Guide to Route 2133: from Ericeira to the National Palace of Mafra, with stops between beaches, history, and leisure

With a single departure on weekdays, route 2133 connects the Ericeira Bus Terminal to Terreiro D. João V in Mafra, passing through Carvoeira and some of the municipality's main natural, cultural, and leisure attractions.

The route begins in Ericeira's coastal setting and continues along local roads toward Foz do Lizandro, crossing the parish of Carvoeira and small rural localities such as Gonçalvinhos and Casa Geraldes. It is a transitional journey: it leaves behind the tourist and commercial activity of the coastal town, follows valleys and agricultural areas, and reaches Mafra's monumental center.

In its final section, the route runs along Avenida Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, passes the Municipal Sports Park, and ends beside the complex formed by the National Palace of Mafra, Jardim do Cerco, and other cultural facilities in the historic center. For those who can plan their journey around the timetable, route 2133 serves as a scenic connection between the coast and Mafra's historic heritage.

Attention: the distances shown are approximate and estimated from the coordinates provided for the route and the locations of the places consulted. According to the information provided, the route has one departure in the Ericeira–Mafra direction on weekdays and no departures on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays; no return departures are listed either. Frequency, fare, and operator should be confirmed before traveling.

Location	Category	Nearest stop/section	Approximate distance
Praia da Foz do Lizandro	Beach, surfing, and leisure	EN 247 6, beside the access road to Foz do Lizandro	About 400 meters
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Ó	Religious heritage	EN 247, beside the church, in Carvoeira	About 100 to 300 meters
Municipal Sports Park of Mafra	Outdoor sports and leisure	Av. Francisco Sá Carneiro, beside the sports park	About 100 to 300 meters
Quinta da Raposa Cultural Complex and CIVIMafra	Culture and local history	Quinta Raposa Cultural Complex	About 100 meters
Municipal Market of Mafra	Market and gastronomy	Final section, between Mafra Bus Terminal and Terreiro D. João V	About 300 to 500 meters
Jardim do Cerco	Historic park and Baroque garden	Terreiro D. João V, beside the palace	About 200 meters
Palácio Nacional de Mafra	Monument, museum, and world heritage	Terreiro D. João V, PALACIO stop	About 100 meters

Praia da Foz do Lizandro

The first major highlight of the route appears while it is still in the coastal section. Praia da Foz do Lizandro is located at the mouth of the river of the same name and combines a sandy beach, a bathing environment, and a landscape shaped by the meeting of the watercourse and the Atlantic. It is one of the best-known beaches around Ericeira and attracts surfers and bodyboarders throughout the year.

In addition to the waves, the area is popular with families, especially in the zones where the river forms small lagoons and calmer stretches of water. The beach also has bars and restaurants, parking, showers, and accessibility facilities, making it a versatile option for spending a few hours by the sea.

📍 Location: Foz do Lizandro, parish of Carvoeira, municipality of Mafra.
🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: EN 247 6, beside the access road to Foz do Lizandro; about 400 meters.
🏷️ Category: Beach, surfing, bodyboarding, and leisure.
⭐ Distinguishing feature: River-mouth scenery with bathing facilities and good conditions for wave sports.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Ó

When passing through Carvoeira, route 2133 reaches one of the more discreet historic points of interest along the journey: Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Ó, also associated with the name Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Ó ou do Porto. The church is connected to local history and is located near the Cheleiros stream, in a setting that contrasts with the tourist activity of Ericeira.

The stop identified in the itinerary as “EN 247 (Igreja) (Carvoeira)” makes this an especially interesting place for anyone wishing to take a brief cultural break during the journey. As it is an active religious site, visitors are advised to respect services, worship times, and the church's visiting rules.

📍 Location: Carvoeira, municipality of Mafra, near the Cheleiros stream.
🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: EN 247, stop identified as Igreja; about 100 to 300 meters.
🏷️ Category: Church and religious-historic heritage.
⭐ Distinguishing feature: One of Carvoeira's historic landmarks, set in a rural riverside area.

Municipal Sports Park of Mafra

At the entrance to Mafra, the Municipal Sports Park offers an outdoor leisure option for those who prefer physical activities, walks, and green spaces. The facility occupies the grounds of the former Quinta dos Marqueses de Ponte de Lima, preserving elements connected to the former estate, such as the manor house, Casa de Fresco, and chapels.

The park contains sports facilities, walking paths, and an extensive green area. Several entrances make it easy to reach on foot from the stops on Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro, and the site can serve both as a destination for sports activities and as a peaceful break before continuing to the historic center.

