Ericeira is a small town with a bit over 10 000 inhabitants. Still, it has managed to amass the lofty title of “the surfing capital of Europe” as it is the only European town that got into the World Surfing Reserves. And it shows since many people frequently decide to take the less than hour-long trip from Lisbon to Ericeira to enjoy the beautiful beaches.
The picturesque white houses and streets together with high cliffs overlooking the waves of the Atlantic Ocean make up the scenery of Ericeira. But you want to know if it’s a good place where you should get a mid-term rental and whether it’s suitable for digital nomads. We put together all the main info you need to know about Ericeira, its cost of living, co-working opportunities, transportation, and recreation.
Cost of living in Ericeira
The best deciding factor for whether or not you should move somewhere, even temporarily, is the cost of living. In this aspect, Ericeira has good news for you. Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, and Ericeira is not even the most expensive place in Portugal. Accommodation is affordable. The most budget-conscious living can be found for as little as €400 per month while a large, three-bedroom apartment in the city centre will average at about €1200 per month. As always, it depends on whether you’re in the centre or you don’t mind commuting.
If you want to enjoy a few months living hassle-free, try Flatio and its selection of apartments for rent in Ericeira. Food is inexpensive in Portugal. Coffee and pastel de nata (delicious egg tart pastry) can be found for as little as €2, and a regular meal in an inexpensive restaurant can be found for about €10. Groceries are similarly affordable, with milk sitting at about €0,45 per litre, a dozen eggs for about €2,55, and a kilo of potatoes for about €0,55. Things such as meats, hams, and cheeses might be a bit more on the expensive side, but if you buy them locally, you may find yourself saving money instead of wasting it.
Commuting and public transport in and to Ericeira
Another large part of living anywhere in the world is commuting and transportation. As mentioned above, Ericeira is only about 50 kilometres away from Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. You can rent a car and take the tolled express road off the A21 and then onto the A8, which leads directly to the outskirts of Lisbon. With around €1,55 per litre of gasoline in Portugal, it’s an easy trip to recommend. Another way to commute from Ericeira to Lisbon is to take the Mafrense bus. It goes at least once every hour, and at peak times (and during the tourist season), it goes even more often.
There are two available bus lines you can take: the express and the standard route. They both cost the same, about €5,50, but the standard takes 120 min whereas the express takes only about 85 min, due to fewer stops. You will arrive at the Campo Grande station to take the green or yellow metro lines around Lisbon. Moving within Ericeira is simple. Most of the time, you’ll be able to walk anywhere you need to go, especially in the centre. Alternatively, you can hire or buy a bicycle for slightly longer distances.
Recreation and sports in Ericeira
Find the perfect accommodation in Ericeira
Once you’re in Ericeira, you’ll find yourself surrounded by countless diversions and opportunities for recreation. Since it’s situated on the coastline, it is the perfect place for long lounging around in the sun, especially since it’s not so well-known, meaning that there are only a few tourists during the off-season. But that’s not all the waves of the Atlantic Ocean have to offer.
Ericeira is unique in its coastline, as it is the number one place in Europe to enjoy surfing. There are various places for different types of waves and skill levels opened all year round. Countless surf shops and schools have sprung up around the sport, and so if you ever wanted to try surfing, your stay in this town may just be the opportunity you were waiting for. If you’re into other sports, there’s always biking, hiking, beach sports, yoga, and much, much more to enjoy.
Coworking spaces in Ericeira
Though it is a relatively small place, and it is yet to be discovered by the wider digital nomad community, it has loads to offer to anyone who wants to make it their next stop. Several coworking spaces and even some co-living spaces and events and conferences focused on digital nomads specifically.
There’s even a fairly lively online community which you can find in this Facebook group. The best thing is, you’re only about an hour away from Lisbon. The commute may seem like a hustle at first. Still, the cost of living and the beautiful ocean combined with the opportunities of Lisbon at your fingertips is precisely what makes Ericeira a unique place for a truly borderless experience.
