Guide to Route 2132: from Ericeira to Mafra, with stops highlighting tradition, leisure and heritage
Even with just one departure on weekdays, route 2132 connects two of the main tourist hubs in the municipality of Mafra and passes through places that reveal Saloia culture, Ericeira’s coastal setting and Mafra’s monumental heritage.
The route begins at Ericeira Bus Terminal and follows the EN 116, crossing residential areas and localities such as Lapa da Serra, Romeirão, Mougueta and Sobreiro. The journey is predominantly local, with landscapes transitioning between the Atlantic coast and the municipality’s rural interior.
The most interesting section for those wishing to explore attractions is concentrated in two locations: at the exit from Ericeira, where the terminal allows visitors to walk to the historic center and Santa Marta Park, and upon arrival in Mafra, near the urban center, Municipal Market, Sports Park and the National Palace complex.
Notice: the distances shown are approximate and estimated from the coordinates provided for the route and the locations of the places consulted; the walking route may be longer. Route 2132 has one departure in the Ericeira–Mafra direction on weekdays only, and no departures are listed in the return direction on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays. The fare and operator were not provided in the available data.
| Location | Category | Nearest stop/section | Approximate distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historic center and Praça da República of Ericeira | Shopping, dining and strolling | Ericeira (Bus Terminal) P1 | 1.1 km |
| Santa Marta Park | Park and leisure | Ericeira (Bus Terminal) P1 | 1.0 km |
| José Franco Typical Village | Cultural attraction and handicrafts | EN 116 (Camping Park) | 0.1 km |
| Mafra Municipal Sports Park | Sports and outdoor leisure | R Prof Guilherme de Assunção 22 | 0.6 km |
| Mafra Municipal Market | Market and dining | Mafra (Terminal) P2 | 0.8 km |
| National Palace of Mafra | Heritage and cultural tourism | Mafra (Terminal) P2 | 0.9 km |
| Cerco Garden | Historic garden and strolling | Mafra (Terminal) P2 | 0.9 km |
Historic center and Praça da República of Ericeira
For those boarding at Ericeira Bus Terminal, the historic center is the best extension to the outing before or after the journey. Praça da República, also known as Largo do Jogo da Bola, serves as one of the village’s main meeting points, surrounded by pedestrian streets, cafés, pastry shops, stores, galleries and restaurants.
The atmosphere combines traditional architecture, shops serving residents and visitors, and the maritime character that has made Ericeira one of the best-known destinations on the Lisbon coast. It is an ideal area for an unhurried walk, finding an outdoor table or following the old streets toward the viewpoints and the Atlantic waterfront.
- 📍 Location: Praça da República, Ericeira.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Ericeira (Bus Terminal) P1, approximately 1.1 km.
- 🏷️ Category: Historic center, shopping, dining and strolling.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: a concentration of cafés, stores and cultural spaces in one of the village’s most traditional areas.
Santa Marta Park
Santa Marta Park is a leisure option for those looking for a green space close to Ericeira’s urban core. The complex includes landscaped areas, a children’s playground, a skating rink and outdoor recreation areas, providing a more peaceful break after exploring the village center.
The park caters to a range of visitors: families can enjoy the recreational facilities, while solo travelers can find a place to rest and observe local life. Its proximity to the historic area also makes it possible to combine the outing with Ericeira’s cafés, stores and restaurants.
- 📍 Location: Largo de Santa Marta, Ericeira.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Ericeira (Bus Terminal) P1, approximately 1.0 km.
- 🏷️ Category: Urban park and family leisure.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: green spaces, recreational facilities and a skating rink in an area close to the center.
José Franco Typical Village
Located in Sobreiro, practically alongside the EN 116, the José Franco Typical Village is the stop most directly associated with a tourist attraction along route 2132. The site recreates a traditional Saloia village with workshops, stores, mills, chapels, grocery shops and other references to rural life in the region.
The visit also highlights pottery, a craft connected to local history and to José Franco’s own career. Attractions include miniatures, areas for children, an old wine cellar and a bakery known for its chouriço bread. It is especially interesting for families and for anyone wishing to see a concentrated representation of the customs of the municipality of Mafra.
