The fishing Village and surrounding areas of Ericeira has plenty to offer those who want to enjoyt a holiday surfing Europe's white coastline
Incredible beaches to enjoy the 30 degree sunshine most popular being Foz do Lizandro, Sao julio and Riberia d'ilhas (dont forget to enjoy the beach bars!!!).
Days can be spent getting lost among the narrow cobblestone streets, or chilling out in the town cafes and bars while chatting with the friendly locals.
Spend a few hours enjoying the delicious seafood; lazying in the sunshine of the outdoor restaurants and cafes, serving local fish caught that day, and everything from pizza's, steaks and pasta.
Many surf and fashion shops (Billabong, Quiksilver store etc.) but watch out for the over supply of homeware stores - you don't need any of this stuff!
The Tourist Office will be your best friend and has a list of all the surrounding Golf courses (including the PGA Championship course Penha Longa) - www.portugalgolf.pt, tennis, big game fishing, mountain biking, hiking and 4x4 in the local forest, horse riding, and other water sports such as kite boarding, wind surfing and jet skiing.
Dont miss the monastery in Mafra on your way up from Lisbon, and the cathedral in Sintra should not be missed, with the summer palace of the Portuguese old royal family in amongst the interesting buildings.
The coastal areas West of Cascais and Estoril have great beaches and the area is considered the Beverley hills of Lisbon.
Check out this site for more info www.portugalvirtual.pt
Portugal is known for it's great clubs, bars and nightlife so take you're pick... there's something for everyone. In Ericeira you have many bars including the popular La Luna, and the cocktail bar Big Waves. A beer will cost you €1 and a coffee 50 cent! The second oldest nightclub in Portugal, the “Ouriço”, is picturesquely located overlooking the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean; it stays open until 7am!
There are an abundance of Restaurants in Ericeira all offering superb food and drink at very reasonable prices.
You can also get a 30 minute Taxi to Lisbon and try the nighlife there. The Barrio Alto district is the main area where you will find people crowding the streets until the early hours. Then they head on to nightclubs such as Club W, Lux and Kapital.
You will find Europe’s largest Casino in the famous Casino-Estoril. Well worth a visit and open 24 hours!
You’ll arrive in Lisbon airport and drive 40 minutes north to Ericeira. However the city of seven hills is a city not to be missed.
For sights and information log on to www.portugalvirtual.pt
Lisboa is a great city to shop in. Prices are less expensive than any other Western European city.
High street fashion shops can be found in the Baixa, especially the pedestrianised Rua Augusta (for clothes, shoes and luxury goods from the likes of Louis Vuitton and La Perla) and the Chiado and Bairro Alto (especially Rua Garrett for clothes and linen and neighbouring streets for ceramics, young designer fashions and haute couture). Avenida da Liberdade hosts big name fashion such as Calvin Klein and Emporio Armani.
One stop new shopping malls are becoming increasingly popular; the best being the Centro Vasco da Gama, with its own cinema, restaurants and shops like Zara, Pull and Bear, Bershka, Mango, Dali, Massimo Dutti. For more info log on to www.centrovascodagama.pt
Two huge local football teams divide the city – tickets for Sporting Lisboa or Benfica can usually be bought on the day at the stadiums.
For info on the Portuguese league check out footballportugal.com
