Praia dos Pescadores

Praia dos Pescadores, or Fishermen's Beach, is nestled in the heart of Ericeira, a town that sprouted around this quaint fishing port. The charm of the beach is enhanced by the presence of fishing boats along its northern stretch, offering an authentic glimpse into the local fishing culture. Visitors can engage with the locals and watch the fishermen bring in their catch of the day each morning.

The beach is naturally shielded from the wind by a steep wall behind it, with the old village of Ericeira and its traditional whitewashed houses forming a scenic backdrop. This setting allows visitors to breathe in the bracing ocean air and watch seagulls in flight overhead.

Praia dos Pescadores is renowned as the top swimming beach in Ericeira, with its fine sand and tranquil deep blue water. The beach's pier in the north helps break the waves and safeguard the beach. Visitors can safely swim in the water next to the beach during the summer, as there are no currents.

This beach is also a site of historical importance. It was from Praia dos Pescadores that King Manuel II and his family set off into exile on October 5, 1910, signifying the end of the monarchy and the commencement of the Portuguese republic.

For those seeking a Brazilian beach bar atmosphere, Praia dos Pescadores offers a hint of Rio. The Kayak bar on the beach provides sun chairs, umbrellas, and sunbeds for rent, along with ice creams and sodas for purchase. However, the beach tends to get crowded during the summer, so it is suggested to get there early to secure a good spot.

Praia dos Pescadores is frequented by families, teenagers, and tourists, but the vibe remains relaxed and cheerful, despite the crowd. For the convenience of visitors, the beach offers public toilets and showers. The view to the south is captivating, with square rocks and green patches creating an impressionistic scene.

When it comes to dining, visitors can head to Ericeira for lunch at Tasquinha do Joy, a popular restaurant where reservations are recommended. For dessert, Casa da Fernanda is a favorite, especially for their Ouriços or Xiquinhos, reputed to be the town's best sweets.

Praia dos Pescadores is conveniently located in the city center, close to numerous restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions. It boasts a diverse landscape, with one area of calm waves and another where they crash with greater force. Despite the cold water, visitors usually adjust to the temperature after a while.

The beach offers a range of amenities and activities, including sand volleyball and sunbed rentals. Straw umbrellas are also available for those seeking shade. Unlike other beaches, Praia dos Pescadores is not typically crowded, providing a more relaxed and serene environment. It is also more sheltered, resulting in less wind.