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The story behind maré & Ericeira
maré
Maré Guesthouse is a family-run property nestled in the historic heart of Ericeira, on Largo da Fonte do Cabo, one of the village's oldest and most storied squares. The square takes its name from the Fonte do Cabo, a fountain originally built in 1457 and restored in 1829, with a tunnel running nearly 100 metres back to its natural spring. Though no longer in use as a drinking fountain, the legend lives on: it is said that anyone who drinks from its waters will be forever bound to Ericeira, unable to free themselves from the love of this place. We like to think the same is true of maré.
One of only a handful of properties in Ericeira's old town with a private garden, maré offers something rare, a place to breathe, gather and unwind in the middle of one of Portugal's most beloved villages. Our nine rooms and two studios have been restored with care to preserve the character of the original building, and our dedicated yoga shala offers classes and events to our guests and the local community.
At maré, sustainability is woven into everything we do; from the food we serve to the way we source, consume and care for the space around us. We support local businesses and artisans, and try to tread as lightly as possible. A thriving local community is what makes Ericeira so special, and we are proud to be part of it.
Beyond the environment, we are deeply committed to preserving the look, feel and soul of old Ericeira. The property itself is an old quinta (farmhouse), steeped in local history with many stories still to tell. Our aim is to preserve its history and traditional charm while creating a warm and welcoming space for our guests.
Ericeira
The history of Ericeira stretches back to around 1000 BC, with its first official charter granted in 1229. Its name is believed to derive from Ouriçeira, the land of sea urchins, in recognition of the abundance of marine life that has always defined this stretch of the Atlantic coast. For centuries, Ericeira was a working fishing village, its identity shaped by the sea and the people who lived from it. By the late 19th century, it had become a favoured retreat for Lisbon's aristocracy, drawn by its clean air, beaches and dramatic coastline.
Today, Ericeira is known the world over as a surf destination, and for good reason. It is Europe's only World Surfing Reserve, a designation that protects its exceptional coastline and the remarkable variety of waves, from gentle beach breaks for beginners to powerful reef breaks that attract surfers from across the globe. But Ericeira is far more than surf and beach. Its whitewashed houses, pebbled roads, good restaurants, and vibrant community make it one of the most visited small towns on the Portuguese coast.
Getting here from Lisbon
Ericeira is located approximately 45 kilometres northwest of Lisbon, roughly a 45-minute drive via the A8 and A21 motorways. By public transport, the Carris Metropolitana bus departs from Campo Grande bus station, right next to the Campo Grande metro station on the green and yellow lines. The fastest journey takes around 40 minutes, with tickets purchased in cash from the driver. Bolt and Uber are also convenient options, with rides from the airport or central Lisbon typically costing between €30 and €45, depending on the time of day and your starting point.
