Guide to Route 2123: beaches, surfing, and culture along the route between Foz do Lizandro and Ribeira d’Ilhas

Guide to Route 2123: beaches, surfing, and culture along the route between Foz do Lizandro and Ribeira d’Ilhas

Route 2123 connects two of the most iconic beaches on the Mafra coast and crosses Ericeira, creating an itinerary of sea, gastronomy, leisure, and culture accessible by bus.

The route begins near Foz do Lizandro, south of Ericeira, and follows National Road 247 toward the town. Along the way, it passes near Praia do Sul, enters the urban area of Ericeira, and serves sections close to the historic center, the bus terminal, and the seafront.

In the central part of the route, the line runs through one of the town’s busiest areas, providing access to markets, cultural facilities, restaurants, squares, and leisure spaces. This section is especially interesting for anyone who wants to combine a walk through the center with a meal or a chance to observe the coastal activity.

After leaving the central area, the bus continues along EN 247 toward the areas of Mil Regos, Parque de Campismo, and Bairro dos Pescadores, ending near Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach, one of the landmarks of Portuguese surfing.

Attention: the distances indicated are approximate and estimated from the coordinates of the route and the location of the points of interest, and may vary depending on the access used. The line has 11 departures in the Praia da Foz do Lizandro–Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas direction and 10 departures in the opposite direction, on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. The fare and operator were not provided in the available data.

Foz do Lizandro Beach

It is the ideal starting point for anyone who wants to begin the outing with their feet in the sand. Foz do Lizandro Beach lies beside the mouth of the river that gives it its name and combines a broad stretch of sand with calmer water areas formed by the river, a setting that often attracts families.

The beach is also known for surfing and bodyboarding and has support facilities such as bars, a restaurant, parking, showers, and access adapted for visitors. Throughout the day, the atmosphere is sporty and family-friendly; in the late afternoon, the bars help extend the outing.

• 📍 Location: Mouth of the Lizandro River, south of Ericeira.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: EN 247 6 (X) Foz Lizandro, about 0.2 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach and leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: The meeting point of river and ocean, with areas suitable both for swimming and for wave sports.

Praia do Sul or Baleia Beach

At the southern entrance to Ericeira, Praia do Sul offers one of the route’s most accessible settings for anyone seeking a seaside stroll, a swim in the ocean, and a meal with a view of the Atlantic. The sandy beach stretches for approximately 500 meters and is bordered by a line of bars and restaurants.

Because it is more sheltered, the beach is often a popular choice for swimming and walks beside the water. The saltwater swimming pool in the area is another attraction, especially for those who prefer an experience more protected from the waves.

• 📍 Location: Southern edge of Ericeira, next to the hotel district and seafront promenade.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: EN 247 (X) Praia Sul, about 0.2 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, bars, and restaurants.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: An extensive sandy beach, seafront promenade, and saltwater pool in a relatively sheltered area.

Santa Marta Park

Santa Marta Park is one of the line’s best stops for those traveling with children or wanting to take a break away from traffic and the bustle of the beach. The space includes green areas, a playground, a skating rink, mini-golf, and sports facilities.

The complex also has tennis and padel courts, an outdoor fitness area, and an amphitheater overlooking the sea, used for performances and events. It is a versatile option, suitable both for a relaxing stroll and for recreational and sports activities.

• 📍 Location: Largo de Santa Marta, Ericeira.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: Praça dos Navegantes 22 or Av. São Sebastião (Lgo Pocinhos), about 0.3 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Park, sports, and leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Mini-golf, a playground, sports facilities, and an amphitheater are all concentrated in the same area.

Jaime Lobo e Silva Cultural Center

Located in the heart of Ericeira, the Jaime Lobo e Silva Cultural Center occupies a historic building that once housed the former Ericeira Casino and later a cinema. Today, the space includes a library, galleries, and a municipal auditorium, maintaining a cultural program connected to the town.

The facility is a good choice for anyone wishing to include art and history in their itinerary. In addition to exhibitions and cultural activities, the auditorium hosts performances and screenings, while its proximity to the center and Fishermen’s Beach makes it easy to combine the visit with a walk through the historic area.

