Villamar Apartment

The apartment was fine. It was big, clean and well-stocked. There is an industrial hoover there but we couldn't see how to use it. It was also close enough to walk into town, about 15 minutes. We really liked Ericeira. There is a bit of development around the town but not too much and the town itself is really nice. There were lots of good restaurants and food shops. Your information pack was very useful. You might add a note about the big food market and where it is as we only saw it near the end of the week. (You may have it there already and I didn't read it.) We drove to the Algarve for our second week as we wanted to go to water parks. We stayed in a nice place away from the big developments but when we drove to the beach one evening it was horrible and we really appreciated then how nice Ericeira was. We went to both Sintra and Lisbon on two separate evenings. We kept the trips short and just in the evening as the kids weren't interested in sightseeing. Sintra was interesting but we weren't blown away by it. It's a long, windy drive up from the town. I'm glad we only got there about 6 pm as I wouldn't like to have to visit on a hot day with lots of visitors and trying to get parking. We didn't really get a chance to appreciate Lisbon as we only got in about 7 pm, got tram 28 up to the old town, walked around and then went searching for a restaurant. It looked like a nice place to wander around but not what our kids wanted to do. I was glad we hadn't brought them for a day. The surfing was brilliant. My husband and son really enjoyed it. The instructors were excellent. The beach was beautiful and it was nice having the cafes there as well. On the second day, at the end of the lesson, the instructor pulled aside my son and some other kids who were older/better than the others and brought them out for an extra hour and a half to give them a chance to go out further and get better waves. They had a photographer there taking photos and you could buy a CD for €20 which we did. It was excellent and we have great shots of my husband and son. Overall, we had a great holiday. Thanks - Natalie, Dublin

We very much enjoyed our holiday. The apartment was very conveniently located for the town and beach and very spacious. The welcome pack info was very helpful, in particular, the restaurant recommendations and telephone numbers. The teenagers enjoyed the surfing and the lessons helped them improve. The instructors worked hard to assist them and ensure they were in the right group. We went to Lagos with surfholidays a couple of years ago and the surf school there was very friendly and a hard act to follow. Ericeira town was very pleasant and the restaurant food was very good. Pre-booking a table was essential if you wanted to eat before 11.00pm. We visited Sintra a couple of times and several beaches up and down the coast. Sintra old town, the palaces and the moorish castle are very attractive. Those of us not surfing enjoyed walking along the coastal paths and in the parkland to the south of Ericeira. We only had a couple of hours in Lisbon before flying back and would certainly have enjoyed more time there exploring the old town

Brilliant holiday and thanks for recommending. Loved the massive empty beaches and the town of Ericeira. Not as mad on nightlife as Lagos last year! But would definitely go again. We only went to Santa Cruz and the local beaches but loved them all. Used a local car rental company called Multi Auto – horrific – charge you a full tank on collection and empty tank on return and 109 Euros for a tank full of petrol for a VW Polo. Please tell ALL of your customers NOT to use them. Thanks for your help – you were great again

We had a blast in Ericeira, thanks a mill. The apartment was great. Taxis you recommended worked out great – they did the airport pickup and drop off and drove us and my folks around town all week, so thanks for that. We did surfing just one morning. Booked with Na Onda and they were fantastic, couldn’t have been better. So friendly and helpful. Took us up to Peniche that day as waves were better and had a blast. The town was great. My parents fell in love with Tic Tac…pretty much their second home for the week! There was also a little pizza restaurant (can’t remember the name!) that we liked, as well as the lovely fish restaurant that’s down overlooking the sea. Overall, loved it. Had a great time. We hired a car and made it to Sintra, so gorgeous. Went to Café de Paris for a fab lunch, really nice. Also went to Lisbon and Cascais (to find an Irish bar for the all-Ireland!) – so got around loads. Thanks again for everything. Had a really great time and would highly recommend

The apartment was really lovely... comfortable, bright and spacious and the terrace was perfect with great sun for most of the day. The facilities in the apartment were very good..we had everything we needed, except WIFI which we missed greatly! I didn't read the info pack at the time of booking so didn't realise that we needed to book the WIFI router in advance. Great info booklet by the way...lots of helpful information. Our only other suggestions would be that the terrace tiles could have done with a wash...There was some grit and debris on the tiles, however I appreciate with the windy weather that it can be difficult to keep them clean. We enjoyed the walk into town from the apartment...probably our only exercise during our stay! We were very lazy and didn't do any surfing! The town was great..had great food at Tic Tapas ( our favourite), Tic Tac and Prim. The Neptune bar was our local for the week. Great value taxis for runs home from town in the rain. The recommended taxi company didnt answer the phone on a few occasions when we rang them during the day. We did manage to book them for our airport transfer and it was only 50 euro so we were delighted with that! Everyone we met was very friendly...yea we loved it all really! So overall we had a great few days, we loved the apartment and the town and would love to go back. We would definitely recommend it to our friends. Thanks for all your help

