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Half-day trips · 4-6 hours

Ericeira

A half-day around Ericeira village and beaches, with a planned extension to Ribeira d’Ilhas to discover part of the World Surfing Reserve.

Duration
4-6 hours, including travel
Distance from Lisbon
about 50 km
Transport
Bus, Car
Interest
Beach, Nature, Family-friendly
Accessibility
Partial accessibility
Budget
Low budget. Mostly public transport and free sights.
Best time of year
Spring, Autumn
Booking
No booking needed

Overview

A half-day around Ericeira village and beaches, with a planned extension to Ribeira d’Ilhas to discover part of the World Surfing Reserve. Stop times and total duration are editorial estimates, including departure from and return to Lisbon. Adjust the route to the confirmed schedules for your date.

With less time, Cacilhas and Cristo Rei, across the Tagus is a shorter option. With more time to spare, consider Mafra and Ericeira. The next day in Lisbon, follow the Lisbon in 1 day plan. Back in Lisbon, Príncipe Real is handy. The Ericeira page brings together every way to get there from Lisbon.

Independent itineraries to do on your own. We do not sell tours, recommend tour operators or use affiliate links. Check timetables, tickets and access with official sources before you set off.

Who it suits

For visitors who enjoy heritage and unhurried walks. Not suitable for anyone who needs guaranteed step-free access throughout.

Best time to go

Choose spring or autumn for visits and outdoor walks; bring protection against coastal wind and rain.

Stops in order

  1. Ericeira village

    Suggested time: 40-60 min

    Explore the centre on foot, allowing a break rather than rushing between beaches.

  2. Pescadores Beach

    Suggested time: 20-35 min

    View the beach from the village without assuming conditions are suitable for swimming.

  3. Ribeira d’Ilhas and World Surfing Reserve

    Suggested time: 35-50 min

    Watch one of the reserve’s waves; it extends from Empa to São Lourenço, so do not try to cover it all.

Getting there

Without a car

From Campo Grande, check routes 2740 or 2741 to Ericeira terminal and confirm the variant and return. The Ribeira d’Ilhas extension needs separate local travel planning: no specific connection was confirmed here.

By car

Follow the A8, exit 5 for Malveira/Mafra, then the A21, as advised by the municipality. It lists parking beside the monument’s north and south façades in Mafra and a car park at Ribeira d’Ilhas, without guaranteeing spaces.

Indicative costs

No values verified with official sources.

Amounts read on official pages on the date shown. They can change: check before you go.

Before you go

Accessibility

The municipality lists boardwalks and an Accessible Beach award at Ribeira d’Ilhas; check which facilities operate on your date. No step-free route through the centre or to Pescadores Beach was confirmed.

What to book

This route includes no surf lessons or booked activities. No reservation is proposed for the village walk; check separately any beach services you wish to use.

If it rains

In heavy rain or wind, shorten the seafront walk and postpone Ribeira d’Ilhas; no equivalent indoor alternative has been confirmed for this route.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Treating the World Surfing Reserve as a single beach in the centre.
  • Mistaking surf watching for safe swimming conditions.
  • Leaving the Ribeira d’Ilhas transfer and return unplanned.

Sources

Official sources

Last checked: 3 November 2026

Getting there without a car

Best day trips without a car

Carris Metropolitana 2740 · 2801 · 2803 · 2751

Departure in Lisbon
Campo Grande (Metro)
Arrival
Ericeira (Terminal Rodoviário)
Recommended line
Carris Metropolitana 2740 · 2801 · 2803 · 2751 (Carris Metropolitana)
Transfers
Direct, no transfers
Usual journey (one way)
about 56 min (median of the scheduled timetable)
From the stop to the sight
about 1.1 km in a straight line (the walk is longer)

Buses leave from Campo Grande, next to the metro, and end at the Ericeira bus terminal.

Source: carrismetropolitana.pt · checked on 3 November 2026

Half day or full day?

Fits in half a day: 1 h 52 of travel there and back and about 1 h 35 at the destination.

Combine with another destination

On the same line, from the same station:

Official timetable - Carris Metropolitana

Timetables: official open data from Carris Metropolitana, imported 7 November 2026 at 03:15, valid until 31 December 2026. Live service alerts; no live delays.

At the destination, now

Can I go now?

Beach day?

History nearby

Places on this trip

Places to see on this trip

More trips to Ericeira

There are several ways to visit this destination: compare length, stops and transport.

Heritage · Beach · Nature

Mafra and Ericeira

An independent day linking Mafra’s palace and library with Cerco Garden and the Ericeira coast, without relying on the closed basilica.

  • 8-11 hours
  • about 40 km
  • Bus, Car
  • Partial accessibility
  • Booking recommended

Adjust to your time

If you have less time

Heritage

Cacilhas and Cristo Rei, across the Tagus

A short ferry crossing to see Lisbon from the south bank, with the Cristo Rei sanctuary and the Cacilhas waterfront.

  • 3-4 hours
  • about 5 km
  • Ferry, Bus
  • Partial accessibility
  • No booking needed

If you have one more day

Heritage · Beach · Nature

Mafra and Ericeira

An independent day linking Mafra’s palace and library with Cerco Garden and the Ericeira coast, without relying on the closed basilica.

  • 8-11 hours
  • about 40 km
  • Bus, Car
  • Partial accessibility
  • Booking recommended

Other ways to spend this day

Longer option

See the extra-day suggestion above.

Without a car

This trip works without a car: From Campo Grande, check routes 2740 or 2741 to Ericeira terminal and confirm the variant and return.

The next day, in Lisbon

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  • about 18 km
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  • Partial accessibility
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Miles of continuous sand a short ride from Lisbon, with protected fossil cliffs to the south and a relaxed atmosphere.

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Pair it with this Lisbon neighbourhood

Príncipe Real

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Gardens, mansions and independent shops.

Back in Lisbon: ideas for the end of the day

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Feira Biológica do Príncipe Real

Weekly market of certified organic produce in the Jardim do Príncipe Real, on Saturdays from 9:00 to 15:00.

Gardens · Príncipe Real

Jardim do Príncipe Real

A romantic garden with a giant cedar acting as a parasol.

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Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

A two-level garden looking across to the castle and Baixa.

Check each place's opening hours on its page before you go.

Continue exploring