Ericeira

Ericeira is a coastal town in Mafra located about 40 kilometers northwest of Lisbon, featuring white buildings and narrow cobblestone streets that lead toward the water. The settlement spreads across several beach areas, each with its own character and offering various accommodations and local services for visitors.

The place is tied to 1910, when King Manuel II departed from here into exile with help from local fishermen who assisted the royal family's escape to Brazil by boat. This event marked a significant moment in the town's past and remains part of its local memory.

The local library serves as a meeting place for art exhibitions and an annual film festival celebrating surf culture, bringing together residents and visitors for community gatherings. Such spaces shape how the town expresses its modern interests while honoring its connection to the sea.

Fresh fish dishes are available at restaurants near Praia dos Pescadores, where cooks work with the daily catch starting early each morning. Most establishments here open early to serve the freshest seafood available during the day.

The area holds the designation of Europe's first World Surfing Reserve, featuring multiple beaches with different wave patterns suited to surfers of various skill levels. This recognition makes it a special destination for water sports enthusiasts from around the world.