Portugal’s surf capital delivers practical, no-nonsense tours that connect visitors with authentic local experiences. The standout options include a guided bike tour along the dramatic Atlantic cliffs, perfect for photographers and sunset chasers. History buffs should consider the Mafra Palace excursion, which packs impressive baroque architecture and fascinating royal stories into a rewarding day trip. For food lovers, the 10-stop tasting tour hits all the right spots – from fresh seafood to traditional pastries – while sharing cultural insights along the way.
Let’s examine the top tours worth your time and money in Ericeira.
Key Points
- Ericeira offers a variety of engaging tours, including a Private Sunset Bike Tour, a World Surfing Reserve Private Bike Tour, and Highlights & Culinary Kickstart Tour.
- The Mafra: Wine & Country Tour provides a full-day experience visiting the Mafra Palace, a traditional Portuguese winery, and historic coastal villages.
- The Ericeira Private Tour: 10 Tastings Food Tour is a highly rated 4-hour walking tour featuring 10 local culinary specialties and insights into the town’s surfing culture.
- Tours cater to various interests, from scenic bike rides and food samplings to cultural explorations, catering to travelers of all skill levels and dietary preferences.
- Many tours offer flexible booking options, including cancellation policies and the ability to reserve now and pay later, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.
Ericeira: Private Sunset Bike Tour
Curious to experience Ericeira’s stunning coastline at sunset? Consider the Private Sunset Bike Tour. This 2-hour adventure takes you on a 12-mile (20 km) mountain bike ride along the Atlantic, with challenging climbs and breathtaking vistas.
Suitable for all explorers, the tour includes a live English, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking guide to lead you through varied terrain, from off-road tracks to rural landscapes.
Along the way, you’ll cycle past picturesque cliffs and soak in the sights as the sun dips below the horizon. The tour provides everything you need, including a mountain bike, helmet, and water bottle.
Plus, you’ll receive complimentary photos to remember your experience. With a flexible cancellation policy and the option to book now and pay later, this tour makes for an easy and accessible way to explore Ericeira at its most magical hour.
Read our full review: Ericeira: Private Sunset Bike Tour Review
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Ericeira: 2-Hour World Surfing Reserve Private Bike Tour
Enjoy the natural splendor of Ericeira’s World Surfing Reserve on this 2-hour private bike tour.
Adventure through Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve, cycling along the cliffline and taking in panoramic views of 7 renowned surf spots. Your guide will tailor the route to your skill level, offering challenging climbs and easy single tracks across 20 km of mostly single-track and dirt roads.
Witness the dramatic coastal scenery, from rugged cliffs to hidden bays and tranquil beaches. Highlights include the renowned surf spots of Ribeira d’Ilhas and Coxos.
Enjoy the included mountain bike and helmet, as well as a water bottle and complimentary photos to remember your experience. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are provided.
Just bring your passport or ID, comfortable clothing and shoes, and prepare to learn about Ericeira’s natural wonders on this private cycling adventure.
Read our full review: Ericeira: 2-Hour World Surfing Reserve Private Bike Tour Review
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Highlights & Culinary Kickstart of Ericeira | PRIVATE Tour
Travelers seeking to enjoy Ericeira’s vibrant culinary and cultural landscape can embark on a 3-hour private food tour that showcases the town’s highlights. Priced at $77 per person, the tour starts at the Ericeira Fort and includes visits to a local bakery, two restaurants, and a viewpoint.
Guests will sample six Portuguese specialties and traditional drinks, including the renowned ‘pastel de bacalhau’ (cod croquettes) and ‘ouriço’ (local pastry). Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request.
The knowledgeable guide will lead a walking tour, providing insights into Ericeira’s transformation into a world surfing reserve and why many foreigners are drawn to the village’s slow, safe, and healthy lifestyle.
Participants can expect panoramic views of the Ericeira sea and a culinary experience that immerses them in the town’s rich cultural heritage.
With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this private tour offers a convenient and immersive way to explore Ericeira’s highlights.
Read our full review: Highlights & Culinary Kickstart of Ericeira | PRIVATE Tour Review
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Mafra: Wine & Country Tour
For those seeking a deeper dive into the bucolic countryside and world-renowned wines of Portugal, the Mafra: Wine & Country Tour provides an enriching experience.
This full-day tour from Lisbon or Cascais whisks visitors away to the charming town of Mafra, home to the magnificent Mafra Palace and Convent. Along the way, travelers will have the opportunity to explore historic coastal villages and indulge in a gastronomic feast of local delicacies and acclaimed wines.
The tour includes skip-the-line access to the Mafra Palace, allowing guests to marvel at the ornate Baroque architecture and learn about Portugal’s royal history.
Plus, the experience features a guided visit to a traditional Portuguese winery, where participants can sample the region’s renowned vintages.
With pickup and drop-off services available, the Mafra: Wine & Country Tour offers a seamless and immersive exploration of the area’s cultural, historical, and culinary riches.
Read our full review: Mafra: Wine & Country Tour Review
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Ericeira Private Tour: 10 Tastings Food Tour
Embarking on the Ericeira Private Tour: 10 Tastings Food Tour, visitors can expect an immersive culinary journey through the charming coastal town.
Priced at €94.00 per person, this 4-hour private walking tour offers an opportunity to explore the richness of Portuguese cuisine and its historical influences.
Led by a local storyteller guide, the experience includes 10 tastings across various local hotspots, from a fisherman’s tavern to a farmers market.
Highlights include savoring a rich coffee paired with an ouriço, a regional pastry, and learning about the socio-cultural and economic impact of surfing in Ericeira.
The tour is adaptable for vegetarians and pescatarians, though it may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.
With a 5-star rating based on 6 reviews, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guide and high-quality culinary experiences.
Operated rain or shine, this tour provides a unique blend of cultural insights and gastronomic delights.
Read our full review: Ericeira Private Tour: 10 Tastings Food Tour Review
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Lisbon: Wellingtons Defensive Lines Tour
This tour of Wellington’s Defensive Lines, built in 1809 in Portugal, provides an immersive exploration of a crucial defensive system that helped repel Napoleon’s forces during the Peninsular War.
Priced at Kč10,037 for a group of up to 2 people, the 7-hour tour focuses on the historic Lines of Torres Vedras, constructed under Wellington’s direction to protect Lisbon.
Highlights include visiting the Alhandra Fort, Zambujal Fort, and St. Vincent Fort, as well as taking in breathtaking views from Socorro Hill and learning about the Optic Communication System.
The tour also includes a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady and St. Anthony of Mafra and the Mafra National Palace.
With transportation, bottled water, and entry tickets provided, this highly-rated tour is a must-do for history enthusiasts, though it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
Travelers praise the guide’s expertise and engaging storytelling, making this an immersive and educational experience.
Read our full review: Lisbon: Wellingtons Defensive Lines Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Ericeira offers a range of exciting tours that showcase the town’s natural beauty, surfing heritage, and culinary delights. From private sunset bike tours to food tastings, visitors can enjoy the local culture and explore the area’s highlights. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or gastronomy, Ericeira has something to suit every traveler’s preferences.