Best things to do in Mafra and Ericeira | Portugal

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In Mafra, you’ll discover impressive landmarks like the National Palace, surf-friendly beaches along the Ericeira coast, charming villages, and historic forts that once defended Portugal during the French Invasions. It’s a well-rounded destination just a short drive from Lisbon, packed with sights worth exploring.

Don’t just stick to the obvious—Mafra is a place to spend several days. In this post, you’ll find a detailed guide to the municipality and its top attractions.

Where is Mafra and Ericeira located, in Portugal?

Mafra is located about 40 km from Lisbon, along Portugal’s western coast. It borders the municipalities of Torres Vedras, Sobral de Monte Agraço, Arruda dos Vinhos, Loures, and Sintra.

Ericeira is a seaside town within the municipality of Mafra, perched right on the coast. If it weren’t for the grandeur of the National Palace, Ericeira would undoubtedly be the star of the region!

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How to Get to Mafra and Ericeira?

You can reach Mafra by taking a Carris Metropolitana bus from Lisbon (Campo Grande terminal). The same route will also take you directly to Ericeira.

If you’re planning to explore the inland areas of the municipality, having a car is essential. If you don’t have your own vehicle, consider renting one through Discover Cars—it’s a convenient option to make the most of your trip.

When to Visit Mafra and Ericeira?

Mafra is a year-round destination, but the beaches are especially appealing in the summer—especially for non-surfers—when the weather is perfect for a swim or simply soaking up the sun. Summer is also festival season, with the highlight being the Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem Festival, a lively 10-day celebration.

Gastronomia e Restaurantes ao visitar Mafra e a Ericeira

When it comes to food, seafood is always a safe (and delicious) bet in this region. 🐟 Try local specialties like Ericeira lobster, ray, sardines, sea urchins, and goose barnacles (percebes).

Don’t miss out on the famous Pão de Mafra (a rustic local bread), and for dessert, treat yourself to the traditional Trouxas da Malveira, a regional pastry.

Recommended Restaurants:

• In Mafra: João da Vila Velha, Adega do Convento
• In Ericeira: Marisqueira Furnas, Esplanada Furnas, Estrela do Mar

Where to Stay When Visiting Mafra and Ericeira?

Honestly, I recommend staying in Ericeira or somewhere along the coast. It’s where you’ll find the best atmosphere, especially if you’re looking to enjoy the beachside vibe.

Below, I’ve listed a few of my favorite coastal stays in the Mafra area.
Of course, you can also do your own research by clicking the blue button—there are plenty of great accommodation options throughout the region!

Best things to do in Mafra and Ericeira

Finally, what to visit, see, and do in Mafra and Ericeira. Divide your time in this municipality into the following regions:

• The center of Mafra
• The center of Ericeira and the best beaches of Ericeira
• The Socorro and Archeira Hills (Enxara do Bispo)
• And also Malveira and Venda do Pinheiro

Map with all places to visit in Mafra

Exploring Mafra Town Center

No trip to Mafra is complete without visiting the incredible National Palace of Mafra—a grand complex that includes a royal palace, a convent, a basilica, a garden, and a vast park. It’s Portugal’s largest monument, spanning over 1,200 hectares, commissioned by King João V between 1717 and 1730.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its stunning library, one of the most beautiful in the country, housing around 30,000 volumes. The basilica is equally awe-inspiring, and wandering through the ancient royal chambers is an unforgettable experience. The entire complex is a true masterpiece.

Adjacent to the palace, you’ll find the exquisite Jardim do Cerco, a garden inspired by Versailles. How about a leisurely stroll through its woods or a relaxing picnic in its charming picnic area?

1. Square Dom João V and National Palace of Mafra

2. Basilica of the National Palace of Mafra

3. Royal palace of Mafra

4. Library of the National Palace of Mafra

5. Jardim do Cerco

6. Rua Serpa Pinto

After visiting the National Palace of Mafra and the Jardim do Cerco, explore the rest of this charming Portuguese town by strolling down Rua Serpa Pinto. This street runs directly in front of the basilica’s doors, starting from Praça da República.

