The cobbled staircase that leads to Praia de São Sebastião
Despite its central location, this beach is never too crowded. It has no lifeguard supervision or any facilities. It’s accessed through a cobbled staircase that descends a cliff, and is frequented by surfers, bodyboarders and the occasional fisherman. Its long but narrow stretch of sand almost completely disappears at high tide.
The usually-deserted Praia de São Sebastião
It was named after the Chapel of St. Sebastian standing above it, and a few feet from the staircase is a tile panel reminding visitors that “Ericeira was the Kingdom’s fourth port after those of Lisbon, Porto and Setúbal. Ericeira’s commercial boats, named ‘rascas,’ measured 20 meters in length, had 3 masts and 4 sails, and headed to Brazil, which had a community of people from Ericeira.”
Beach for: Couples, Surfers
Lifeguards: No
Bathrooms: No
Showers: No
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: No
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia de São Sebastião
São Sebastião Beach is just down the main road, the N247 or Avenida São Sebastião. It’s to the north of the center, and within walking distance of almost anywhere in town. If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot above it. For its exact location, see the Ericeira beaches map.
Hotels by Praia de São Sebastião
Facing the Chapel of St. Sebastian, just above the beach, this hostel is for surfers but, naturally, all kinds of guests are welcome. There are dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms, some of them with ocean views. It offers surfing equipment, plus a living room and a kitchen to prepare meals.