Ericeira, located along the Portuguese Atlantic coast, approximately 35 km northwest of Lisbon, is globally acclaimed as a surfing destination. Recognized as a World Surfing Reserve, the first one in Europe, it is well-appreciated for its consistent swells throughout the year and diverse surfing spots such as the Pedra Branca, Reef, Ribeira d'Ilhas and Coxos. Beyond the thriving surf scene, Ericeira charms its visitors with picturesque white and blue-hued traditional houses, narrow cobblestone streets, lush vineyards, and staggering sea views. Renowned for its fresh seafood, restaurants and seaside cafes serve the catch of the day in traditional Portuguese style that food lovers would immensely enjoy. The town’s relaxed atmosphere combined with its local cultural richness make it a must-see destination for travelers wanting to explore the genuine side of Portugal.

4.1 /5

Based on our research

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.

Safety:Very safe

Ericeira is generally a very safe destination for solo female travelers. The crime rate is low and locals are usually friendly and helpful. Public transport is reliable and incidents of harassment are rare. However, like anywhere else, exercise common sense, especially at night.

Transport:Easy

Ericeira is moderately easy to navigate. The town is notably small, so walking is usually a satisfactory option. Also, there are options for using local buses to visit surrounding areas. However, some places can have steep hills which might make it a bit challenging for some travelers. Apart from that, English is usually understood in tourist venues keeping language barriers minimal.

Things to do:Interesting

Ericeira, offers plentiful activities for solo female travelers. Known as a surf haven, it presents opportunities to learn surfing in its world-class waves. Non-surfers can enjoy picturesque views of serene beaches, and the quaint white-washed village. With an abundance of seafood restaurants, coffee-houses, boutique shopping and coastal walks, it's widely appealing. Its historical elements add depth to the visit. Although it has much to offer, it lacks the cultural variety provided by larger cities. Safety is high, and locals are welcoming, making it a good choice for solo female travelers.

Food:Excellent

Ericeira offers a great variety of gastronomical delights. There's something to satisfy every palate. Seafood is a standout, with dishes crafted from fresh catches of the day. Traditional Portuguese cuisine is abundantly available and the rich flavors of stews, baked goods, and local specialties provide a true culinary journey. Diversity extends to International cuisines, so finding comfort food from other cultures is no problem. Being a coastal town, vegetarian and vegan options are also available albeit slightly limited, but with tasty offerings. Despite being a small town, the diversity and quality of food that Ericeira offers is truly impressive.

Budget:Moderate

Ericeira delivers moderately budget-friendly experiences. Accommodations range from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Eating out can be reasonable as local cuisine is delicious and often competitively priced, especially in comparison to other European destinations. Public transport is efficient and cheap, however, surf lessons, a popular tourist activity in Ericeira, can attract a higher price. With careful planning, there are many ways to make your money go further.

Sandra

Germany

Solo travel experience

Ericeira is a small town close to the middle for the coastline of Portugal. I can very warmly recommend travelling there alone. There were many solo travellers, quite a few of them women. It is mostly for surfing but also for going out. The town and nightlife is not too big but surfers do know how to party. Also, it is pretty touristic. You will find different kind of hostels, some up the hill seemed beautiful. But I stayed in a cheaper option in town and it was comfortable enough for me.

Posted: November 5, 2023

Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5