10 Best team building activities in Ericeira

An endearing seaside fishing town and surfing mecca.

Ericeira is a charming Portuguese fishing village located just 40-minutes from Lisbon. The town is a popular holiday destination for Portuguese tourists but has recently made a name for itself on the European stage. It’s Europe's only World Surfing Reserve, boasting an impressive list of world-class beaches and surf spots.

A team-building retreat in Ericeira promises plenty of relaxing beach days and exciting activities. With so many great surf spots in the area, a visit to Ericeira wouldn’t be complete without a surf lesson. Just south of Ericeira lies the magical Moorish town of Sintra, where colourful castles and palaces cling to the mountainside.

Ericeira provides the perfect location for a team-building retreat. There’s something here for everyone, from chilled-out beach bars to high-octane experiences. To help you plan your next team-building retreat in Ericeira, we’ve compiled the following list of team-building activity ideas.

Planning a team-building retreat in

Ericeira

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We'll help you combine accommodation, meeting spaces, restaurants, and team-building activities into one seamless itinerary.

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Learn to surf in the Atlantic Ocean

A surfing lesson is the ultimate team-building experience, perfect for those without any previous experience.
Lessons last approximately two hours and include all the necessary equipment.
Your lesson will be provided by a fully-certified surfing instructor.
You’ll learn everything you need to start surfing ocean waves, including theory and practical techniques.
All the surfing equipment is of great quality and the teachers are professional.
Participants have access to changing rooms, showers, toilets and lockers.

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Take a trip to the magical town of Sintra

Experience the awe-inspiring viewpoint at Cabo da Roca, the most western point of Continental Europe, the beach town of Cascais, and one of the best and most unexpected hidden views in Lisbon to finish the day, giving you a real taste of this picturesque country.
The tour concludes with a traditional pasty, traditional Portuguese lunch and a glass of wine.
The experience lasts approximately seven hours.
Your group will be transported in a comfortable van, provided by the tour facilitators.

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Take a relaxing cycle through the countryside

A bike ride is a perfect way to explore the town and surrounding trails with your colleagues.
You’ll explore the stunning Portuguese coastline, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
The tour is a 12 to 20-kilometre round trip, complete with flat sections, hills and technical single-track sections.
The full ride takes approximately two hours to complete.
Participants are provided with all necessary equipment, including bikes, helmets and water.
Groups are accompanied by a MIAS-certified guide.

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Spend the day learning stand-up paddleboarding

Take to the water and learn how to stand-up paddle with guidance from certified instructors.
Participants are provided with large, stable boards that make it easy to stand up.
You’ll explore a calm river with a depth of approximately 60 centimetres.
The river has almost no current, making it the perfect place to learn SUPing.
The route is approximately five kilometres and takes about two hours to complete.
Prices include a certified guide/instructor, equipment, insurance, water, energy bar and photos from the tour.

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Venture off the beaten track with a Jeep tour

Jeep tours are the best way to overcome the distance that separates some of the attractions of the region while providing a different experience to its participants.
Whenever possible, the jeep ventures off-road, leaving the tarmac roads behind.
Jeep tours are designed to show you the main points of natural and cultural attractions in the region.
You’ll discover secular convents, viewpoints and cliffs over the sea.
All tours include a Jeep with a driver, a visit to a local wine cellar with wine tasting, insurance and photos.

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Expand your knowledge with a wine-tasting experience

All wines come directly from the Quintas, from an exclusive batch of local winemakers.
Group sizes can range from 2 to 15 people.
Under the guidance of an experienced expert, you’ll taste several delicious wines.
Tasting takes place in the beautiful fishing village of Ericeira.
The tasting lasts approximately one and a half to two hours.
The wines are accompanied by a selection of tasty cheeses, sausages, olives and bread.

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Explore the open ocean with a sailing experience

The sailing experience includes necessary equipment, insurance, pick up, water or tea and organic snacks.
Groups must consist of between four and eight people.
The duration normally is 2 hours but it depends on which programme you choose.
Voyages are dependent on safe sailing conditions. Bad weather will course your trip to be postponed.
A sailing voyage is a perfect way to explore the beautiful Portuguese coastline.

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Upgrade your chef skills with a cookery class

Diversify your cooking skills with this hands-on cooking class, provided by professional local chefs
You’ll learn to prepare new dishes and how to work with fresh local ingredients.
A cooking class is the perfect team-building activity for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Together with your group, you’ll create a delicious menu that you can later enjoy.
Optional matching wine service is also available.
The instructors are very patient and provide simple and clear instructions.

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Unwind with a restorative yoga class

A yoga class provides your team with a relaxing wellness experience.
Your group will learn a series of essential yoga poses under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor.
Yoga classes take place in a serene environment, tucked away in the Saint Julian mountain range.
You’ll be surrounded by nature, listening to the relaxing soundtrack of local wildlife.
Indoor lessons are also available in the beautiful wooden-floored yoga studio.
All yoga materials are available, including mats, blocks, belts, blankets and cushions.

