Guide to Route 2131: from Colégio Miramar to Ericeira’s beaches and town center
Route 2131 connects the Lagoa area, next to Colégio Miramar, with Ericeira Bus Terminal, passing through Santo Isidoro, Ribeira d’Ilhas and the coastal strip that contains some of the main leisure attractions in the municipality of Mafra.
The route begins in more rural and residential areas, follows the access roads to Ribeira d’Ilhas and continues along the EN 247 before entering Ericeira. It is a journey marked by Atlantic scenery, cliffs and a setting closely associated with surfing, especially on the stretch between Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach, Mil Regos Camping Park and the northern entrance to the town.
In Ericeira, the route brings passengers closer to the urban beaches, traditional shops, the Municipal Market and cultural and sports facilities. The journey ends at the Bus Terminal, which serves as a gateway for exploring the town on foot, although some of the best-known sites are just a few minutes’ walk away along the local streets and avenues.
Notice: the distances indicated are approximate and estimated from the supplied coordinates and the location of the stops, and may vary depending on the route actually walked. According to the information provided, the route operates only in the return direction, with one departure on weekdays and no departures on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays. Frequency, fare and operator should be confirmed before traveling.
| Location | Category | Nearest stop/section | Approximate distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach | Beach, surfing and leisure | EN 247 (X) Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach | About 100 meters |
| Ericeira Camping – Mil Regos Camping Park | Camping and outdoor leisure | EN 247 (Camping Park) | About 100 meters |
| São Sebastião Beach | Beach and coastal scenery | São Sebastião Avenue (Pocinhos Square) | About 400 to 500 meters |
| Ericeira Municipal Market | Market and traditional commerce | EN 247 (X) EN 116 (Roundabout) | About 500 to 700 meters |
| Jaime Lobo e Silva Cultural Center | Culture, exhibitions and auditorium | EN 247 (X) EN 116 (Roundabout) | About 400 meters |
| Santa Marta Park | Park, sports and recreation | EN 247 (X) EN 116 (Roundabout) | About 500 meters |
| Fishermen’s Beach | Beach, restaurants and maritime atmosphere | Ericeira (Bus Terminal) P4 | About 1 to 1.5 kilometers |
Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach
Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach is the most emblematic point along the coastal section served by route 2131. Located in a valley open to the Atlantic, the beach combines sand, cliffs, parking, bars and a restaurant, creating a setting that blends appreciation of the landscape with a strong culture of wave sports.
The site is internationally recognized for its surfing and bodyboarding conditions and is part of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve. Even for those who do not plan to go into the sea, it is worth walking down to the beach, watching the surfers and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere near the mouth of the stream.
- 📍 Location: Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach, Ericeira, Mafra.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: EN 247 (X) Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach, about 100 meters away.
- 🏷️ Category: Beach, surfing, bodyboarding, bars and restaurants.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: One of the main waves in the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve and a traditional venue for surfing competitions.
Ericeira Camping – Mil Regos Camping Park
In the area identified by the route itself as “Camping Park,” Ericeira Camping offers an option for those who want to stay close to nature and the coast. The site welcomes campers, caravanners and visitors interested in bungalows, serving as a practical base for exploring the Mafra coast and Ericeira’s beaches.
The location is especially convenient for those who want to combine beach days, surfing and walks through the World Surfing Reserve. The park also maintains a close relationship with the local landscape, with accommodation options ranging from traditional camping to fully equipped units.
- 📍 Location: São Sebastião Avenue, Ericeira, next to the EN 247.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: EN 247 (Camping Park), about 100 meters away.
- 🏷️ Category: Camping park, caravanning and tourist accommodation.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: Proximity to the coast, surfing beaches and one of the most sought-after areas for outdoor activities in Ericeira.
São Sebastião Beach
At the northern entrance to the town, São Sebastião Beach lies beside a small white chapel that gives the site its name. The sandy area is narrow and may be almost entirely covered at high tide, but the beach makes up for this with its cliff setting, access staircase and open views of the Atlantic.
The adjacent urban park provides additional space for walking, recreation and stopping to enjoy the sea view. The area also has a bar and restaurant, making it a good choice for those who want to begin their visit to Ericeira along the coast before heading toward the historic center.
- 📍 Location: São Sebastião Beach, at the northern end of Ericeira.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: São Sebastião Avenue (Pocinhos Square), about 400 to 500 meters away.
