Praia do Sul Beach in Ericeira, Portugal

Oh, Ericeira, you were so good to us! I spent one week here this past May, and it was one of my favorite vacations to date. Although I often say this after fun trips, Ericeira was special. I have never come home feeling so recharged and energized from a trip abroad. It could have been the seven straight days of sun (yes, Portugal is one of the sunniest countries in Europe - should I move here?!) or the cheerful, life-loving locals we met throughout our stay, but this place is a hidden gem. My favorite part of the trip? Hands down staying at the cozy hilltop guesthouse, Olá Onda. In this post, you’ll learn why I chose this accommodation, what made it stand out, and why I encourage you to stay there, too!

Where is Ericeira, Exactly?

Ericeira is less than one hour west of Portugal’s vibrant capital, Lisbon. It was once a fishing village and is now one of the most popular surfing destinations in the world. It's also Europe’s first and only World Surfing Reserve, attracting surfers worldwide. Ericeira is also just one hour away from Nazaré, which has gained fame for its big big waves and surfing competitions. The most accessible and affordable way to get to Ericeira from Lisbon or any other town is by taxi. We chose Bolt and had a pleasant experience with our drivers to and from the airport.

Why Ericeira?

I decided to visit Ericeira because I was looking for a beautiful coastal destination where I could stay for more than just a weekend. Ericeira had everything I was looking for - colorful tiled streets, trendy coffee shops, golden sand beaches, and windy cliffs that gave off a unique main character energy. It was the perfect place to take a break from everyday life while still being able to work remotely. Changing my work environment is essential for my creativity which is why this trip was partly a workcation. I worked my usual 9-5 for three days and then spent the next four days doing yoga at the beach and immersing myself in the local culture. It's all about balance, right? When looking for accommodations, I considered Airbnbs, hotels, and other options. However, I needed a comfortable place with reliable Wi-Fi and space to take my meetings and stay productive. Instead of choosing a hotel for my evenings and a coworking space for my workdays, I wanted an all-in-one accommodation. That's when I found Olá Onda Guesthouse Ericeira.

Praia de São Sebastião Beach in Ericeira, Portugal

Hello Wave

Have you ever encountered a beautiful accommodation online and felt it was too good to be true? When we arrived at Olá Onda Guesthouse, I was blown away because it looked even better in person than in the photos online. The initial impressions were stunning. The property had a mint green and white color scheme and a bohemian beach vibe, and both the main house and the Casa where we stayed could have been taken straight out of Pinterest. My aesthetic soul was in heaven.

Olá Onda Guesthouse in Ericeira Portugal

Olá Onda translates to 'Hello Wave' in English, and with a pool directly overlooking the ocean, the name is quite fitting. The property was bought in 2016 by Dutch/Portuguese couple Darcie and Jasper and has since been fully renovated to serve as a holiday home for people wanting to explore Ericeira. Guests can choose to stay in one of the five rooms in the main house or book Casa Olá Onda, which can accommodate up to four adults. Regardless of the choice, it's easy to see the love this family has put into this space. Every piece of furniture, the wall prints, and the interior design all feel carefully curated, making you feel at home immediately. If I had to pinpoint why I loved this accommodation, there would be 5 standout reasons.

Why I Loved This Accommodation

Berto the Dog - A B&B with a resident dog? Yes, please. Berto is a mixed breed terrier-lab that makes you feel like part of the Olá Onda squad from the moment you check-in. But be warned of his extremely convincing puppy dog eyes every morning during breakfast; he knows how to work a crowd.

Portuguese Breakfast - Speaking of breakfast, each morning of your stay you will be surrounded by a delicious buffet of fresh fruits, veggies, pastries (hello Pasteis de Nata), and more. No breakfast was the same, and Jasper and Darcie catered to your preferences, making eggs or coffee just to your liking. Sitting on their terrace in the early morning hours before work and basking in the sun was my personal version of heaven.

Private Guesthouse - As mentioned before, I knew I wanted a comfortable and private space in which to work remotely. Casa Olá Onda, the full-size private villa, was the perfect spot to do just that. The Casa offered high-speed internet and a quiet, peaceful place to hunker down to complete my weekly tasks.

Close Proximity to the Sea - Another perk of Olá Onda is its proximity to the beach, just 700m away. That means that in just 10 minutes of walking, you are directly at the ocean, soaking in the vitamin sea. What I love most about the guesthouse's location is that while it's relatively close to the city center, it's removed enough to make you feel like you've booked a secret coastal getaway. Talk about relaxing. However, I would like to mention that Olá Onda is on top of a hill, so be sure to pack good walking shoes when you return to the guesthouse after a day full of activities.

Handmade Hospitality - As I mentioned before, Darcie and Jasper went above and beyond to make this stay special, starting from check-in. For example, guests receive a Google Map of all recommended restaurants, bars, shops, and activities upon check-in. You could spend weeks here with this list! Darcie and Jasper were our go-to experts if we needed anything throughout our stay. It's those personal touches that make you want to come back.

To sum it all up, Ericeira truly captured my heart, and my stay at Olá Onda was the highlight that made the trip unforgettable. From the warm hospitality of Darcie and Jasper to the picturesque surroundings and cozy accommodations, every detail was thoughtfully curated to offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're looking to surf the renowned waves, explore the vibrant local culture, or unwind in a serene coastal paradise, Olá Onda is the ideal home base. So, if you dream of a getaway that balances work and play, look no further than this charming guesthouse in the heart of Ericeira. Pack your bags, embrace the sun, and get ready to say "Olá" to your new favorite destination!