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Feel the sand between your toes at beach volleyball

Join a professional volleyball instructor for beach volleyball at Pescadores Beach.
The Kayak bar is located on the same beach, where participants can grab drinks and light snacks between games.
The beach is located in the centre of Ericeira, making it easy to access from your accommodation.
Beach volleyball is a fun beach activity, suitable for all fitness levels.
Learn the official volleyball rules and practice new techniques under the guidance of your instructor.

Planning a team-building retreat in

Ericeira

?

We'll help you combine accommodation, meeting spaces, restaurants, and team-building activities into one seamless itinerary.

Sample team-building retreat in

Ericeira

Surf lessons, clifftop dinners and Atlantic views give this Ericeira team-building retreat agenda a relaxed coastal rhythm while still leaving space for focused collaboration.

Day 1: Arrival & Ocean Welcome

Coastal arrivals, team goals & relaxed introductions

14:00–17:00Airport transfers from Lisbon & hotel check-in
17:30–18:30Welcome session, retreat goals & team introductions
19:00–22:00Group dinner with fresh seafood in Ericeira’s old town
22:00+Optional drinks overlooking the Atlantic

Day 2: Work Sessions & Surf Team Building

Focused collaboration followed by time in the waves

07:30–08:30Breakfast
09:00–10:30Leadership updates & team priorities
10:30–11:00Coffee break
11:00–12:30Collaborative workshops & breakout sessions
12:30–14:00Lunch
14:30–17:30Group surf lesson at Foz do Lizandro or Ribeira d’Ilhas
17:30–20:00Free time for beach walks, cafés or recovery
20:30–22:30Group dinner in a clifftop restaurant

Day 3: Departure

Simple departure morning

07:30–09:00Breakfast
FlexibleAirport transfers & departures

Planning a team-building retreat in

Ericeira

?

We'll help you combine accommodation, meeting spaces, restaurants, and team-building activities into one seamless itinerary.

FAQs about team-building in

Ericeira

What makes Ericeira a good destination for team building events?

Ericeira offers a different experience from larger Portuguese cities. Known as Europe's first World Surfing Reserve, it combines a relaxed coastal atmosphere, ocean views, outdoor activities, and a compact town center that makes it easy for teams to spend time together both during and after activities.

What are the best team building activities in Ericeira for companies?

Popular team building activities in Ericeira include surf lessons, coastal hikes, yoga sessions, beach challenges, seafood cooking workshops, stand-up paddleboarding, scavenger hunts around the old town, and group excursions along Portugal's Atlantic coastline.

How easy is it to travel to Ericeira for a company event?

Ericeira is located approximately 45 minutes from Lisbon Airport (LIS) by car or private transfer. Many companies choose Ericeira because it offers a more relaxed setting while remaining close to one of Southern Europe's best-connected airports.

Why is Ericeira popular with remote and international teams?

The town has become a well-known destination for remote workers, startups, and international teams thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, outdoor lifestyle, and easy access from Lisbon. In our experience hosting teams, Ericeira works particularly well for companies looking to disconnect from busy city environments and focus on team connection.

What is the best time of year for team building activities in Ericeira?

Spring, summer, and early autumn are the most popular periods for company events in Ericeira. From April through October, teams can comfortably enjoy outdoor activities, surf sessions, and coastal experiences with temperatures typically ranging between 18–28°C.

Is Ericeira a good destination for surf-based team building?

Yes, surfing is one of the most popular group activities in Ericeira. Teams can participate in beginner-friendly surf lessons, group coaching sessions, beach challenges, and friendly competitions designed to encourage communication, resilience, and collaboration.

What outdoor team building activities are available in Ericeira?

Beyond surfing, companies can organize hiking along the Atlantic cliffs, paddleboarding, beach Olympics, cycling tours, yoga retreats, kayaking, and nature-focused challenges. The coastline and surrounding countryside create plenty of opportunities for active group experiences.

What food and social experiences can teams enjoy in Ericeira?

Teams can enjoy seafood-focused group dinners, Portuguese cooking workshops, wine tastings, local market visits, and traditional restaurants overlooking the ocean. Fresh fish, octopus, and local wines are often highlights of company events in Ericeira.

Is Ericeira suitable for smaller company retreats and leadership teams?

Yes, Ericeira is especially popular for smaller team gatherings, leadership retreats, and startup offsites. The town's size and relaxed pace help create a more intimate atmosphere than larger destinations such as Lisbon or Porto.

Why do companies choose Ericeira for team building events?

Companies choose Ericeira because it combines surfing culture, ocean scenery, outdoor activities, and a relaxed atmosphere within easy reach of Lisbon. Teams we've hosted often appreciate how naturally the destination encourages informal conversations, stronger relationships, and meaningful time together away from the office.