- 🏷️ Category: Beach, urban park, bar and restaurant.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: Coastal scenery associated with the São Sebastião Chapel and access via a distinctive Portuguese calçada staircase.
Ericeira Municipal Market
To get to know Ericeira beyond its beaches, the Municipal Market is one of the most interesting stops. The ground floor is home to fishmongers, while the upper floors contain stalls selling groceries, fruit, vegetables, flowers, bread, cured meats and handicrafts.
The market maintains a direct connection with the town’s fishing tradition and is a good place to observe local activity, discover products from the Saloia region and look for ingredients associated with maritime cuisine. It also periodically hosts events such as cooking demonstrations and tastings of local products.
- 📍 Location: Rua do Mercado, no. 22, Ericeira.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: EN 247 (X) EN 116 (Roundabout), about 500 to 700 meters away.
- 🏷️ Category: Municipal market, food retail and handicrafts.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: Fresh fish, seafood, produce, bakery goods and handmade items in a facility connected to the town’s identity.
Jaime Lobo e Silva Cultural Center
Located in the heart of Ericeira, the Jaime Lobo e Silva Cultural Center occupies a building of considerable historic value, associated with former recreational uses and the old Ericeira Casino. Today, the site houses a library, municipal galleries and an auditorium, with a cultural program focused on exhibitions, cinema, music, theater, workshops and family activities.
It is a particularly interesting option on days when the weather is not suitable for the beach or for those who want to discover the town’s cultural side. The building is close to Largo do Jogo da Bola and Fishermen’s Beach, making it possible to combine a cultural visit, an urban walk and a meal in the center.
- 📍 Location: Rua Mendes Leal, Ericeira.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: EN 247 (X) EN 116 (Roundabout), about 400 meters away.
- 🏷️ Category: Cultural center, library, galleries and auditorium.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: Brings together different cultural facilities in a historic building located next to Ericeira’s traditional center.
Santa Marta Park
Santa Marta Park is one of the best choices for those traveling with children, looking for an outdoor break or wanting to take part in a sports activity. The municipal complex includes a playground, green areas, an amphitheater with sea views, a sports court, mini-golf and outdoor fitness equipment.
There are also tennis and padel courts, as well as studios for group classes. The range of facilities makes the park a versatile space, suitable both for a quick stop and for several hours of leisure away from traffic and the heavier activity of the bathing areas.
- 📍 Location: Largo de Santa Marta, Ericeira.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: EN 247 (X) EN 116 (Roundabout), about 500 meters away.
- 🏷️ Category: Urban park, recreation and sports complex.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: Combines green areas, sea views, a playground, mini-golf, outdoor fitness, tennis, padel and an amphitheater.
Fishermen’s Beach
Fishermen’s Beach, also known as Fish Beach, is located in the center of Ericeira and retains a direct connection with the fishing activity that shaped the town’s history. The cove is protected by the seawall and the buildings along the seafront, creating a more sheltered setting than those found at open beaches.
In addition to the sand, the area is surrounded by restaurants and seafood restaurants, making the beach one of the best places to combine a seaside walk with local cuisine. From the Bus Terminal, it can be reached on foot through the town’s streets, with the option of extending the walk into the historic center.
- 📍 Location: Ericeira town center, next to the seafront.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Ericeira (Bus Terminal) P4, about 1 to 1.5 kilometers away.
- 🏷️ Category: Beach, restaurants, seafood restaurants and seafront promenade.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: Central cove connected to the fishing community and surrounded by the town’s most traditional culinary offerings.
With only one return-direction departure on weekdays, route 2131 requires some planning, but it offers a unique journey between Lagoa, Santo Isidoro, Ribeira d’Ilhas and Ericeira. To make the most of the trip, the best strategy is to choose one of the coastal sections in advance — such as Ribeira d’Ilhas or São Sebastião — or continue to the Bus Terminal and follow a walking itinerary covering the market, Santa Marta Park, the Cultural Center and the beaches in the town center.
Sources
- Visit Portugal — Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach
- Ericeira World Surfing Reserve — Wave by wave
- Ericeira Camping — Mil Regos Camping Park
- Mafra Municipal Council — São Sebastião Beach
- Mafra Municipal Council — Ericeira Municipal Market
- Mafra Municipal Council — Jaime Lobo e Silva Cultural Center
- Mafra Municipal Council — Santa Marta Park
- Visit Portugal — Fishermen’s Beach