The official language is Portuguese. However, Ericeira is one of the most English-friendly towns in Portugal thanks to its international surf and digital nomad community.
In restaurants, cafés, surf shops, and accommodations, you'll almost always find someone who speaks English. Most menus have English translations. Younger locals tend to speak excellent English.
That said, making an effort to learn basic Portuguese goes a long way. Simple phrases like "Bom dia" (good morning), "Obrigado/a" (thank you), and "A conta, por favor" (the bill, please) are appreciated. The older generation - especially fishermen and traditional shopkeepers - may speak limited English.
French and Spanish are also understood by many locals, given Portugal's proximity to Spain and historical ties with France.
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