TAKE a look at the stunning autumn sunshine spot just three hours from Dublin – with 24C heat, surfing and a buzzing nightlife scene.
The town was named one of the Best Tourism Villages by the UN World Tourism Organisation last year and continues to impress visitors to this day.
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In a small seaside community in western Portugal lies one of only two European spots in the World Surfing Reserves known for its exceptional coastline conditions.
Ericeira is a traditional Portuguese fishing village located just 40km northwest of the busy capital city Lisbon.
With highs of 24C this month and the promise of remaining in the low 20s throughout October, this is the perfect location to catch the last of the European sunshine.
The quaint town is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, local culture, fishing, cuisine and the bold Atlantic views.
It’s proximity to the Atlantic and the surf make this town a great place to visit.
Food lovers can enjoy endless great restaurants and cosy cafes to feast on the local fresh sea food and typical Portuguese delicacies such as the pastel de nata.
The area is known for its affordability and versatility, with not only amazing Portuguese cuisine.
You’ll also find many non-Portuguese restaurants from pizza to sushi and multiple places for a quick bite between the surf sessions.
If night-life is what you are after, the town is home to plenty of cool bars to spend your evenings in.
And even a nightclub called ‘Ouriço’ where the party continues until dawn.
With flights from Dublin starting as low as €27 and taking just two hours and 50 minutes to get there, this location is ideal for all sea lovers.
From Lisbon airport it is just a 30 minute drive to the centre of Ericeira.
The village is famous for being the second World Surfing Reserve – a program that protects waves, surf zones and surrounding environments.
Although surfing is not the only water sport that you can enjoy in this village.
Visitors can also practice many other water sports such as fishing or stand up paddle boarding.
And even if you are more suited to land based activities, there is something for everyone here.
Mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking or skateboarding are just a few of the activities to check out.
And to keep your body and mind fit you can take yoga classes or visit the spa in town.
Some 25 km outside of Ericeira you can find the UNESCO World Heritage town of Sintra, also known as the town of the fairytale castles.
It is located within the Sintra mountains and right next to the Sintra-Cascais natural park.
Only 10 km from Ericeira is the Palace of Mafra, one of the biggest palaces in Europe that was built by the King John V in the 18th century and is said to have nearly bankrupted the whole nation.
The Mafra Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2020 and is bursting with history.
Although even if you choose to stay in the centre of Ericeira town, there is still an abundance of history within the old towns walls waiting to be explored.
Five more autumn spots to visit
HERE are five more destinations to soak up the last of the year’s sunshine.
- Gran Canaria is just one of the very many options, boasting a “very mild winter” each year. Located on one of Spain’s Canary Islands, off northwestern Africa, Gran Canaria is well-known for its black lava and white sand beaches.
And steady temps of 22C throughout the winter. - The Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea looks like a place straight out of a fairytale and even has flights for less than €90 from Dublin Airport.
Santorini, located in Greece is calling your name as the peak tourist season comes to an end but the hot sunshine isn’t.
Roam the peaceful black-sand beaches or stroll the streets of one of Santorini’s charming villages. - Tuscany stretches from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Apennines and is located in west-central Italy.
With breath-taking beaches, Mediterranean islands and highs of 23C in October, this European spot has something for everyone. - The island of Sardinia in Italy is home to nearly 2,000km of stunning coastline. With average highs of 23C throughout October this is the prime month to visit and avoid large crowds.
It’s a great time of year to swim in the sea, with the water at an average temperature of 22C. - Cordoba in southern Spain is the capital of the province and the ideal place for an autumn getaway.
The city enjoys temperatures from 18 to 24C even into the month of October, so visitors can soak up the last of the sunshine.
And it’s just three hours from Dublin Airport with Ryanair operating regular flights to the city’s closest airport in Malaga for just €24.99.
