Our Location – Mafra & Ericeira
We are in the wonderful region of Mafra just 35 minutes from Lisbon. Our stables are on a farm on the out skirts of Ericeira very close to the beaches. We have fabulous views to the ocean and to Mafra Palace in the distance. The charming fishing town of Ericeira is an eclectic mix of tradition and bohemian. Everyday the blue and red painted fishing boats come into to the little harbour deliver their fish to the markets. You buy fresh fish daily and the restaurants serve many outstanding fish dishes. particularly the shell fish is delicious and famous in the area.
Great Eats and Drinks
Lovely cafes and restaurants are tucked away on the little cobbled streets light at night with fairy lights, hanging lanterns and candles. The architecture is unspoilt – houses with bright blue features and wonderful traditional tiling that you will see everywhere. Little white churches and a lovely centre square with a bandstand. The people are a mix of fishermen, locals, surfers from all over the globe here for the famous surfing beaches and tourists. The seafront is half moon shaped with a beautiful walk lined with restaurants and bars to enjoy dining to the sunset. There are regular markets and events to enjoy and 8 beaches are associated with the town. Certainly check out Foz de Lizandro that has a beautiful estuary.
Mafra
Mafra is also a beautiful town with an outstanding Mafra National Palace that dominates the centre and can be seen for miles around. It has the largest library in Europe. It is very Harry Potter ish! Also close to Mafra is the Tapada Nacional de Mafra.
It was created during the reign of king João V, following the building of the Mafra National Palace, as a park for royal and court recreation.
Covering over 8 square kilometres, the park holds different species of deer, wild boar, foxes, birds of prey and many others coexisting in an unusually rich and diversified natural habitat. A favourite of the Portuguese monarchy for hunting and other leisure pursuits, the Tapada de Mafra took on a noble connotation that has done much to aid its preservation and continuity.
Its natural heritage ensures it is an excellent location for fun environmental awareness and education programmes. The Tapada is also open for walking, mountain biking, horse riding, archery and crossbow shooting activities.