Live in Ericeira Portugal: An Incredible Family Adventure
Adventure Awaits in Ericeira
AUTHOR: Michelle Cote
What would you think of experiencing the beauty of Portugal while raising your children in a safe and stimulating environment?
In 2014, we chose to live in Ericeira and start our family there!
Located just 45 minutes north of Lisbon, this quaint seaside village on the Silver Coast offers families from all over the world a unique opportunity to live life on their own terms.
From great public school options to plenty of afterschool activities and outdoor recreation, Ericeira provides quality of life for everyone, no matter what stage of life you are in.
Whether you're working remotely or taking advantage of local businesses, there's always something happening here.
Read on to discover why so many families have chosen Ericeira as their new home away from home!
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In a Rush? Pros and Cons of life in Ericeira
No time to read the whole article? Here's a quick list of pros and cons of life in Ericeira.
Pros of Living in Ericeira:
Beautiful small fishing village
Great weather that's never too hot
Emphasis on beautiful beaches, green spaces and outdoor sports
Good expat local community and remote working services
Proximity and easy access to Lisbon
Low cost of living compared to other coastal parts of Portugal
Fairly good educational support for children up to high school
Excellent public healthcare with a clinic in Ericeira and an emergency unit in Mafra
High-quality and affordable food available at markets, supermarkets, and delis throughout the village
Cons of Living in Ericeira:
Expensive tolls to Lisbon
Buying a home can be difficult and expensive for lack of availability
Public transportation to Ericeira is rather tedious
Small town feel may not be suitable for everyone's lifestyle
Why Live in Ericeira Portugal?
Read on for valuable insights we've gleaned about the quality of life in this part of the world.
Quality of life in Ericeira
Ericeira is an ideal destination for families moving with young children, as it provides a safe and secure environment for them to live and grow. The village has a quiet, rural atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as biking, skating, and playing on the beach.
There are also plenty of afterschool options, from music to dance, karate, and swimming. And don't forget the plethora of surf schools and surf camps available in this surf haven home to the World Surfing Reserve. Parque de Santa Marta has a great playground, and the green area is a good option for playing football and flying kites. And of course, the beaches are the best place for kids to play year-round!
There is a fairly large expat community with young families in the area too. This is one of the best ways for you and your kids to meet new friends as well as get exposure to different cultures and ideas.
Another aspect of life here I wasn't expecting is how welcoming cafes and restaurants are to families. Children are adored here and are very rarely seen as a problem! Eating out and enjoying the local cuisine is generally very accessible, and this fact makes going out as a family so much more enjoyable and relaxing!
Kids can run around in the square while parents have a coffee for breakfast in the village center, or play on the pedestrian cobblestone streets while the adults finish dinner on the terrace. I love this!
Best Places to Live in Ericeira
For families looking to live in Ericeira, it is best to live slightly out of the town center since noise can be an important consideration in the summer months when tourism is at its peak. The surrounding area outside the center of Ericeira offers more affordable rent and proximity to public schools, such as near the health clinic and police station.
Additionally, Fonte Boa dos Nabos, Fonte Boa da Brincosa, Ribeira D'Ilhas, or Ribamar are excellent choices for those who want more affordable living options without compromising on proximity and convenience.
Work in Ericeira
Ericeira is quickly becoming a hot spot for digital nomads and remote workers who are looking to live an exciting life on the west coast of Portugal. With its warm climate, stunning coastline, and vibrant surf culture, it's a beautiful place to live and work while exploring Portugal.
The cost of living in Ericeira is relatively low compared to other areas, but tolls to Lisbon can be expensive (3 euros per leg).
Fortunately, there are several top-notch coworking places in the village that provide networking opportunities and great working spaces.
Schools & Education
Choosing schools for their kids is one of the most stressful parts of moving to a new country. Most families in Ericeira put their children into the Portuguese public school system, which is generally of good quality and provides plenty of educational support and the opportunity to immerse in the local culture.
However, there are other alternatives, including a private Portuguese school in Mafra, as well as many excellent daycare options. Homeschooling is also becoming increasingly popular in the area.
For teenagers needing to attend high school, Mafra is the best nearest option; however, many parents choose to send their children to one of the private Portuguese schools or international schools in Sintra.
