Praia da Baleia
As the name suggests, Praia do Sul is on the southern fringes of Ericeira, or at least the old village. As the seaside village constantly expands the area around the beach feels more and more developed.
Praia do Sul is Ericeira's main beach and is the only easily accessible beach within a stone's throw of the village. This makes it popular, which is nothing new and the beach has catered for the Lisbon holiday weekenders for many years. The beach is dominated by the Vila Galé hotel which sits on the headland of Furnas at the northern end of the beach. Running behind much of the beach is a promenade where you will find a couple of restaurants with terraces.
Unlike most of Ericeira's other beaches Praia do Sul is not regarded as a serious surfing beach, although it can have its day. It is a little more sheltered than the other spots in the area which make it much more suitable for bathing. At the town end of the beach is a bathing pool made from rocks arranged in a circle to offer protection from the ocean - ideal for young children.
The beach is also known as Praia da Baleia as a whale once washed up here. The bones can still be seen in the local museum in the Largo da Misericórdia.
