Guide to Ericeira

'Beautiful beaches surround this enchanting fishing village perched high above the Atlantic rollers.'

Pretty whitewashed houses splashed with colour. Plates piled high with fresh lobster. Sands loved by the world's surfers. These are all the hallmarks of Ericeira, a delightful fishing village 10km west of Mafra. In the summer months it explodes into life, with cafes, bars and restaurants popping up umbrellas and putting out chairs for holidaymakers looking to enjoy a drink in the sun. Wherever you go, the tantalising aroma of freshly-cooked lobster wafts through the tiny tangled streets. The village is famous for it and it's the house speciality on most menus. In fact, all along the cliffs you'll see nurseries called serracoes, where the lobsters are bred. A wander round the village is a delight, with whitewashed chapels and white houses edged in blue oozing traditional charm. The Misericordia church has some interesting 17th and 18th-century paintings and gilded Baroque woodwork, while the adjoining Museu da Ericeira brings you up to speed on the town's history. On the northern edge of town, see the little chapel of Sao Sebastiao gazing silently out to sea. Meanwhile, a short drive inland brings you to the imposing national palace and convent of Mafra. To give you an idea of the grandeur we're talking, it took 50,000 workmen 18 years to build. Of course, one of Ericeira's main draws is its beaches. Several gorgeous swathes surround the village. One of the best is Ribeira das Ilhas, regarded as one of the best surfing spots in Europe.

Find the cheapest late deals to Ericeira leaving in the next six weeks.