Ericeira Property for Sale: Whitewashed Surf-Town Homes North of Lisbon

Ericeira's old centre is a maze of whitewashed lanes above a cliff-top harbour, with seafood restaurants and small shops. The town is a World Surfing Reserve, with breaks such as Ribeira d'Ilhas and Coxos drawing surfers all year, and surf schools, camps and guesthouses are a mainstay of the economy. Nearby villages include Santo Isidoro, Foz do Lizandro, São Lourenço and Ribamar, each with a quieter feel and more space for villas. Mafra, with its monumental palace and convent, is a short drive inland.

Lisbon is reachable in about 45 minutes by road and Lisbon airport in around 40 minutes, but there is no train service, so owners rely on the car or the coach to the capital. Many buyers are remote workers, surf-loving families and holiday-home owners from northern Europe, which keeps the rental market busy in summer. Winter is quieter and Atlantic winds can be strong.

• Holiday-let licences. Portugal's local accommodation (alojamento local) regime has tightened, and new licences are restricted in some municipalities. Do not assume a property can be let short-term. Ask the council for the status of any licence.
• Land classification. Rustic land (terreno rústico) usually cannot be built on, and parts of the coast are protected by the national ecological and agricultural reserves. Check the municipal master plan (PDM).
• Coastal erosion and cliff setbacks. Properties near the cliff edge may be subject to coastal protection rules.
• Documents. Obtain the land registry certificate, the tax record, the habitation licence and the energy certificate.
• Costs. Property transfer tax (IMT) and stamp duty are paid by the buyer at the deed, along with notary and registration fees. Verify current tables with your lawyer.
• Tax number. A Portuguese NIF is required.

Our Portugal buying guide and Portugal mortgage guide cover the process in more detail.

Nearby, Lisbon is the major market. In the Algarve, compare Lagos, Loulé, Albufeira and Portimão, and in the north Porto. For the whole picture see property for sale in Portugal.