Vila Gale Ericeira
Perched on a craggy promontory overlooking Portugal’s wild Atlantic coast, the Vila Galé Ericeira began life as the Hotel de Turismo da Ericeira: an iconic building, whose history is as intertwined with the ocean as its population. Just thirty minutes from Lisbon, Ericeira is one of the country’s most distinctive coastal towns, with a fishing heritage which dates back to the creation of Portugal itself. It’s golden era of supplying the capital with fresh, seasonal fish may have waned, but as place it still retains a strong, maritime identity which sits happily side by side with the laidback surf culture which tends define its 21st century character. You’re as likely to see a surfboard leaning up against a whitewashed cottage as you are a fishing net.
The architecture of the hotel deliberately focuses down on the ocean – there are 202 rooms in total; our favourites are the sea view rooms and suites, with Atlantic-facing balconies and the rolling of the ocean as an ever-present soundtrack. The outdoor pools, sun terraces and Versatile restaurant also make the most of the hotel’s cliff top location – families are particularly well catered for, with an outdoor pool, playground, and kids’ club; for parents, there’s also the Satsanga Spa, indoor pool, sauna, and treatment rooms.
Ericeira itself has developed into one of Europe’s most-popular winter surfing destinations in recent years, whilst the village takes on a livelier character in the summer months, with festivals and open-air events bringing live music and late evenings to the waterfront. Yet even during these high seasons, the region hasn’t lost its easy rhythm of life, and its long Atlantic coastline will always provide quiet afternoon strolls from beach to beach, and café bar to café bar.
