2905 Line Guide: beaches, surfing, and the best of Ericeira between Aranha and the bus terminal

2905 Line Guide: beaches, surfing, and the best of Ericeira between Aranha and the bus terminal

Line 2905 travels through coastal localities in the municipalities of Torres Vedras and Mafra, bringing passengers closer to iconic beaches, parks, campsites, markets, and Ericeira’s historic center.

Starting at Aranha (Rotunda), the route runs through rural areas and small localities such as Escravilheira, Casais da Areia, Assenta, Barril, and Calada before reaching the Mafra coast. It is a route marked by national roads, agricultural fields, scattered villages, and access points to Atlantic coves.

In the section closest to the coast, the line passes landmarks such as Calada Beach, São Lourenço, Ribeira d’Ilhas, Mil Regos, and Ericeira Camping. As it approaches the terminal, passengers enter the urban area of Ericeira, with access to shops, cultural spaces, central beaches, and the village’s food scene.

The route also serves as an interesting alternative for those wishing to combine travel between Torres Vedras and Mafra with leisure outings. The landscape changes gradually, from inland villages to the cliffs, beaches, and white streets of Ericeira, internationally known for its World Surfing Reserve.

Notice: the distances shown are approximate and were estimated from the coordinates provided for the route and the locations of the confirmed establishments and attractions. The line has 3 departures in the Aranha–Ericeira direction and 4 in the Ericeira–Aranha direction on weekdays; on Saturdays, there are 2 departures in each direction; on Sundays and public holidays, there is no service. The fare and operator were not provided in the available data.

Calada Beach

The En 247 (X) Praia da Calada stop is one of the route’s best reference points for those looking for a break by the sea. The beach is nestled between high cliffs, which help protect the sand from the winds and create a more secluded landscape than Ericeira’s urban beaches.

The site has parking, a viewpoint, a bar, and a restaurant, as well as conditions for activities such as surfing, bodyboarding, and diving. The beach is also recognized for its accessibility features and its setting, which is favorable for watching the sunset over the Atlantic.

• 📍 Location: Calada Beach, parish of Encarnação, municipality of Mafra.
• 🚏 Closest line stop/section and approximate distance: En 247 (X) Praia da Calada, about 100 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, leisure, and water sports.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A cove sheltered by cliffs, with a viewpoint, beach facilities, and scenery that is especially appealing in the late afternoon.

São Lourenço Beach

The section between the En 247 (X) S Lourenço stop and the nearby São Lourenço references leads to one of the most dramatic landscapes on the Mafra coast. The beach lies in a valley bordered by cliffs, with an extensive sandy area and the mouth of the Safarujo River completing the scenery.

In addition to its natural beauty, São Lourenço is part of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve and attracts surfers and stand-up paddleboarders. During the bathing season, there are beach facilities, changing rooms, restrooms, a bar with outdoor seating, walkways, and lifeguard supervision. For those who simply prefer to take in the view, the cliffs and open horizon provide a good setting for short walks and photography.

• 📍 Location: São Lourenço Beach, between Ribamar and São Lourenço, municipality of Mafra.
• 🚏 Closest line stop/section and approximate distance: En 247 (X) S Lourenço, about 300 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, nature, and surfing.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A broad coastal valley, striking cliffs, bathing facilities, and waves within the World Surfing Reserve.

Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach

Between the En 247 (X) Praia R Ilhas stop and the sections of Estrada da Ribeira d’Ilhas lies one of the route’s main attractions. Ribeira d’Ilhas is considered the “showcase” of Portuguese surfing and hosts national and international competitions in a natural amphitheater formed by the valley, the stream, and the cliffs.

The beach offers a parking area, beach facilities, changing rooms, restrooms, a restaurant-bar with outdoor seating, spaces for surf schools, showers, and access walkways. Even for those who do not practice board sports, the site is worthwhile for its scenery, views of the waves, and the opportunity to watch the surfers from the upper area.

• 📍 Location: Ribeira d’Ilhas, northern coast of Ericeira, municipality of Mafra.
• 🚏 Closest line stop/section and approximate distance: En 247 (X) Praia R Ilhas, about 400 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, surfing, food, and outdoor leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: An internationally renowned wave, an amphitheater-like setting, and facilities for bathers and surfers.

Ericeira Camping – Mil Regos

The En 247 (Mil Regos) and En 247 (Parque Campismo) stops directly serve the Ericeira Camping area, formerly Mil Regos Campsite. It is an option for camping, caravanning, and motorhome travel, with bungalows and facilities intended for those wishing to stay longer by the coast.

The campsite includes restrooms, parking, wireless internet, a common room, a picnic area, barbecue facilities, and a service station for motorhomes. Its location also facilitates access to Empa Beach, which is just a short distance away on the other side of National Road 247.

• 📍 Location: Avenida de São Sebastião, Mil Regos area, Ericeira.
• 🚏 Closest line stop/section and approximate distance: En 247 (Mil Regos) and En 247 (Parque Campismo), between 100 and 300 meters.
• 🏷️ Category: Camping, caravanning, and nature tourism.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Proximity to the sea, bungalows, and immediate access to Empa Beach and Ericeira’s coastal area.