📍 Location: Mafra, beside Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro and the former Quinta dos Marqueses de Ponte de Lima.
🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Av. Francisco Sá Carneiro, “Pq Desportivo” stop; about 100 to 300 meters.
🏷️ Category: Sports park, green area, and leisure.
⭐ Distinguishing feature: Combines contemporary sports facilities with historic remains and walking paths.

Quinta da Raposa Cultural Complex and CIVIMafra

The Quinta da Raposa Cultural Complex is one of the most interesting stops for anyone who wants to understand Mafra beyond its famous palace. Housed in a former historic complex in the town, the venue hosts cultural activities and the Mafra Town Interpretation Center, known as CIVIMafra.

CIVIMafra presents information about the town's development, its communities, and its local heritage, highlighting the relationship between Mafra and the Royal Building of Mafra. The facility also hosts exhibitions, lectures, colloquia, and guided tours. Admission is free, but opening arrangements may vary according to the program and public holidays.

📍 Location: Largo Coronel Brito Gorjão, Mafra.
🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Quinta Raposa Cultural Complex; about 100 meters.
🏷️ Category: Cultural center, historical interpretation, and museology.
⭐ Distinguishing feature: Helps put the history of the town and Mafra's heritage into context before or after visiting the palace.

Municipal Market of Mafra

For a stop with local flavor, the Municipal Market of Mafra is a practical choice in the town center. The market has stalls selling vegetables, fruit, fish, flowers, cheese, bread, cured meats, and other products associated with regional production, including the traditional Mafra bread.

The market also has a restaurant and bar area, with a terrace on the upper floor and views of the Royal Building of Mafra. It is a good option for having a coffee, buying regional products, or enjoying an informal meal before exploring the monumental complex. The market is closed on Mondays, and opening hours may change depending on the time of year.

📍 Location: Rua José Elias Garcia, Mafra town center.
🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Section between Mafra Bus Terminal and Terreiro D. João V; about 300 to 500 meters.
🏷️ Category: Municipal market, local commerce, and gastronomy.
⭐ Distinguishing feature: Combines fresh products and regional specialties with dining options and views of the palace.

Jardim do Cerco

Upon reaching Terreiro D. João V, travelers will find Jardim do Cerco, one of the most pleasant places to extend a visit to Mafra. The Baroque garden serves as a transition between the palace's monumentality and the green landscape of Tapada Real, with broad paths, trees, pools, and shady corners.

Among its most notable features are the centuries-old waterwheel, Horta dos Frades, beds of aromatic plants, and areas intended for rest. Admission is free, making the garden an accessible option for anyone wishing to walk, take photographs, or simply slow down after the bus journey.

📍 Location: Largo General Humberto Delgado, beside the National Palace of Mafra.
🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Terreiro D. João V, PALACIO stop; about 200 meters.
🏷️ Category: Historic garden, urban park, and leisure.
⭐ Distinguishing feature: Free-entry Baroque garden with a centuries-old waterwheel, pools, and a visual connection to Mafra's monumental complex.

Palácio Nacional de Mafra

The highlight of route 2133 is the National Palace of Mafra, on Terreiro D. João V. The complex comprises a royal palace, basilica, and convent and is considered one of the greatest expressions of Portuguese Baroque architecture. Since 2019, the Royal Building of Mafra has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

A visit reveals an impressive scale, with salons, art collections, convent spaces, the historic infirmary, and the Rococo-style library. The tower carillons and the basilica's set of six historic organs are also noteworthy. The palace is normally closed on Tuesdays, and opening hours, access arrangements, and any restrictions should be checked before traveling.

📍 Location: Terreiro D. João V, Mafra.
🚏 Nearest stop/section of the route and approximate distance: Terreiro D. João V, “PALACIO” stop; about 100 meters.
🏷️ Category: Monument, museum, basilica, and world heritage.
⭐ Distinguishing feature: A monumental Baroque complex with a historic library, carillons, organs, and multiple areas open to visitors.

With route 2133, it is possible to travel directly between Ericeira, Foz do Lizandro, Carvoeira, and Mafra's historic center. The route lends itself to a one-way outing: begin by the sea, explore the coastal and rural landscapes, and finish among gardens, the market, cultural facilities, and the National Palace of Mafra. Since there is only one weekday departure and no return service is listed, it is best to confirm the timetable in advance and plan the return using another route or means of transport.

Guide to Route 2133: from Ericeira to the National Palace of Mafra, with stops between beaches, history, and leisure