Digital Nomad’s Guide to Ericeira, Portugal: Surf, Work & Live by the Atlantic

Why Choose Ericeira as a Digital Nomad Destination?

🏄‍♂️ Surf Mecca – Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, with world-class waves for all levels.
🌊 Breathtaking Ocean Views – Work from clifftop cafés overlooking the Atlantic.
💻 Fast WiFi & Great Coworking Spaces – A growing community of remote workers.
🧘‍♀️ Laid-Back Lifestyle – A perfect balance of work, surf, and wellness.
🍷 Portuguese Food & Wine – Fresh seafood, pastel de nata, and delicious vinho verde.
🚆 Easy Access to Lisbon – Just 40 minutes from the capital, yet a world away.

Where to Live: Best Neighborhoods & Coliving Spaces

Ericeira is a safe small town, but each neighborhood has its own vibe. Here’s where to base yourself as a digital nomad:

🏄‍♂️ Central Ericeira – Close to Everything

• ✔️ Best for walkability—cafés, coworking spaces, and the beach are all within reach.
  ✔️ The highest concentration of expats and digital nomads.
  ✔️ Bustling in summer, but quieter in winter.
  

• 🏠 Best Places to Stay:

  Outsite Ericeira – A top coliving space designed for digital nomads, with private rooms, communal workspaces, and an awesome community.

  Selina Ericeira – A trendy, budget-friendly hostel & coworking space with ocean views.

  Airbnb apartments – Look for spots near Praia dos Pescadores for the best sea views.

🌊 Ribeira d’Ilhas – Surfer’s Paradise

• ✔️ Best for surfers, just minutes from one of Ericeira’s most famous breaks.
  ✔️ More laid-back, with a local and expat mix.
  ✔️ A bit further from the town center (10-minute drive).
  

• 🏠 Where to Stay:

  Ericeira Surf House – A surf-friendly guesthouse with workspaces.

  Lapoint Surf Camp – A social, surf-centric stay with a fun crowd.

🏡 São Lourenço – Nature & Quiet

• ✔️ Best for peace & nature, with stunning coastal cliffs.
  ✔️ Further from the action, but great for long-term stays.
  

• 🏠 Where to Stay:

  Eco Soul Guesthouse – A beautiful, eco-friendly stay with incredible views.

Best Coworking Spaces & Cafés with Excellent WiFi

For a small town, Ericeira punches above its weight when it comes to coworking and laptop-friendly cafés.

🏢 Top Coworking Spaces for Digital Nomads

💻 Kelp Cowork Ericeira – One of the best coworking spaces, offering fast WiFi, meeting rooms, and a great community of entrepreneurs and nomads.
💻 Coastal Cowork Collective Ericeira – A cozy, work-friendly space with both short- and long-term rental options.
💻 Selina Ericeira Cowork – A stylish coworking space with ocean views, perfect for networking.

☕ Best Cafés with WiFi & Work-Friendly Vibes

☕ Dear Rose Café – A bright, cozy café serving specialty coffee and fresh pastries—a favorite among nomads.
☕ Sunset Bamboo Bar – Great coffee, smoothie bowls, and a relaxed vibe for a few hours of work.
☕ Terra Pura Café – The perfect spot for healthy eats, good WiFi, and strong espresso.
☕ Balagan Café – A stylish, plant-filled space with excellent brunch options.

💡 Pro Tip: Many cafés in Ericeira are surf-focused, meaning they might get busy in the mornings—grab a seat early if you plan to work!

Community Events & Networking: Where to Meet Other Digital Nomads

Ericeira has a small but growing digital nomad scene, making it easy to connect with like-minded professionals.

🔹 Kelp Cowork Events – Regular networking meetups, skill-sharing sessions, and happy hours.
🔹 Outsite Ericeira Community Meetups – A fantastic way to meet fellow remote workers.
🔹 Surf & Work Meetups – Join WhatsApp or Facebook groups for surf & coworking sessions.
🔹 Yoga & Wellness Retreats – Many coworking spots also offer yoga and mindfulness events.

What to Do in Ericeira (Besides Work!)

🏄 Surf at Ribeira d’Ilhas & Foz do Lizandro – Some of the best surf breaks in Portugal.
🏰 Explore Mafra’s Palácio Nacional – A stunning baroque palace just 15 minutes away.
🌊 Hike the Coastal Trails – The Ericeira World Surfing Reserve Trail offers breathtaking Atlantic views.
🍷 Take a Day Trip to Sintra – One of Portugal’s most magical UNESCO sites, filled with fairy-tale palaces.
🎶 Live Music Nights at Tubo Ericeira – A lively bar with great vibes and local craft beer.
🍽️ Eat Fresh Seafood at Mar d’Areia – Try grilled sardines or polvo à lagareiro (octopus).

Local Etiquette & Practical Tips

🇵🇹 Language: Portuguese (but many locals speak English, especially in surf & expat circles).
💶 Currency: Euro (€).
📡 Internet: WiFi is fast and reliable, but always have a Vodafone SIM card as backup.
🚍 Transport: No metro or Uber—buses and Bolt taxis are your best options.
🌤️ Weather: Mild year-round; bring a light jacket for windy evenings.

Staying Healthy & Balanced

🏋️ Gyms & Fitness:

• Ericeira Fitness Club – Fully equipped gym with ocean views.

• Outdoor Workouts at Foz do Lizandro Beach – Many locals do sunrise yoga here.

🥗 Healthy Food Spots:

• Green is Good – A must-visit for organic bowls and vegan-friendly meals.

• GiG – Green is Good – Great for fresh juices, smoothies, and salads.

• Mar das Latas – Fantastic seafood with locally sourced ingredients.

🏥 Healthcare:

• Centro de Saúde de Mafra – Closest public health center.

• Private Clinics in Lisbon – Best option for expat-friendly medical care.

Quick Checklist: Key Takeaways

✅ Best Areas to Stay: Central Ericeira (walkability), Ribeira d’Ilhas (surf vibe), São Lourenço (peace & nature).
✅ Top Coworking Spaces: Kelp Cowork, Juncalinho, Selina Cowork.
✅ Best WiFi Cafés: Dear Rose Café, Terra Pura, Sunset Bamboo Bar.
✅ Where to Meet Other Nomads: Kelp Cowork events, Outsite community meetups, surf meetups.
✅ Must-Do Activities: Surfing, hiking coastal trails, visiting Mafra Palace, day trips to Sintra.
✅ Local Tips: Get a Vodafone SIM, book stays early in peak season, and embrace the slow, surf-inspired lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: Is Ericeira Right for You?

If you love ocean views, an active lifestyle, and a strong digital nomad community, Ericeira is an absolute gem. With great coworking spaces, world-class surf, and an inspiring atmosphere, it’s a perfect work-and-play destination.

🌍 Ready to make Ericeira your next remote work paradise? Pack your laptop—and your surfboard! 💻🏄‍♂️