Empa Beach

Directly opposite the Ericeira Camping area is the small Empa Beach, accessible from the section identified as En 247 (Parque Campismo). It is a more intimate beach, especially interesting at low tide, when rocks and small pools emerge between the sandy areas.

Empa is also connected to the region’s surfing culture: the Pedra Branca and Reef waves, which are part of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve, are located in front of the beach. As this is not a supervised bathing beach, it is important to observe sea conditions and follow local signage.

• 📍 Location: Empa Beach, next to the Mil Regos area, Ericeira.
• 🚏 Closest line stop/section and approximate distance: En 247 (Parque Campismo), about 200 to 400 meters away.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, nature, and bodyboarding.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Easy access from the campsite and the presence of important waves within the World Surfing Reserve.

São Sebastião Beach and Urban Park

As the line approaches Ericeira, the Av São Sebastião (Lgo Pocinhos) stop is a good choice for exploring the northern end of the village. São Sebastião Beach is protected by the chapel of the same name and is reached by a Portuguese-pavement staircase, in a coastal section that combines the sea, rocks, and traditional houses.

The sandy area is narrow and may be almost completely covered at high tide, but the surroundings make up for it with the adjacent urban park, parking, a bar with outdoor seating, and a maintenance and recreation area. The beach is neither equipped for bathing nor supervised, while the park provides a place to rest before continuing the walk through central Ericeira.

• 📍 Location: São Sebastião Beach, northern end of Ericeira village.
• 🚏 Closest line stop/section and approximate distance: Av São Sebastião (Lgo Pocinhos), between 400 and 600 meters.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, urban park, and leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A combination of chapel, coastal beach, urban park, and views over the village’s northern coastline.

Ericeira Municipal Market

Passengers getting off at Ericeira (Terminal Rodoviário) P4 can walk to Ericeira Municipal Market, one of the best places to discover the village’s relationship with fishing and the products of the Saloia region. The market operates on different floors and has stalls selling fresh fish and seafood, as well as fruit, vegetables, flowers, bakeries, groceries, handicrafts, and other local products.

The space is particularly interesting early in the day, when activity at the stalls reveals the daily life of the fishing village. Regular activities, such as cooking demonstrations and tastings, are also held. For those arriving by bus and wishing to plan a food-focused itinerary, the market is a practical starting point for a visit to the center.

• 📍 Location: Rua do Mercado, no. 22, Ericeira.
• 🚏 Closest line stop/section and approximate distance: Ericeira (Terminal Rodoviário) P4, between 1 and 1.3 kilometers.
• 🏷️ Category: Market, local commerce, and food.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Fresh fish and seafood, agricultural products, bakeries, flowers, handicrafts, and regular food-related programming.

Santa Marta Park

Santa Marta Park is one of the most comprehensive urban leisure options near the terminal. The space includes green areas, a children’s playground, a skating rink, mini-golf, outdoor fitness equipment, tennis and padel courts, and an amphitheater overlooking the sea.

The park also contains less common features, such as an old mine open to visitors and spaces prepared for cultural activities and open-air performances. It is a versatile choice for families, sports enthusiasts, or anyone wishing to relax in a landscaped area before continuing to Ericeira’s historic center and beaches.

• 📍 Location: Largo de Santa Marta, Ericeira.
• 🚏 Closest line stop/section and approximate distance: R Rego (Escola) or R do Mirante, between 1.3 and 1.6 kilometers.
• 🏷️ Category: Park, sports, recreation, and entertainment.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A combination of green areas, sports facilities, mini-golf, a mine open to visitors, and an amphitheater overlooking the ocean.

Republic Square and World Surfing Reserve Interpretation Center

The line’s final section allows passengers to reach the heart of Ericeira, where Republic Square, also known as Largo do Jogo da Bola, serves as one of the village’s main landmarks. The area is surrounded by narrow streets, traditional buildings, cafés, restaurants, shops, and paths leading to the historic center and urban beaches.

Ericeira’s Tourist Office and the World Surfing Reserve Interpretation Center are located in the square itself. The center helps visitors understand the importance of the region’s waves, beaches, and surfing culture, making it a good first stop for those arriving without a set itinerary.

• 📍 Location: Republic Square, no. 17, Ericeira.
• 🚏 Closest line stop/section and approximate distance: R Rego (Escola) or R do Mirante, between 1.1 and 1.4 kilometers.
• 🏷️ Category: Historic center, culture, tourism, and food.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A central square surrounded by shops, cafés, and restaurants, with a tourist office and a center dedicated to the World Surfing Reserve.

Line 2905 is particularly useful for those wishing to turn regional travel into a coastal outing. In the Ericeira direction, the stops along National Road 247 provide access to beaches and camping areas; at the terminal, passengers can continue on foot to the market, Santa Marta Park, Republic Square, and the historic center. Since there are few departures and no service on Sundays or public holidays, it is worth checking the selected timetable in advance and planning the return for the same day.

Sources

• Mafra Municipal Council – Ribeira d’Ilhas
• Mafra Municipal Council – São Sebastião Beach
• Mafra Municipal Council – Empa Beach
• VisitPortugal – Calada Beach
• Mafra Municipal Council – Ericeira Municipal Market
• Mafra Municipal Council – Santa Marta Park
• Mafra Municipal Council – Tourist Office and World Surfing Reserve Interpretation Center
• Ericeira Camping – Useful information