Starting your walk to Matadouro beach from the village

To plan your trip, review Câmara Municipal de Mafra.

For the most up-to-date details, check Visit Portugal - Ericeira before you go.

The terrain is mostly flat along the main road which makes the walk very easy. You will pass several colorful traditional houses and small surf shops along the way. Walking is the preferred method for locals who want to avoid the difficult summer parking sessions. It takes about fifteen to twenty minutes at a leisurely pace to arrive.

Safety is high because the pedestrian sidewalks are wide and well-maintained by the local council. This route follows the rugged coastline and provides constant fresh sea air. Check our complete Ericeira travel guide for more information on village highlights. Navigating the village on foot is the most authentic way to experience local life.

During the summer months, the path can get busy with other walkers and joggers. Early morning walks offer the best light for photography of the breaking waves. The path is also popular with families pushing strollers toward the beach parks. Most people find the walk to be a highlight of their daily exercise routine.

Always remember to keep the ocean on your left side as you walk away from town. This ensures you are moving north toward the world surfing reserve areas. The walk remains scenic even during the winter months when the waves are larger. You will see many surfers carrying their boards along this same road.

Step-by-step Guide: How to reach Matadouro beach on foot

Following a clear set of directions helps prevent any wrong turns in the winding backstreets. While the road is simple, there are specific landmarks you should look for. These landmarks ensure you find the safest ramp down to the sandy shore. This coastal walk Ericeira to Ribeira d'Ilhas route covers this section in great detail.

Matadouro beach is located right next to a famous surf brand headquarters. This makes it one of the easiest beaches to find along the northern coast. The walk allows you to see the transition from the village to the wilder cliffs. Pay attention to the signage for the World Surfing Reserve as you progress.

The path is mostly paved until you reach the actual entrance of the beach. There is no need for heavy hiking boots for this specific journey. Most people wear flip-flops or comfortable sneakers for the short trip. The air is often misty with salt spray which feels very refreshing.

Once you reach the destination, the descent is handled by a wide ramp. This ramp is much safer than the old wooden stairs found at other local spots. It allows for easy transport of surfing equipment or beach chairs. Follow the steps below to reach the sand without any confusion.

1. Step 1: Locate the Jogo da Bola town square
   • Time: 1 minute
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Center of Ericeira
   • Mistake: Heading south toward Foz
   • Tip: Start near the pharmacy
2. Step 2: Head north on the Avenida São Sebastião
   • Time: 5 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Main coastal road
   • Mistake: Walking on the road
   • Tip: Use the ocean-side sidewalk
3. Step 3: Walk past the São Sebastião chapel building
   • Time: 3 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Overlooking the cliffs
   • Mistake: Stopping too early here
   • Tip: Look for the white walls
4. Step 4: Continue past the Boardriders Quiksilver surf shop
   • Time: 4 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Large modern building
   • Mistake: Entering the skate park
   • Tip: Path stays coastal here
5. Step 5: Follow the paved ramp down to the beach
   • Time: 2 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Next to the parking
   • Mistake: Jumping off the wall
   • Tip: Watch for slippery sand

Essential checklist for your Ericeira coastal walk

Preparation is key even for a short walk along the Atlantic coast. The sun can be very strong even when the air feels cool and breezy. It is important to check the best weather for walking in Ericeira before leaving. A few simple items will make your trip to Matadouro much more comfortable.

There are no shops directly on the sand at Matadouro beach. You should buy your snacks and drinks in the village center before starting. Hydration is vital because the walk has very little shade from the sun. The nearby surf shop has a cafe if you forget your supplies.

Wind is a constant factor in this part of Portugal throughout the year. A light windbreaker can protect you from the chilly North Atlantic gusts. Sand can often blow onto the path and make the ground slippery. Sturdy footwear helps you maintain balance near the cliff edges.

Always carry a small bag to take your trash back to the village. Protecting the local environment is a priority for the Ericeira community. The cliffs are fragile so stay on the designated walking paths. Review the following checklist to ensure you have everything needed.

• Items to bring for your coastal stroll
  • Reusable water bottle for hydration
  • High SPF sunscreen protection
  • Wide-brimmed hat for shade
  • Lightweight jacket for ocean wind
  • Fully charged mobile phone
  • Small amount of local cash
  • Sturdy sandals or walking shoes
  • Small bag for your litter

Decision guide: Pavement or dirt coastal paths

There are two main ways to reach Matadouro beach on foot. The first option is the standard sidewalk along the main paved road. This is the safest choice for those seeking paved walks for strollers in the area. It provides a smooth surface and is far from the cliff ledge.

The second option is the dirt trail that hugs the very edge of the coast. This path offers dramatic views of the crashing waves and rock formations. However, it can be quite dusty and uneven for inexperienced walkers. If the weather is wet, these dirt paths become very muddy.

Choose the paved road if you are in a hurry to reach the beach. It is the most direct route and avoids any steep climbing sections. The sidewalk is separated from traffic by a small stone wall. This makes it a popular choice for families with small children.

Choose the cliff path if you want to see cheap and free sights along the way. You will see ancient rock layers and occasional local fishermen on the rocks. Make sure you have good balance before attempting the narrow dirt sections. The two paths eventually meet near the main surf shop building.

Troubleshooting your walk to Matadouro beach

Sometimes the walk does not go exactly as planned due to local conditions. Heavy fog can roll in from the ocean and reduce visibility significantly. Construction on the main road might occasionally block sections of the sidewalk. Knowing how to handle these situations will keep your trip stress-free.

The walk remains open year-round, but winter storms can bring large splashes. Avoid the cliff path during periods of high orange or red weather alerts. The wind can sometimes reach speeds that make walking upright quite difficult. Always prioritize your safety over getting the perfect ocean photograph.

If you find the walk too tiring, the local bus service is an option. The Giira bus stops near the main surf shop on the return leg. This is a great backup plan if you get stuck in the rain. You can find other boardwalk options like the boardwalks at Foz do Lizandro for variety.

High tides do not block the walking path to Matadouro beach itself. However, high tides can limit the amount of sand available for sitting. Check the local tide charts if you plan to stay all afternoon. Address the common issues in the list provided below.

• Common issues when walking to Matadouro beach
  • Strong winds blowing from north
  • Path dust getting into eyes
  • Sudden Atlantic rain showers occurring
  • Occasional sidewalk maintenance closures nearby
  • Slippery mud on dirt trails
  • Extreme heat during midday summer
  • Limited shade along the route
  • Crowded paths during surf events

What to do after arriving at Matadouro beach

Reaching Matadouro on foot is a rewarding experience for any coastal traveler. The beach features a mix of sand and flat rock reef platforms. You can watch the surf schools practicing their pop-ups in the whitewater. It is an excellent place to enjoy a sunset after your walk.

There is a large skate park located just above the beach area. Watching the skaters is a popular free activity for many visitors. You can find clean public restrooms near the main parking entrance. The area feels vibrant and full of energy during the peak season.

If you want to continue walking, the trail goes further north. You can follow the coast until you reach the famous Ribeira d'Ilhas. This section of the coast is truly the heart of the surf culture. Enjoy your time at one of Ericeira's most iconic beach locations.