Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Gelataria Ericeira
$Ice Cream
🕑 20-30 minutes👶 Perfect for all ages, from toddlers to teens. Even the pickiest eaters will find something they love, and older kids can experiment with unique Portuguese flavors like pastel de nata (custard tart) gelato.
About
Gelataria Ericeira is a delightful traditional gelato shop in the heart of Ericeira's charming town center, offering homemade ice cream that will cool down little ones after a day exploring this coastal surf town. With family-friendly seating and authentic Portuguese flavors alongside classic favorites, it's the perfect spot to treat the kids while soaking in the local atmosphere.
Highlights
- ✓Authentic homemade gelato made fresh daily with local ingredients
- ✓Traditional Portuguese flavors like egg custard and fig alongside chocolate and strawberry
- ✓Outdoor seating perfect for families to relax and enjoy the town atmosphere
- ✓Central location makes it easy to combine with beach visits or town exploring
- ✓Friendly staff accustomed to families and international visitors
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit after late afternoon when Portuguese families stroll through town, it's part of the local culture and kids love people-watching from the outdoor seating.
- 2.Ask for a taste before ordering (provar) as staff are happy to let kids sample flavors, which helps avoid ordering regrets.
- 3.The shop is budget-friendly compared to gelato in other European destinations, so don't hesitate to let kids get two scoops.
- 4.Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby cliffs for stunning ocean views, just a 5-minute walk away.
- 5.Cash is often preferred at smaller Portuguese establishments, so have euros on hand.
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon or early evening (5-7 PM) when locals do their evening passeio (stroll). Summer months can get busy, so visiting on weekdays or just before dinner time helps avoid peak tourist crowds.
What to Know
Very budget-friendly with scoops typically under 3 euros. The town center is pedestrian-friendly with cobblestone streets, so strollers with good wheels work best or consider baby carriers for smaller ones.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, though hours may be reduced in winter months (November through March). Summer (June to September) offers the fullest flavor selection and longest opening hours, perfect timing after beach days.
Nearby Eats
Nearby family-friendly options include Tik Tak II for fresh seafood and grilled dishes with high chairs available, and Pao Pao Queijo Queijo for quick sandwiches and pastries that kids enjoy.
More Activities Near Ericeira
Activity
Pedra Lume Beach
Pedra Lume Beach is a gem for families seeking a safer beach experience near Lisbon. The sheltered cove provides calmer waters than many Atlantic beaches, making it ideal for children learning to swim or play in the ocean. Little explorers will delight in the natural rock pools teeming with marine life, while parents can relax knowing the protected bay offers gentler conditions.
Restaurant
O Forno da Encosta
$$
O Forno da Encosta is a welcoming family restaurant in the charming surf town of Ericeira, serving hearty traditional Portuguese dishes that appeal to both adventurous and picky eaters. With a dedicated kids menu, generous portions perfect for sharing, and a relaxed atmosphere where children are genuinely welcomed, it's an ideal spot for families to experience authentic Portuguese cuisine without the stress of fine dining formality.
Activity
Casa do Artesão
Casa do Artesão in the charming surf town of Ericeira offers hands-on creative workshops where kids can learn traditional Portuguese crafts alongside local artisans. Families can try their hand at pottery on the wheel, create painted tiles in the azulejo tradition, or make other authentic crafts in a welcoming studio environment that celebrates Portuguese culture.
Adventure
Trilho dos Coxos
★5.0
Trilho dos Coxos offers families a stunning coastal hiking experience along Ericeira's dramatic Atlantic shoreline. This accessible trail combines breathtaking ocean views with the bonus of natural swimming spots, making it perfect for active families who want to explore Portugal's rugged coastline. The well-maintained paths are manageable for children, and the reward of cooling off in natural pools makes it an adventure kids will remember.