Top Reasons to Stay at Olá Onda in Ericeira, Portugal
Praia do Sul Beach in Ericeira, Portugal
Oh, Ericeira, you were so good to us. I spent a week here this past May, and honestly? It was one of my favorite vacations ever. And yes, I do say that a lot after great trips — but this time, I truly meant it. I’ve never come home from a trip abroad feeling this refreshed and energized. Maybe it was the seven straight days of sunshine (yes, Portugal is one of the sunniest countries in Europe — should I move here?!), or the cheerful, life-loving locals who greeted us with such warmth. Either way, this coastal gem completely stole my heart.
My favorite part of the entire trip? Hands down: staying at the cozy hilltop guesthouse, Olá Onda. In this post, I’ll share why I chose this accommodation, what made it so special, and why I’d absolutely recommend it for your next stay in Ericeira.
Where is Ericeira, Exactly?
Ericeira is located less than one hour west of Portugal’s vibrant capital, Lisbon. Once a quiet fishing village, it has transformed into a world-famous surf town, and it’s actually Europe’s first and only World Surfing Reserve — pretty cool, right? It’s also just an hour from Nazaré, home to the massive waves you’ve probably seen in surf competitions.
Getting to Ericeira is easy. We used Bolt for a quick, affordable taxi ride from Lisbon Airport and had a smooth experience both ways.
Why visit Ericeira?
I was searching for a coastal destination where I could stay for more than just a quick weekend — somewhere I could work remotely for a few days and then fully switch into vacation mode. And Ericeira checked all the boxes: colorful tiled streets, trendy coffee shops, golden sand beaches, and windy cliffs that gave off serious main-character energy.
It was the perfect backdrop for a workcation. I worked my usual 9-5 for three days, then spent the next four doing yoga at the beach and soaking up local culture. It’s all about balance, right?
When looking for a place to stay, I needed something with reliable Wi-Fi, space to take meetings, and cozy vibes for those after-work sunsets. I didn’t want to split time between a hotel and a coworking space — I needed an all-in-one setup.
Enter: Olá Onda Guesthouse Ericeira.
Praia de São Sebastião Beach in Ericeira, Portugal
Olá Onda: The Guesthouse That Feels Like Home
Have you ever come across a place online and thought, “There’s no way it’s this cute in real life”? That’s what I thought when I booked Olá Onda — and wow, was I wrong. It was even better in person.
From the moment we arrived, I was struck by the fresh mint green and white color palette, the bohemian beach house aesthetic, and the stunning hilltop ocean views. The whole space looked like it had been pulled straight from a Pinterest board — and I mean that in the best way.
Olá Onda Guesthouse in Ericeira Portugal
About Olá Onda Guesthouse
The name Olá Onda translates to “Hello Wave,” and it couldn't be more fitting with a pool that overlooks the ocean. Dutch/Portuguese couple Darcie and Jasper bought the property in 2016 and transformed it into a peaceful, design-forward guesthouse.
You can stay in one of five rooms in the main house, or book Casa Olá Onda, a private villa perfect for up to four adults. We stayed in the Casa, and every single detail — from the furniture to the curated artwork — felt like it had been chosen with love. It was stylish, welcoming, and instantly felt like home.
5 Reasons I Loved Staying at Olá Onda
1. Berto the Dog
Yes, there’s a resident dog — and yes, I fell in love. Berto is a terrier-lab mix who makes you feel like part of the Olá Onda family from the moment you arrive. Be warned: his puppy eyes at breakfast are dangerously convincing.
2. The Portuguese Breakfast
Each morning starts with a delicious buffet of fresh fruit, veggies, local pastries (hello, Pasteis de Nata), and eggs or coffee made to your liking. Breakfast on the sunny terrace became my daily dose of joy before work.
3. Remote Work-Friendly Space
Casa Olá Onda was the ideal remote work base. Fast internet, peaceful surroundings, and plenty of space to get things done made it easy to stay productive without sacrificing the vacation vibe.
4. Close to the Sea
The beach is only 700 meters away — just a 10-minute walk and you’re at the ocean. The location is far enough from the center to feel like a peaceful escape but close enough for easy access to restaurants and shops. One heads-up: Olá Onda is on top of a hill, so pack comfy walking shoes.
5. Handmade Hospitality
Darcie and Jasper go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. From the moment we checked in, we received personalized recommendations — including a Google Map of their favorite spots around town. Their warmth and local expertise made all the difference.
Final Thoughts: Olá Onda is Ericeira’s Hidden Gem
Ericeira completely exceeded my expectations — and Olá Onda was a huge reason why. The personalized hospitality, stunning views, and cozy design created the kind of getaway that stays with you long after you return home.
Whether you’re planning a surf trip, a creative workcation, or simply a slow travel escape on Portugal’s west coast, Olá Onda is the perfect home base.
Pack your sunnies, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to say “Olá” to your new favorite destination.
Praia dos Pescadores Beach in Ericeira, Portugal