Praia dos Pescadores
Ericeira Insider's Beaches in Ericeira Series - Everything about the Different Beaches in Ericeira
Praia dos Pescadores (the Fishermen’s beach) is located in the center of Ericeira. The town of Ericeira was built around this small fishing port and even today fishing boats line the north part of the beach when they are not out at sea. This gives the beach a unique genuine ambiance. You can interact with the locals and see how the daily life of the fishermen in the area unfolds. If you go for a morning walk, and you should. You can watch the fishing boats arrive back with the catch of the day.
A steep wall behind the beach provides Pescadores with protection from the wind. Above the beach, the old village of Ericeira, with traditional whitewashed houses, makes a picturesque backdrop. So inhale the crisp salty ocean air and watch the seagulls circle above.
Praia dos Pescadores - The Best Swimming Beach in Ericeira
With fine sand and calm deep blue water this is the perfect beach if you want to go for a swim. The pier on the north side breaks the waves and protect the small beach. If you have children who wants to swim Praia dos Pescadores is one of your best bets. Since there is no current in the summertime its generally very safe to play in the water next to the beach.
Praia dos Pescadores also holds a historic significance. It was from this beach that King Manuel II and his family embarked into exile on October 5, 1910. In the afternoon of that particular date a small fishing boat took them out to their Royal yacht and they left for Brazil to never return. Thus when you stand on the shore of Praia dos Pescadores, you can feel not only the salty wind, but also the end of the monarchy and beginning of the Portuguese republic.
Brazilian Beach Bar Vibes
As if all of the above is not enough to make you want to visit Praia dos Pescadores. This beach is also the one that has most Rio feeling of all the beaches surrounding Ericeira. So if you want to pretend you are in Brazil, grab a towel, a volleyball and your skimpiest swimwear, and don’t forget to order a Caipirinha at the Kayak bar. The staff love to put on some Samba and are always open for a chat.
The Kayak bar is located on the beach and is open throughout the whole summer. It provides hammocks and sun chairs. And you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds as well as buy ice-creams and sodas.
The only weak point is the fact that Praia dos Pescadores is a small beach and tends to fill quite fast in the summer months. It is advisable to go early to get a good spot.
Everyone likes Praia dos Pescadores, families, teenagers and tourists. But despite the crowd the atmosphere is relaxed and happy.
There are nice facilities serving the beach, it has public toilets and showers. Looking to the south you have a charming view of square rocks and green patches, reminiscent of a great impressionistic painting.
Lunch Time at Praia dos Pescadores
When the smell of warm sand and salty ocean is starting to make your stomach crave some food, just walk up to Ericeira and have lunch at Tasquinha do Joy. We strongly recommend the Mariscada, a bottle of wine is included. Tasquinha do Joy is very popular, so make a reservation to be sure of a sidewalk table. If you still have some space left after all that seafood, we suggest that you walk next door to Casa da Fernanda. Try their Ouriços or Xiquinhos. They are the bests sweets in town, according to everyone.
The view from above the beach is spectacular. Works recently made the protection wall higher and safer, despite this, be careful when you lean forward to get closer to the ocean.
Praia dos Pescadores is a charming and unique must for anyone visiting Ericeira.