- 📍 Location: Estrada Nacional 116, no. 34, Sobreiro, Mafra.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: EN 116 (Camping Park), approximately 0.1 km.
- 🏷️ Category: Open-air museum, popular culture, handicrafts and leisure.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: combines memories of Saloia life, pottery tradition, miniatures, children’s areas and regional cuisine.
Mafra Municipal Sports Park
As the route approaches Mafra, the Municipal Sports Park offers an alternative for those who prefer outdoor activities. Located on a former manor estate, the site preserves historic elements such as chapels, a summerhouse and other structures associated with the former Quinta dos Marqueses de Ponte de Lima.
In addition to the heritage integrated into the area, the park has walking paths, a cycle path and sports facilities. Admission is free, making it a good choice for a walk, a break between activities or an informal family outing.
- 📍 Location: Avenida Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, Mafra.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: R Prof Guilherme de Assunção 22, approximately 0.6 km.
- 🏷️ Category: Sports park, green space and leisure.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: combines facilities for physical activity with historic remnants and an extensive green area.
Mafra Municipal Market
Mafra Municipal Market is a recommended stop for those who enjoy discovering local produce and observing the town’s commercial routine. Renovated to promote regional products, the market brings together sales stalls and spaces connected with food and dining.
The building also has a bar and café area, as well as an upper-floor terrace overlooking the Royal Building of Mafra. The market can therefore serve both as a shopping destination and as a place to stop for coffee or a light meal before continuing through the historic center.
- 📍 Location: Rua José Elias Garcia, Mafra.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Mafra (Terminal) P2, approximately 0.8 km.
- 🏷️ Category: Market, local shopping and dining.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: brings together market products, regional culinary specialties, a café and a terrace with a view of the palace.
National Palace of Mafra
The National Palace of Mafra is the major cultural highlight at the route’s final destination. The monumental Baroque complex includes a palace, basilica, convent and library, forming one of Portugal’s most important historic heritage sites and one of the town’s most recognizable symbols.
A visit allows visitors to explore spaces connected with the Portuguese monarchy, the former Franciscan convent and the historic library, renowned for the size and value of its collection. Its location at Terreiro D. João V makes it easy to combine with Cerco Garden, restaurants and other sites in central Mafra.
- 📍 Location: Terreiro D. João V, Mafra.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Mafra (Terminal) P2, approximately 0.9 km.
- 🏷️ Category: Monument, museum, basilica and cultural heritage.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: a Baroque monumental complex associated with the basilica, library and history of the Portuguese monarchy.
Cerco Garden
Next to the National Palace of Mafra, Cerco Garden offers a change of pace: the building’s monumental scale gives way to an eight-hectare space marked by paths, trees, ponds, waterfalls and shaded areas.
The Baroque garden preserves a centuries-old waterwheel, the Friars’ Garden and the Aromatic Herb Garden, which features species used for medicinal and culinary purposes. With free admission, it is one of the best options for rounding off a visit to the palace with an outdoor walk.
- 📍 Location: Largo General Humberto Delgado, Mafra.
- 🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Mafra (Terminal) P2, approximately 0.9 km.
- 🏷️ Category: Historic garden, park and cultural walk.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Baroque layout, ponds, working waterwheel, historic garden and direct connection to the National Palace of Mafra.
To make the most of route 2132, careful planning is necessary: the available data indicates only one departure in the Ericeira–Mafra direction on weekdays and no listed departure for the return journey. Even so, the route is useful for connecting the coastal village, the José Franco Typical Village and Mafra’s historic center, with attractions accessible from the terminal or via short walks from the final stops.
Sources
- Mafra Municipal Council — José Franco Typical Village
- Mafra Municipal Council — Santa Marta Park
- Mafra Municipal Council — Municipal Sports Park
- Mafra Municipal Council — Cerco Garden
- Portugal Culture — National Palace of Mafra
- Mafra Municipal Council — Mafra Municipal Market
- Mafra Municipal Council — Ericeira Tourist Office and World Surfing Reserve Interpretation Center