21km (13 miles) NW of Sintra, 50km (31 miles) NW of Lisbon
This fishing port is nestled on the Atlantic shore. Whitewashed houses accented with pastel-painted corners and window frames line its narrow streets. To the east rise the mountains of Sintra.
The sea gives life to Ericeira, as it has for some 700 years. Fishermen still pluck their food from it. The beach lures streams of visitors every summer, giving a much-needed boost to the local economy. Along the coast, cliff-side nurseries called serrações breed lobsters. Lobster is the house specialty at every restaurant in Ericeira.
In 1584, Mateus Alvares arrived in Ericeira from the Azores, claiming to be King Sebastião, who had reportedly been killed on the battlefields of North Africa. Alvares and about two dozen of his chief supporters were executed after their defeat by the soldiers of Philip II of Spain, but today he is regarded as the king of Ericeira. In October 1910, the fleeing Manuel II and his mother, Amélia, set sail from the Ericeira harbor to a life of exile in England.
The crescent-shape, sandy Praia do Sol, the favorite beach of Portuguese and foreign visitors, attracts many travelers here. There are three other good beaches: Ribeira Beach, North Beach, and St. Sebastian Beach. All are suitable for swimming, unlike the beaches at Estoril and Cascais.
Vila Franca do Campo Travel Experiences
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A few days at the beach
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Peniche
We arrived in Peniche in the afternoon, about 2 o'clock, after driving from Faro. The journey didn't take as long as... Continue reading »
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a love for lisboa
As with all my european breaks, i will start with how i came to know someone in the country to stay with them, why im going and a small d... Continue reading »
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Day 1
Arrived in Lisbon on Thursday evening after a LOOOONG day of travel.Saw the longest line I've ever had in Portland for the Lufthansa chec... Continue reading »
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Lisboaobilia
Lisbon is an amazing introduction to Europe. The most photogenic place I´ve ever visited. Filled with tourists, even pre-tourist season,... Continue reading »
