enjoying the delicious seafood; lazying in the sunshine of the outdoor restaurants and cafes, serving local fish caught that day, and everything from pizzas to steaks and pasta.
Many surf and fashion shops (Billabong, Quiksilver store etc.) but watch out for the over supply of homeware and pottery stores!!!!
Activities
The Tourist Office in the centre of town will be your best friend and has a list of all the surrounding Golf courses (including the PGA Championship course Penha Longa) -
www.portugalgolf.pt
The area has many options - tennis, big game fishing, mountain biking, hiking and 4x4 in the local forest, horse riding, and other water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Surrounding towns
Dont' miss the monastery in Mafra on your way up from Lisbon - you can bypass the town but it's worth driving through to see the spectacular building. Sintra should not be missed, with the summer palace of the Portuguese old royal family in amongst the interesting buildings.
The coastal areas of Cascais and Estoril have great beaches, cafes, restaurants and architecture - this area is considered the Monte Carlo of Portugal. You will find Europe’s largest Casino in the famous Casino-Estoril.
Restaurants & Bars
Portugal is well known for it's delicious seafood and Ericeira's fishing traditions have spawned some great restaurants. Our favourite is Tic Tak by the old town square. Canastra on the sea front serves some of the best seafood in town and has incredible sunset views.
In Ericeira you have many bars including the popular La Luna, Pedro Pescadoro and the cocktail bar Big Waves. A beer will cost you €1.50 and a coffee 50 cent! One of the oldest nightclubs in Portugal, “Ouriço”, is picturesquely located overlooking the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean; it stays open until 7am!
Lisbon
You’ll arrive in Lisbon airport and drive 40 minutes north to Ericeira. However the city of seven hills is a city not to be missed. For sights and information log on to
www.visitlisboa.com
Lisbon is a great city to shop in. Prices are less expensive than any other Western European city. You can also get a 35 minute Taxi to Lisbon and try out the nightlife The Barrio Alto district is the main area where you will find people crowding the streets until the early hours. Then they head on to nightclubs such as Lux, Club W and Kapital
Lisbon Shopping
High street fashion shops can be found in the Baixa area, especially the pedestrianised Rua Augusta (for clothes, shoes and luxury goods from the likes of Louis Vuitton and La Perla) and the Chiado and Bairro Alto (especially Rua Garrett for clothes and linen and neighbouring streets for ceramics, young designer fashions and haute couture). Avenida da Liberdade hosts big name fashion such as Calvin Klein and Emporio Armani.
One stop new shopping malls are becoming increasingly popular; the best being the Centro Vasco da Gama, with its own cinema, restaurants and shops like Zara, Pull and Bear, Bershka, Mango, Dali, Massimo Dutti. For more info log on to
www.centrovascodagama.pt
Football
Two massive local football teams divide the city – tickets for Sporting Lisboa or Benfica can usually be bought on the day at the stadiums.
For info on the Portuguese league check out
www.footballportugal.com