Ericeira on Portugal's Atlantic Coast

Portugal's capital, Lisbon, is one of Europe's hottest property markets right now - prices are rising fast due to high investor demand. However, within a leisurely half hour drive of Lisbon lies the beautiful fishing village of Ericeira, a weekend-getaway for Lisbon's inhabitants. It could be an alternative destination for your property search, if you're looking to begin a new life in Portugal or hoping to invest in property that will rent out well throughout the year.

Ericeira property is far more affordable than Lisbon's, but not cheap. However, for around 100,000 euros it is possible to find a building plot large enough to build a four-bedroom villa. An Ericeira apartment with three bedrooms and close proximity to the seafront starts from around 190,000 euros.

The town sits on a high sandstone cliff, overlooking a stunning beach. Ericeira is popular with surfers, offering around 30 different surf spots. The best beaches for swimming and surfing are Fisherman's Beach, Praia da Balaia, Foz do Lizandro and the Ribeira d'Ilhas beach.

The small town is a charming example of what traditional Portuguese fishing communities used to look like, with cafés and shops, bars and seafood restaurants to provide enough of a lively nightlife, but without the nightclubs that attract attention for all the wrong reasons. Ericeira grew from a fishing village into a small town due to its port, the only natural harbour between Cascais and Peniche. Boats leave the harbour for international ports such as Brazil or Scotland.