Guide to Route 2117: from Encarnação to Ericeira’s beaches and experiences

Guide to Route 2117: from Encarnação to Ericeira’s beaches and experiences

With a journey crossing rural communities, Atlantic beaches and the historic area of Ericeira, route 2117 is a useful connection for discovering some of the most striking settings along the Mafra coast.

The route running between Encarnação — in the cemetery area — and the Ericeira Bus Terminal passes through Fanga da Fé, Valongo, Galiza, São Lourenço, Calada, Ribamar, Lagoa and Ribeira d’Ilhas before reaching the fishing town. It is a journey alternating between the streets of small communities, farmland and coastal stretches with a strong tourism focus.

In the section closest to the sea, the route follows EN 247 and Estrada da Ribeira d’Ilhas, providing access to beaches included in the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve. Upon reaching the town, the route makes it possible to reach cultural facilities, parks, markets and urban beaches on foot or with a short walk.

Attention: the distances indicated are approximate and estimated from the coordinates provided for the route and the locations of the points of interest. According to the route data, there is one departure in the Encarnação–Ericeira direction on weekdays and two departures in the Ericeira–Encarnação direction. No departures are listed for Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays. The fare and operator were not provided.

Praia da Calada

The section of the route passing the stop “EN 247 (X) Praia da Calada” leaves passengers close to a small bay surrounded by high cliffs. The setting combines the rugged terrain of the west coast with a more sheltered environment, attracting those who enjoy watching the sea, walking along the cliff or engaging in activities connected with the waves.

The beach has support facilities such as a car park, walkways, restrooms, showers and a bar with an outdoor terrace. However, the municipal information currently available indicates that the site is closed due to unstable cliffs and damage to the coastal protection works, and is not suitable for bathers in 2026. Before planning a descent to the beach, it is important to check for any official updates.

• 📍 Location: Praia da Calada, Encarnação parish, Mafra.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: EN 247 (X) Praia da Calada, approximately 0.3 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, coastal landscape and leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A sheltered bay between cliffs, with a tradition of surfing and bodyboarding, currently subject to a safety closure.

Praia de São Lourenço

Between the stops “EN 247 (X) S. Lourenço” and “En 247 37 (X) R Central”, the route passes through one of the municipality’s best-known bathing areas. Praia de São Lourenço occupies a broad cove beside the mouth of the Safarujo River and combines sand, cliffs and an open landscape that invites visitors to spend a few hours by the sea.

The site has beach facilities, changing rooms, restrooms, a bar with an outdoor terrace, a car park, showers and access via a walkway. The waves are part of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve and attract surfers and stand-up paddleboarders. The beach has also recently received recognition for accessibility, making it an interesting option for families and visitors who value support facilities.

• 📍 Location: Between São Lourenço and Ribamar, Santo Isidoro parish, Mafra.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: EN 247 (X) S. Lourenço, approximately 0.3 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, surfing and outdoor leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A large sandy beach beside the mouth of the Safarujo, with support facilities and inclusion in the World Surfing Reserve.

Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas

The stop “EN 247 (X) Praia R Ilhas” is the route’s reference point for reaching Ribeira d’Ilhas, one of the landmarks of the Mafra coast. The beach lies in a valley between cliffs, with the stream flowing into the ocean and the slopes forming a kind of natural amphitheater facing the sea.

The site is particularly known for surfing competitions and the schools that use the beach for lessons and training. In addition to its sporting focus, there is a restaurant-bar with an outdoor terrace, changing rooms, showers, a car park, walkways and rest areas. The walk from EN 247 is longer than the access walks at Calada and São Lourenço, but the destination is one of the most complete along the route for those seeking the sea, scenery and outdoor activity.

• 📍 Location: Ribeira d’Ilhas, Ericeira coast, municipality of Mafra.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: EN 247 (X) Praia R Ilhas, approximately 1.0 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, surfing, bodyboarding and dining.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: One of the most iconic beaches in the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve and a venue for national and international competitions.

Praia dos Pescadores

As it approaches the town, the section along Avenida de São Sebastião leads to Ericeira’s historic and maritime area. Praia dos Pescadores, also known as Praia do Peixe, is sheltered beside the fishing port and is one of the town’s most central and lively areas.

In addition to its appeal as a bathing area, the site has significant historical value: it was from there that, on October 5, 1910, the Portuguese Royal Family boarded into exile following the establishment of the Republic. Its proximity to the old streets, restaurants, cafés and viewpoints makes the beach a good starting point for exploring Ericeira on foot.