We had a great time. The location is great, nice and quiet apart from the occasional barking dog(s). The apartment is fabulous had everything we needed, BBQ was great. Lacked a Hi-fi system and would definitely benefit from the introduction of an iPod docking station! The town itself is stunning, restaurants and bars are in abundance without the feeling that it is over commercialised which it isn't. Good value for money and the locals are warm and friendly. Our favourite places were the little cafes for a coffee and pastry. The Sushi restaurant was fantastic would definitely recommend. Tik-Tak Tapas did not disappoint and Tik-Tak was also fantastic had a great meal. The bus service is really good we went to Lisbon for the day which was fantastic would consider going back for a city break. We also went to Sintra which we thought was the best for sightseeing, culture and beauty. The Palace is well worth a visit. Surf lessons were very good. Teachers were very patient and knowledgeable, tuition was very good. Foz beach was nice but our favourite was Ribeira beach (Pro surfing beach). The vibe there was great, music added to the general feel of the place really chilled and relaxed in a stunning location. The brothers who run the taxi service were fantastic and couldn't do enough to help. They had lots of good advice about places to go, see, eat and generally everything even where to go to buy the best food. Cannot fault them at all what lovely guys! So that's it. I hope that you will take these comments as they are meant which is to make a great place even better for those of us who want to get away from it all with a difference. We loved the Ericeira and would go back in a heartbeat

Last week was great - really enjoyed it. Loved the apartment, restaurants, and the town. Made real progress with the surfing lessons too. Just hope Ericeira doesn't get spoilt / over developed

We certainly did enjoy the holiday!!! Apartment 9/10. Surf School 10/10. Beaches 8/10 . Town 9/10. The apartment was huge and well furnished. The folk at the Surf School were very helpful. One of the instructors (Joao) took me out for a one on one intermediate lesson at very short notice. I think we both quickly realised that I was far from intermediate but he stuck with me and gave me lots of encouragement. The missus enjoyed her beginner lesson and went back for more. The beaches in the area were good, though 1 or 2 of them were a little dangerous at high tide for our seven year old due to steep incline but only at high tide. Common sense was all that was called for in such areas. The town was lovely - just the right blend of restaurants and cafes for our taste. We were very fond of Gabrielles. Joao the taxi driver was very good. Helpful, good humour and gave us some good tips on where to eat. Overall, I would be very happy to recommend you to others - Jimmy, Lucan, Dublin 

We had a great time. We really enjoyed the week. We found the surfing a little tough but our 14 year old daughter took to it straight away and was up on the surf board on day one. The set-up is very nice. Beach was lovely and very well maintained. Nice cafés on the beach also. The town is lovely and we visited a number of the restaurants you mentioned and were really taken with Prim. I can’t get over how cheap food, drink, taxis etc. are compared to Ireland and indeed other EU destinations. The apartment was ideal. Very spacious. And less than a fifteen minute walk to town which we did a few evenings (lovely along the cliffs) and got a taxi home (it’s great to get a taxi and have change from €5). Overall we were very happy with the trip and would recommend it to friends. Thanks for all the good advice in the information pack  

We had a fantastic time - we absolutely loved it. The apartment was really nice (not that we were in it very much) and great for getting to and from town and Foz do Lizandro beach. We found everyone really friendly, the beaches were clean and the area was just really nice. All the restaurants we tried were great too and the surf lessons were really excellent. We made a day trip to Lisbon and had a great time there too - once we got our travel cards and a decent map it was pretty easy to find our way around. We had a great time and would definitely recommend it!  

The apartment was great, nice and spacious - I've stayed there before & the others liked it. The town of Ericeira was just as lovely as we remembered. The surf was mental - great for expert and pro's!!! We enjoyed watching them and the bodyboarders too - simply awesome stuff. We hired boards from Ericeira Surf Centre who were so nice and helpful, they went through everything with us and showed the swell charts etc to us online and we surfed the two days they recommended for our levels at the times they recommended. So helpful and friendly. I actually cannot say enough good things about these guys and their new set up is really cool! I tried bodyboarding and really enjoyed it. The beaches are beautiful and we got some amazing sunsets, we visited nearly all as listed in the Welcome Pack. We made it up as far a Santa Cruz but not to Peniche. Visited Sintra again -could really do with spending a few days there I think!!! It's a beautiful & really interesting place steeped in history. Met a lot of cool people as well :-) Julie & David, Bray, Ireland

