Resting

Resting
on the edge of the Atlantic, this old-world fishing
village is the unassuming jewel in the crown of Portugal’s modern
surfing scene. Often compared to
Baja California and Australia’s Gold Coast,
Ericeira‘s string of sandy beaches are among the world’s
finest, whether you’re riding the waves, sunbathing or tucking into
salty-fresh seafood. Ice-cold Corona to wash it down, naturally.

Lisboetas have been holidaying here since the 1800s, and its
natural harbour was, for much of the 19th-century, one of
Portugal’s biggest exporters of wine and spirits. That has since
petered out, but in recent times it’s the beach breaks, spitting
tubes and surf culture that have put Ericeira on the traveller’s
map.

The vibe is community-driven and go-with-the-flow but there’s
also a contemporary, creative attitude that rides against the tide
of too-touristy beach breaks. Think fishermen’s cottages beside
beach bars selling Bali-style smoothie
bowls. Mornings for rooftop yoga, single-origin coffee and remote
working; afternoons for lazing on the beach or bathing in the sea
like a local. Dance in Portugal’s oldest nightclub, or tuck into
travel-inspired street food.

From here, pick up hiking and mountain-biking trails that ribbon
between forest and coast, or dive into the cultural melting pot of
nearby towns such as Sintra, Mafra and Estoril. Lisbon
too, of course. That’s the beauty of good-life Ericeira, where you
get back to untamed nature and drink in modern bohemia.
#ThisIsLiving – we’ll raise a beer to that.