Along the way, you’ll notice vibrant urban art murals and the Quinta da Raposa Cultural Complex. Continue your walk until you reach the Church of Santo André, built during the reign of King Dinis in the 14th century.

A fascinating tidbit: near the Church of Santo André stands the Palace of the Marquises of Ponte de Lima, constructed atop the foundations of the old Mafra castle and medieval palace. It’s said that King João V stayed here whenever he traveled to Mafra to inspect the progress of the National Palace’s construction.

7. Cultural Complex of Quinta da Raposa

8. Church of Santo André

9. Mafra Municipal Sports Park

Close to the Church of Santo André, you’ll also find a viewpoint overlooking the Mafra Municipal Sports Park. This park is situated on the site of the former Quinta dos Marqueses de Ponte de Lima. Beyond its sports facilities, it’s a beautiful green space perfect for relaxing and enjoyable walks, featuring lush lawns and peaceful surroundings.

10. Mafra Pillory

On your way back to the National Palace of Mafra, be sure to stop by the Baroque 18th-century Pillory. Then continue along Rua José Elias Garcia, passing by the Mafra Municipal Library and the Municipal Market.

11. Municipal Library and Market of Mafra

Visiting the Best Beaches of Ericeira / Mafra

Mafra’s coastline is the municipality’s second greatest treasure, right after the National Palace. The best beaches in Ericeira along this coast are a must-visit—every single one! Here’s a quick list, but be sure to check out a more detailed article on this blog.

These beaches are fantastic for waves and perfect for surfing. Did you know Ericeira is recognized as a World Surfing Reserve? It was the second reserve ever designated worldwide and the first in Europe.

1. São Julião Beach

2. Foz do Lizandro Beach

3. Baleia Beach (or south beach of Ericeira)

4. Fishermen’s Beach

5. Algodio Beach (or north beach of Ericeira)

6. São Sebastião Beach

7. Matadouro Beach

8. Empa / Pedra Branca / Reef Beaches

9. Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach

10. Coxos Beach

11. São Lourenço Beach

12. Calada Beach

13. Porto Barril Beach

Exploring the Center of Ericeira

The heart of Ericeira is just as charming as its coastline and definitely worth exploring. Here are some of the main highlights:

• Praça da República, home to the World Surfing Reserve Interpretation Center, where you can learn what makes the local waves so unique and globally recognized.
• Rua Mendes Leal, featuring the Jaime Lobo e Silva Cultural Center (also the municipal library) and the Orlando Morais Art Gallery.
• Rua do Norte, perfect for a scenic walk through traditional streets.
• Historic churches and chapels, including Santa Marta Church, Chapel of Our Lady of Good Voyage, Church of Mercy, St. Peter’s Church, and the Hermitage of St. Sebastian.
• Ericeira’s Municipal Market and the beautiful nearby Dolphin Fountain.
• The 16th-century Ericeira Pillory.
• Fort of Our Lady of Natividade, also known as the Ericeira Fort.
• The Furnas area and the Pico do Futuro viewpoint.

And of course, don’t miss the three beaches located right in the center of Ericeira—perfect for a swim, a surf session, or simply soaking up the local vibe.

1. Praça da República in Ericeira

2. World Surfing Reserve Interpretation Center

3. Orlando Morais Gallery and Municipal Library

4. Santa Marta Church and Park

5. Furnas area and Pico do Futuro

6. Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem

7. Fort of Nossa Senhora da Natividade

8. Chapel of São Sebastião

9. Urban Park of São Sebastião

10. Rua do Norte in Ericeira

11. Church of São Pedro

12. Ericeira Pillory

13. Church of Misericórdia in Ericeira

14. Dolphin Fountain

15. Municipal Market of Ericeira

Visiting Malveira and Venda do Pinheiro

If you’re passing through Malveira, a stop at the Fábrica das Trouxas is a must—don’t miss the chance to taste this delicious local pastry! 😉 Honestly, there isn’t much else to see in Malveira beyond the famous Trouxas, but history lovers might enjoy a visit to the Forte da Feira, a military fortification from the time of the French Invasions. Less tourist-ready, but still of interest, are the Matoutinho Fort and Quinta do Estrangeiro Fort.