I think everyone of us had a really good time in Portugal. For all of us it was our first time to Portugal, and were very impressed with how friendly everyone seemed to be. The apartment itself was extremely nice, the living room especially which probably has something to do with there being a Wii. The surf lessons with the guys at Na Onda on the Foz beach were are good fun, and we definitely agree this was a really good decision. The beach was a really nice spot with the cafes near by so we choose to spend most days here. Surfing itself was hard, but very rewarding. At least two of us have every intention of keep it up as a hobby (although in much colder waters). The town of Ericeira is a really lovely place, the streets and houses are so well kept and the bars have a really nice chilled and friendly atmosphere. We chose to each in most nights but we did head to Tik Tak for a final meal. Again, a very nice place. We didn't fly till late evening so we decided to spend the final day is Lisbon. Finally, we booked a taxi with Joao to take us from to airport into Ericeira and we have nothing but thanks for him. He is such a genuine character, we coincidentally stumbled into an Irish family who also had a lot of praise for Joao and his brother. Again, thank you for the apartment and invaluable advise. I know feedback is much more useful if there are points of criticism but we literally have none whatsoever. I would hesitate at all to recommend Ericeira and yourself in the future

We had a lovely holiday in Ericeira. The location of the apartment was great. A pleasant walk into the town but also close to the beaches. It enabled the boys to make their own way to the surf lessons, if we were doing something else. There is a great choice of restaurants. We ate at Tik-Tak, Prim and a new one just opened looking over the sea. All very good, the fresh fish was delicious and so reasonable. We visited Sintra and Mafra. Mafra a big disappointment (because it was Tuesday and it is closed). Lisbon was lovely. The boys loved the surfing and the instructors were great. The boys have been encouraged to return in the summer 'to get fit, get tan and get girls' lol. We had a lovely holiday

We had a fabulous time. The most relaxed holiday ever and the perfect choice for us. The apartment is lovely and met our needs perfectly. Took a few turns to find our way the first day but other than that no issues. We checked out the town beaches but Foz was our favourite. We ate at a couple of the restaurants at the beach in particular NaOnda based on your notes and Jason hired a boogie board from them to hit the waves for an afternoon. The kids are too young to surf at the moment so we concentrated on our sandcastles! The weather was amazing all week which probably contributed to our enjoyment. The Bar/gelaterie at the end of the beach was also really nice and frequently visited. On the Wednesday we drove up to the Oceanaria in Lisbon which was super but other than that stuck to checking out the town, a really nice playground at the other end of town and the bakery in the main square which was a particular hit with my husband. Our only gripe was that the municipal pool did not allow children into public sessions but once Sorcha [our 2 year old] was encouraged into the estuary at Foz cos she dislikes waves we stopped caring about that. We did not get to many places to eat because they don’t open till 7 in the evening and the kids needed to be fed and bedded before eight but we made a special effort to get to Tik Tak which was well worth it. We also had a couple of lunches in Pedro Dura which were very tasty. The information in the welcome pack was really useful and well appreciated. The people in the area were just so sweet and friendly and the girls in the tourist office in the main square filled in any blanks we had. So all in all a resounding success and one very rested relaxed family who definitely intend to head back to Ericeira in the future

We really enjoyed a relaxing time in Ericeira. We really liked the apartment, it is very comfortable and an easy walk into town. All the amenities were great in the apartment. We attempted to surf and it was a lot of fun...the instructors were great and the wave were there for us to play. We took a day to go to the Basilica in Mafra and spent the day there, it was very interesting, a beautiful place. The area’s restaurants were great and friendly; we tried at least 2 of your recommendations and really enjoyed our meals (Tik Tak and Rebas). The hosts at the restaurants were fantastic! and of course the food and drink was very good. (we had a very nice digestive Bagaceira at Rebas)...We would definitely do this again! Also, thank you so much for the response to the issue we had, sorry to have bothered you on a Sunday...Take care and thanks again!

We had a fantastic holiday, apartment was great, plenty of space, well equiped, quiet. Town was very pretty, we did eat in a couple of the restaurants, which were excellent. The weather was superb - 25-28 degC - so didn't do much else than the beach - Carol, Switzerland

Our holiday was great, it is a beautiful place and the people are truly wonderful and helpful, which I think was perhaps the best part of the trip. The apartment itself was lovely and clean, with every comfort catered for which is always good. With regard to surfing Eoin got alot of it in, his favourite beach was Riberea d'ilhas, and I found Foz more suited to my level. We spent a few days in lisbon city, which was beautiful, Barrio d'alto was great at night, plently of lively bars and a great selection of great food. Overall, we had a ball, and would go back in a heart beat - Marie & Eoin, Dublin

We had a fantastic surf holiday thanks.  We were impressed with the apartment, especially the music system; the apartment is really modern and spacious and comfortable.  We spent most days on the beach and then into Ericeira for a meal and then back to the apartment and played cards or had a game on the Wii and listened to music (race to see who's Ipod could be connected first!).  Really relaxing break and just what we all needed.  Ericeira is a lovely town; there was a religious festival on when we arrived so lots of people but great atmosphere.  Very few Brits which was great.  Our favourite restaurant was Tik Tak (went there twice); had tournados (fillet steak) as recommended by the waiter and we all agreed that the meal was probably one of the best we'd ever had anywhere!  We also really liked Tik Tapas; good food and great service and atmosphere. We drove up to Peniche a few times for surf also. Jo, Mark, Joel and Jordan – Worthing, UK