• 📍 Location: Ericeira’s historic area and fishing port.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Av. São Sebastião (Lgo Pocinhos), approximately 0.5 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, history and urban walking.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Central location, relative shelter from southerly and southeasterly winds, and a connection to a significant episode in Portuguese history.

Praia de São Sebastião

At the northern end of the town, Praia de São Sebastião offers a more scenic and peaceful alternative for those getting off in the Avenida de São Sebastião area. Access to the beach is via a Portuguese calçada staircase, reinforcing the traditional character of Ericeira’s urban landscape.

The beach is neither designated for bathing nor supervised, but the surrounding area has an urban park, parking, a bar with an outdoor terrace, and a maintenance and recreation area. It is a suitable place to watch the ocean, photograph the cliffs and continue walking along the waterfront, especially at less busy times.

• 📍 Location: Northern end of Ericeira, beside the Chapel of São Sebastião.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Av. São Sebastião (Lgo Pocinhos), approximately 0.4 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, urban park and coastal walk.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Portuguese calçada access staircase, coastal cliffs and proximity to the historic hermitage of São Sebastião.

Ericeira Municipal Market

For those who prefer to trade the sea air for local flavors, the Ericeira Municipal Market is one of the essential stops upon arriving in town. The space preserves Ericeira’s relationship with fishing and brings together fresh fish and seafood stalls on the ground floor, as well as grocery stores, fruit, vegetables, flowers, bakeries, delicatessens and crafts.

The market is also a gastronomic meeting point, with a bar and periodic activities such as showcookings and tastings of local products. A visit works well in the morning, when the selection of fish and regional products is liveliest. The municipality states that it is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., closing on Mondays outside the summer season.

• 📍 Location: Rua do Mercado, Ericeira.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: R. do Mirante, with an estimated walk of approximately 0.6 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Market, local commerce and gastronomy.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Fresh fish, products from the saloia region, crafts and a direct connection to the town’s fishing tradition.

Santa Marta Park

Close to the center of Ericeira, Santa Marta Park offers a break between the bus journey, the beach and the bustle of the shopping streets. The complex includes green areas, a playground, a skating rink, an open-air amphitheater and an old mine open to visitors, as well as sports facilities.

Those wishing to extend their outing can find padel and tennis courts, a 12-hole miniature golf course and an outdoor fitness area in the park. The amphitheater, with a view of the sea, is one of the most interesting features for those seeking a combination of urban leisure and coastal scenery.

• 📍 Location: Largo de Santa Marta, Ericeira.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: R. do Mirante or Ericeira Bus Terminal, approximately 0.8 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Park, sports, recreation and family leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: It brings together green areas, an amphitheater with a sea view, miniature golf, tennis, padel and a children’s area.

Jaime Lobo e Silva Cultural Center

For cultural programming, the best reference near the end of the route is the Jaime Lobo e Silva Cultural Center. Located in the heart of Ericeira, beside Largo do Jogo da Bola and Praia dos Pescadores, the center occupies a building with a history connected to the former Club Recreativo Ericeirense, the Grande Casino da Ericeira and the former Cine-Casino.

Today, the facility houses municipal galleries, a library and an auditorium, hosting exhibitions, workshops, presentations, films and performances. The auditorium has a capacity of 174 seats, while the library maintains a collection dedicated to reading and research. It is an especially interesting option on rainy days or for those wishing to learn about the town’s cultural heritage beyond its beaches.

• 📍 Location: Rua Mendes Leal, central Ericeira.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Av. São Sebastião/R. do Mirante, approximately 0.5 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Culture, exhibitions, library and performances.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A historic building with galleries, an auditorium and a library in a central location between the old town center and Praia dos Pescadores.

Route 2117 shows how a low-frequency connection can link different experiences in the municipality of Mafra: villages and agricultural landscapes at the beginning of the route, beaches and viewpoints along the coastal section, and cultural facilities, markets and parks upon arrival in Ericeira. As there is only one outbound departure and two return departures on weekdays, it is best to check the schedules in advance and plan the return journey before setting out.

Sources

• Mafra Municipal Council — Praia da Calada
• Mafra Municipal Council — Praia de São Lourenço
• Mafra Municipal Council — Ribeira d’Ilhas
• Mafra Municipal Council — Praia dos Pescadores
• Mafra Municipal Council — Praia de São Sebastião
• Mafra Municipal Council — Ericeira Municipal Market
• Mafra Municipal Council — Santa Marta Park
• Mafra Municipal Council — Jaime Lobo e Silva Cultural Center