If you’re in the mood to dive deeper, check out:

• Malveira’s Municipal Auditorium
• São Paulo Garden
• Parish Church
• Cristina Ferreira Amphitheater
• Beatriz Costa Folk Museum
• Parque da Mata

For great views, head up to the Santa Maria Panoramic Swing, and don’t miss the Venda do Pinheiro Ecological Park, a peaceful green space perfect for nature lovers.

1. Center of Malveira and Fábrica das Trouxas

2. The forts – Feira, Matoutinho and Quinta do Estrangeiro

3. Santa Maria Swing Viewpoint

4. Venda do Pinheiro Ecological Park

Exploring the Socorro and Archeira Hills

The Socorro and Archeira Hills are rich in history, especially when it comes to the military forts built during the French Invasions. Be prepared, though—many of these forts are now overgrown with vegetation and partially buried. The most notable ones include:

• Forte Pequeno and Forte Grande
• Archeira Fort and Feiteira Fort

Make sure to head up to the summit of Serra do Socorro, where you’ll find the Hermitage of Our Lady of Socorro, dating back to the 16th century. It’s believed that the site once hosted a mosque during the Arab occupation and even a fortified Iron Age settlement.

On your way down the hill, don’t miss the Serra do Socorro viewpoint and its cool swing, perfect for a scenic photo stop.

1. Windmills around Socorro and Archeira Hills

2. Forte Pequeno

3. Forte Grande

4. Ermitério da Serra do Socorro

5. Viewpoint and swing at Serra do Socorro

6. Forte da Archeira

7. Forte da Feiteira

Other Places to Visit in the Mafra Municipality

To wrap up, here are a few more scattered gems around the municipality that are definitely worth your time:

• Tapada Nacional de Mafra
  One of Mafra’s top attractions! You’ll find a link to the official website below, where you can check opening hours, prices, and contact details. There are several hiking trails to explore—or you can opt for a relaxing electric vehicle tour through the park.
• Alto da Vela Viewpoint
  A nice optional stop near Mafra town, offering peaceful views over the surrounding landscape.
• Aldeia da Mata Pequena
  Absolutely charming! This fully restored village has kept its rustic, rural character and is perfect for a short visit. You’ll see what I mean in the photos below. Highly recommended.
• Forte do Zambujal
  Another historic military fort from the time of the French Invasions.
• José Franco Museum Village
  A must-visit! This mini village is full of handcrafted models and traditional scenes. It also includes a working bakery, ceramics shop, museum, and a small petting farm. Kids (and adults!) will love it.
• Cheleiros Church and its Manueline-style Cross
  A small but historically rich site in a charming village setting.
• Penedo do Lexim Viewpoint
  A great spot for panoramic views and geological interest—this ancient volcanic plug is both beautiful and unique.
• Chapel of São Julião
  Located right by the beach of the same name, this lovely chapel features stunning interior tiles—well worth a stop.
• Forts of Milreu and Santa Susana
  Located along Mafra’s coast, these historic forts add to the area’s rich military legacy.

1. Alto da Vela Viewpoint

2. Tapada Nacional de Mafra

3. Aldeia da Mata Pequena

4. Forte do Zambujal

5. José Franco Museum Village

6. Cheleiros (Church, Old Bridge and Manueline cross)

7. Penedo do Lexim Viewpoint

8. Forts of Milreu and Santa Susana

9. Chapel of São Julião

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• Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
• Pico Itinerary in Azores
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• Things to do in Leiria
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• Things to do in Nazaré
• Things to do in Peniche
• Things to do in Mafra and Ericeira
• Things to do in Cascais
• Sintra Itinerary | Things to do
• Lisbon Itinerary and Travel Guide
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