Regarding the surf holiday, i just don't know where to begin. The accomodation was super! We realy enjoyed everything about it. Even the fact that it had facilities is a real plus. We also enjoyed the WII and i got a chance to read the "stormriders guide", what an inspiration. We spend most of our time at the beach with the surf lessons. Na Onda is a great bar and we had a great time with the gang at the beach. The surf was really great. We had a total of 11 lessons, so we had a good start!!!! We both really enjoy surfing. Not just the sport, but the whole culture and atmosphere. We are very sure to continue learning to surf. The town was just right for us. Nice restaurants and bars. It was great! John Victor, Amsterdam

We had a great holiday. Loved the town, tik tak was a great recommendation! Great food & drink. Apartment was good, great location, terrace & lots of space. Overall really enjoyed it & hopefully will keep up the surfing, Thanks, Tricia

Really enjoyed holiday...Apt was great...really spacious...everything you need really - it's actually better than our apt at home!!! The town was lovely - very easy going, lovely people and some great restaurants - we went to Tik Tak 3 times as we loved the food and it was just nice and relaxed. The surf was great fun - beach was just gorgeous - surfing set up was good and the instructors were very patient!!! Even though we actually only booked in for 3 days - we actually did 5 days surfing and took one day to go to Lisbon - beautiful city.  On the other days we surfed in the morning and we visited Sintra, Mafra, Fatima in the afternoon or we just strolled around the streets of eiriceira. All in all, i'd definitely recommend surf holidays and eirceira, we throughly enjoyed ourselves and had a great laugh trying to get to grips with that surf board. Thanks, Sharon & Victor, Wexford

Had a brilliant time thanks. The apartment was really good….way beyond our expectations!  Ericeira is a great place. I can’t believe how much swell that place gets and the diversity of the waves too. Ribeira was really good for 2 of the days and I managed a visit to Supertubos on one day, so really enjoyed it. I will hold onto your details for future trips etc. Thanks again, Tom, Cardiff

Surf Holiday was absolutely brilliant, we all really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.  The surf was really good. We had great weather and waves. Surf instructors were really nice too. The apartment was perfect- we had loads of room for the 5 of us. We stayed there until 6 on the Saturday evening as our flight home wasn't until 9pm. That was a great advantage compared to checking out early from a hotel… We had lunch down at the beach most days- really liked the food in the little cafés down there. The nightlife was great, we really enjoyed Pedro's bar and that nightclub down at the waterfront. Thanks, Louise, Swords

We had a great time in Ericiera. The apartment was great, we loved de music system. The surflessons where great, the crew of Na Onda was so friendly. It was so relaxed. They have the best food in town. we lunched there every day. We also loved the Italian restaurant in the main street. They have good pasta's I can not remember the name. – Monique, Netherlands

The apartment was gorgeous - the music system is a nice touch, and the balcony is great.  The decor of the apartment was really nice and the kitchen was as good as one from home....not that we spent much time in it!  The books and guides that had been left in the apartment were really useful too.  The shower was probably the best shower I've ever been in!!  After a day at the beach it was really nice to get under such a strong shower and the instant hot water was great

The apartment was superb....Lots of fun playing Wii sports.....Ericeira was really good thanks...Beautiful town and a world of beaches to choose from......We will seriously consider a trip again next year

The second you arrive you drop down a gear, very relaxing. Apartment and terrace, far exceeded expectations, and had everything you could possibly need

Apt suited all 5 of us no problem. We went body boarding 4/5 days and watched most of the world cup game's in that little cafe on the beach drinking bottle's of super boc for €1.10 how bad..! Steve, Rob, Paddy & Mark, Cork, Ireland

We had a fab time thanks, apartment was brilliant. really comfortable, fantastic balcony, bbq came in handy! Also must mention Tik Taks which was a great recommendation and the staff were lovely (although I blame them entirely for giving us a taste for Licor Beirao!!)

Back again, great time. Great to see Ericeira in the winter, waves were spectacular. Try the Beth and Boom desert in Furnas Restaurant. It rocks!

The apartment was  amazing, huge rooms and patio with a barbecue, bring your iPod or laptop to hook up to the soundsystem. We're going back in a few months

Bru's, we had an awesome time in a real cool village, Ericeira. The apartment was much better than I expected, although us SAFFA's found it rather difficult to fit a herd of cattle onto your balcony

Surf was great, I was’nt too great!  I loved the restaurants, Tic Tac being our favourite.  And town was just perfect