Hospitals & Healthcare
The free public health care in Ericeira is excellent and provides a range of options for the needs of families, no matter what stage they are in. The small clinic in Ericeira is highly regarded and is an excellent choice for general doctor appointments and check-ups. It also has an excellent nursing unit for vaccinations and the like, and once you get a family doctor assigned to you, appointments are easy to make.
The larger emergency unit in Mafra is only a 10-minute drive away and is incredibly efficient. For more serious pediatric issues, there's the CUF private hospital in Torres Vedras, 30 minutes away, which also has an emergency pediatric ward and several pediatric specialties.
Healthcare has always been an important factor for our quality of life in Ericeira since it has always been readily available, usually free, and of excellent quality.
Supermarkets & Shopping
Ericeira is a great place to live for families looking for quality and affordable food. There are many grocery stores and supermarkets in the village, as well as in neighboring Mafra, offering a wide range of local and imported products.
The main deli in town, Amelia, always has regional fruits and vegetables, Portuguese cheeses, bread, and olives, as well as various imported delicacies. The Ericeira market is another favorite where local farmers sell their wares, and fresh-cut flowers can be brought home.
Clothes shopping is a little more limited, but there are a few shops in the village to choose from. For larger or designer items, most families head to Lisbon, where they can find everything they need without breaking the bank.
We try to shop in the village as much as possible since we know we are helping the local economy, which gives everyone the convenience and pleasure of an active village life.
FAQs About Ericeira Living
Is Ericeira a good place to live?
Yes, Ericeira is an ideal place to live with kids. The picturesque town has mild and sunny weather throughout the year. It's also close to Lisbon and is an ideal surf town with a good expat community. However, rental and purchase costs are more expensive than in other rural areas around Lisbon, and public transport can be lacking at times.
Additionally, some people may not enjoy the small-town feel of Ericeira, as it can be quite tight-knit. Ultimately, it depends on what you're looking for in a place to live!
How many people live in Ericeira?
According to the most recent estimates, there are approximately 10,000 people who live in Ericeira. The town is growing rapidly though, so this number could be higher when updated figures become available.
Is Ericeira a touristy?
Yes, Ericeira is a popular tourist destination due to its combination of stunning beaches and natural beauty. And as the only World Surf Reserve in Portugal, it draws a large number of surf enthusiasts, especially in the winter months. But, it isn't overrun with mass tourism yet, so it really is an enjoyable place to visit and live. Day trips to Ericeira are extremely popular with those visiting Lisbon.
The town has a laid-back atmosphere that draws in visitors from all around the world who come to live in Ericeira, try out the excellent surf spots and seafood restaurants, or just relax on its sunny shores.
In recent years, there have been more job opportunities and developments, with luxury hotels and modern amenities arriving alongside traditional Portuguese historic buildings reflecting the region’s vibrant culture and history.
What are the best beaches in Ericeira?
Popular beaches in the area include Praia dos Pescadores, Praia da Ribiera d'Ilhas, Praia da Foz do Lizandro, Praia de São Julião, Praia do Sul, and Praia do Norte.
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Live in Ericeira: The Wrap-Up
Ericeira is the perfect place for anyone looking to live near Lisbon but not deal with traffic and the metropolitan rush associated with the capital city. This charming seaside town offers beautiful views, good weather, and plenty of outdoor activities that make it an ideal spot for families or those who want to take advantage of its expat community. It also has lovely parks and community activities that involve families from the area.
The drawbacks of living in Ericeira are worth it if you’re looking for a small-town feel combined with modern amenities close by. So let's get that family adventure kick-started! Hope to see you soon!
About the Author
A beachcomber, an avid bookworm, and a teacher. Michelle is a Canadian travel blogger who writes about Ericeira.
She fell in love with the charming Portuguese village when she was enticed to move there by her Portuguese husband and never looked back.
She now lives between Mallorca and Ericeira, with her family and Fluffy the hamster.
Follow her adventures on Ericeirafamilyadventures.com.
Renovating Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Links like this allow us to continue providing top-quality content at no cost to you.
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Renovating Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases. Links like this allow us to continue providing top-quality content at no cost to you.
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