Ericeira: One of Portugal's most dog-friendly places

Natasha Santric
Oct 1
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Ericeira: Portugal’s Dog-Friendly Surf Town | Real Estate & Lifestyle Guide (2025)

In Ericeira, the cats of Praia dos Pescadores are not scared of dogs!

Walking your dog along the cliffs of Ericeira at sunset, stopping for a coffee where pets are welcome, and finishing the day with dinner at a seaside restaurant where your four-legged friend can sit by your side — this is everyday life in one of Portugal’s most charming coastal towns.

For buyers and renters considering a move, Ericeira is more than a surf haven. It’s also one of the most dog-friendly towns in Portugal, which is becoming a real selling point for property seekers.

Discover why Ericeira is Portugal’s most dog-friendly surf town — from pet-welcoming cafés and coastal trails to how pet-friendly living is shaping local real estate in 2025.

Why Ericeira is Dog-Friendly

Outdoor lifestyle: Coastal trails, wide promenades, and plenty of natural space make dog-walking a pleasure.
Pet services: The town has multiple vets, the best veterinary hospital in the country (AniCura), pet shops, grooming salons and dog sitters.
Restaurants & cafés that welcome pets: A growing number of venues now highlight their dog-friendly policy.
Pet-friendly coworking spaces, such as Kelp.
Dog park near the campsite, coming soon…

Here are some local favorites where dogs are welcome:

Meet Logan, he is Insta-famous and always at his window near Pescadores

Costa Fria – one of my favorite restaurants, dogs are welcome on the outdoor terrace.
La Popular – charming tapas restaurant, dogs are welcome inside.
Pepe Verde – sourdough pizza and dog-friendly, terrace area.
Balagan - dogs are welcome in the cafe downstairs and the rooftop restaurant. Staff often have treats.
Petiscaria Ancora - share plates in a charming nautical restaurant where dogs can join inside.
Ribas - great seafood, dogs can join outside
Emporio - brewery, dogs welcome inside, and they always have treats!

Real Estate Angle: Why Pet-Friendliness Matters

With Portugal’s property prices up nearly +17% year-on-year in 2025, affordability is a key concern. At the same time, the rental market is cooling; in Q2 2025, homes received ~43% fewer rental enquiries compared to last year. However, finding a good rental in Ericeira is still challenging, but possible!

For landlords, explicitly marketing a property as pet-friendly can help stand out. Many families relocating from abroad or Lisbon bring pets, and pet-friendly properties typically rent faster.

In Ericeira specifically, land prices are climbing as new plots come to market. Buyers building from scratch often consider outdoor spaces, terraces, and pet-friendly features as part of their design. Additionally, the VAT for construction is now at 6% until 2029.

Dog friendly beaches in Portugal. Dogs can go on the beaches in Ericeira year-round.

Tips for Pet Owners Considering Ericeira

Check listings carefully for “pets allowed” clauses — some landlords add deposits or restrictions.
Bring your dog to the viewing! If you take anything from this article, this is my #1 tip! Check if there are other dogs in the neighborhood and see if they bark a lot when they spot your dog. This can be an ongoing problem in some areas, where locals leave the dogs outside all day or on a terrace, causing them to bark a lot.
Look for ground-floor homes, terraces, or small gardens for easier living with pets.
Explore neighborhoods near green spaces and coastal trails for daily walks.
Remember that during the summer (mainly July and August), dogs are restricted from some beaches, but there are plenty of alternatives.

Conclusion

Ericeira combines the best of Portugal’s coastal living with a truly dog-friendly culture. For buyers and renters, it’s a lifestyle choice as much as a property decision. With the broader housing market evolving, and demand for pet-friendly homes rising, Ericeira is well-positioned as a community where both humans and their pets can thrive.