• 📍 Location: Rua Mendes Leal, Ericeira.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: R. do Mirante or Ericeira (X) Estr. de Mafra, about 0.4 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Culture and entertainment.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A cultural facility housed in a former casino and cinema, with an auditorium, library, and galleries.

Ericeira Municipal Market

For learning about the town’s connection with the sea and regional production, Ericeira Municipal Market is a reliable stop. The ground floor is home to fishmongers, while the upper floors contain stalls selling fruit, vegetables, groceries, baked goods, flowers, handicrafts, and other products.

The market is especially interesting in the morning, when the fresh-fish trade helps reveal Ericeira’s fishing tradition. Periodic activities such as tastings and cooking demonstrations are also held, reinforcing the space’s role as a gastronomic meeting point.

• 📍 Location: Rua do Mercado, No. 22, Ericeira.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: Ericeira (Bus Terminal) P5, about 0.4 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Market, shopping, and gastronomy.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Fresh fish, regional products, handicrafts, and gastronomic activities in a traditional town building.

Ericeira World Surf Reserve Interpretation Center

Located next to the Tourist Office in Praça da República, the Interpretation Center presents the history, waves, and ecosystems of the Ericeira World Surf Reserve. The visit helps explain why the local coastline gained international recognition and how surfing became part of the town’s identity.

The space features interactive resources, including a table with a topographical representation of the reserve area, videos, content about fauna and flora, and information about the territory’s seven iconic waves. It is a suitable attraction even for those who do not surf and want to learn more about the landscape seen along the route of the line.

• 📍 Location: Praça da República, No. 17, in the area known as Jogo da Bola, Ericeira.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: R. do Mirante or Ericeira Bus Terminal, about 0.4 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Tourist attraction and environmental education.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: An interactive experience dedicated to the World Surf Reserve, its waves, and coastal biodiversity.

Fishermen’s Beach

In the center of Ericeira, Fishermen’s Beach preserves the town’s most direct connection with maritime activity. The cove is protected by an imposing strip of cliff and seawall, creating a more welcoming setting for a break by the sea.

The surrounding area is one of the best sections of the route for anyone wanting to eat fish or seafood. Restaurants and seafood establishments occupy the elevated area beside the beach, while the sand and the activity of the boats keep the atmosphere of a fishing village alive.

• 📍 Location: Ericeira center, beside the seafront.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: Praça dos Navegantes 22, about 0.5 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, restaurants, and seafood restaurants.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A central cove connected to traditional fishing, surrounded by dining options and the town’s historic buildings.

Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach

The final stop of Route 2123 is also one of the great landmarks of the Mafra coast. Nestled between high cliffs, Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach combines natural scenery, bars, a restaurant, and a strong tradition associated with surfing and bodyboarding.

Since 1985, the site has hosted a stage of international surfing competitions, and the beach is part of the Ericeira World Surf Reserve. Even for those who do not go into the water, it is worth walking through the valley, watching the waves, and enjoying the facilities beside the sea.

• 📍 Location: Ribeira d’Ilhas, about 3.5 km from the center of Ericeira.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the line and approximate distance: EN 247 (Ericeira), in the final section of the line, about 0.3 km away.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, surfing, bars, and restaurant.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: One of the most renowned European beaches for surfing and bodyboarding, integrated into the Ericeira World Surf Reserve.

With departures distributed throughout every day of the week, Route 2123 allows for different kinds of outings: start with a swim at Foz do Lizandro, get off at Praia do Sul for a walk, explore the center of Ericeira, and end the day at Ribeira d’Ilhas. Since the stops serve both beach areas and cultural and gastronomic facilities, the bus functions as a practical connection between the main coastal and urban settings in this part of Mafra.

Sources

• Tourism of Portugal — Foz do Lizandro Beach
• Tourism of Portugal — Praia do Sul or Baleia Beach
• Tourism of Portugal — Fishermen’s Beach
• Tourism of Portugal — Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach
• Mafra Municipal Council — Santa Marta Park
• Mafra Municipal Council — Jaime Lobo e Silva Cultural Center
• Mafra Municipal Council — Ericeira Municipal Market
• Mafra Municipal Council — Ericeira World Surf Reserve Interpretation Center