The small Portuguese town of Ericeira, which is home to less than 10,000 people, is located 35 km northwest of the capital Lisbon. It is believed that the name "Ericeira" comes from "Ouriceira", and this word comes from "Ouriço", which means "sea urchin". According to one legend, these animals were abundant along the beaches of Eriseira. However, recent scientific research does not confirm this theory. Perhaps the name of the area has Phoenician roots.
The first written mention of Eriseira is found in a document issued in 1229 to the monk D. Fernan Rodriguez Monteiro, who distinguished himself in military affairs. In the following centuries, people assessed the climatic features of this seaside region. According to chemical engineer Charles Lepierre, the beaches of Eriseira showed the maximum concentration of iodine on the entire northern coast of Portugal.
In 1803, the Bishop of Coimbra took regular baths here. In the XIX century. Eriseira was often visited by members of the royal family. At the turn of the XIX-XX centuries, the construction of houses of Lisbon aristocrats began in the vicinity of the town.
For a long time, the port of Eriseira was the fourth most important in Portugal. However, in the second half of the XIX century, due to the construction of the railway, he lost his position. During World War II, representatives of foreign communities who left their homeland because of the persecution of the Nazis lived in Eriseira and its environs: Germans, Dutch, Belgians, French, Poles.
After 1950, the region gradually became a popular beach holiday destination. In addition, it is known as the largest surf center in Europe.
Tours to Portugal to Eriseiro are chosen by people who prefer wide sandy beaches. In the city itself and south of it, there are three such beautiful places to relax: Praia do Sul, Praia do Peixe, Praia do Lizandro. Ocean waves, soft sand and excellent infrastructure have brought popularity to this resort region.
North of Eriseira is Penice, also loved by surfers. There are several small little-known settlements between these cities. However, it is they who offer the most attractive conditions for a quiet pastime, including with the family. For lovers of peace and tranquility, the beaches of Valmitao, Porto Dinheiro, Areia Branca are intended.
Holidays in Eriseira are chosen by people of different ages and with different interests. In addition to those who dream of a chocolate tan, surfers come here. There are 10 spots for this sport in Eriseira, and the children living here get on board at the age of 7.
The best surf spots are located north of the city: Praia do Norte, Praia do Norte and used for the Praia da Ribeira de Ilhas World Championships.
By the way, the last two of the above-mentioned beaches are marked by the "EU Blue Flag" and are among the best in Europe. Praia do Lizandro is the best place for beginners to study, where those who want to learn how to conquer the wave come from all over the continent.
Eriseira is not only known as a seaside resort. In the ancient part of the city, medieval buildings of interest to lovers of history and architecture have been preserved. Some of them were built in the XV century in the Portuguese late Gothic style, called "Manuelino".
Between the fishing port and the central hotel there is a section of the coast where flat "furnas" stones crash into the ocean. This is a favorite place for walking and taking pictures. For those who want to sit and admire the beauty of the surrounding nature, benches are installed in the most picturesque corners. Through huge holes embossed in the rocks, you can see the raging water of the ocean and underground passages. For a long time, lobster was grown in these caves.
Those who wish to make excursions from Eriseira and get acquainted with the sights of the region can go to Lorinho. This is a small town famous for the production of Portuguese grape brandy aguardente. The Lorinha Museum houses a collection of dinosaur eggs and remains found in Portugal.