July 16, 2026, by Maartje

The best of Ericeira, Portugal

General
July 16, 2026, by Maartje

The best of Ericeira, Portugal

Casa Quintas is the home of the Dutch Jord & ArankaA few years ago, the couple traded their busy life in the Netherlands for the Portuguese coast and the Portuguese countryside: Ericeira became their new base and the coastal town is having a moment, as they put it so nicely. One cool spot after another is popping up in the quintessential surf city and Casa Quintas has been the place to stay for ages (and now more than ever). Jord & Aranka transformed their casa from an old farm to a warm place where guests feel right at home. And us? Naturally, we grilled them about their favorite spots in and around the beautiful (and very nice) Ericeira. Their favorite beaches, restaurants, wineries, and hidden spots in the area—exactly as they would with our friends!

Ericeira

Ericeira

Most people know Ericeira for surfing, and that is indeed true, but five minutes outside the village begins a completely different Portugal!

Jord & Aranka: We live among vineyards, small family businesses, hidden beaches, and winding country lanes where you encounter a tractor more often than a tourist. This is how we spend our ideal days. Our The menagerie around the guesthouse is a hit! And the addition of the horses, not so long ago, certainly creates a very idyllic scene. We are fans, and our guests, as we hear constantly, are no less so.

Beaches nearby

Beaches nearby

Of course, there are the many surf spots on and around Ribeira d´IlhasBut many of the most beautiful beaches lie hidden beneath the cliffs like Praia da Calada of St. Lawrence.

Jord & Aranka: And for the most beautiful sunset, we are definitely going to Praia da Calada!

Aranka: “What not many people know is that our region has a surprising amount of wine. Besides the larger commercial wineries (such as Manzwine or Quinta da Almiara), local wine is produced literally next to us (by our neighbors): Ouriceira Wines".

For the foodies

For the foodies

Can you eat more deliciously pure food anywhere than in Portugal? Probably not… Fresh grilled fish on your plate, nothing more than a potato and some oil is the best you can get. Near Casa Quinats, there is plenty of that.
Jord & Aranka: "You eat the best grilled fish at Mar d´Areia. We came here for the first time 12 years ago and everything is still exactly the same as it was back then – lovely!
For a delicious dinner (food and wine!) with a beautiful sunset, we send everyone to Tanning in Santa Cruz where you eat on the beach. A favorite! And for a fantastic shared dinner are you going to Costa Fria in Ericeira. Here too, a very beautiful view of the ocean. A picture-perfect holiday.

Aranka: From us, you are so close to Lisbon, for lots of hotspots and things to do, but here you feel completely surrounded by peace and the countryside. Best of both worlds. 

An evening of live music with that typical surfer vibe you will find at Boardriders and then you eat the best pizza at Bocca or sourdough pizza with Secret Oven.

Furthermore, you certainly shouldn't skip the dinner evening(s) at our place, Casa Quintas, if only because it is for Jord. Famous pulled chicken! The breakfasts at our place are also a hit, see the reviews ;). And Aranka’s cake recipes are regularly requested for home... Just saying.”

Getting married at Casa Quintas

Getting married at Casa Quintas

Jord and Aranka are very modest about it themselves, so we’ll tell you: their Casa Quintas is also an amazing wedding venue! You can rent the entire place, and Jord and Aranka are tasteful organizers through and through. And so a picture-perfect vacation becomes a picture-perfect wedding… To be continued, no doubt!

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