In 2018, I was living in Lisbon, working in television production. At first, life seemed ideal. I had everything my family and society considered to be “success”—a stable job, a long-term relationship, a certain social status, a nice car, and money in the bank. However, despite these achievements, I began to feel increasingly trapped in the routine of a 9-to-5 office job. This growing sense of confinement led me to fall into a deep depression.

That’s when I realized I needed to find out who I truly was and where I truly belonged in the world. I wanted to offer something meaningful to humanity, all while embracing my own personal growth.

The Call of the Sea: Finding Peace in Ericeira

My friend Estrela lived in Ericeira, a small coastal village, and I would often visit her on weekends. Each time I stayed at her house, I felt a profound sense of peace and harmony. One day, as we were talking, Estrela turned to me and said: “Why don’t you come live here?”

I smiled and replied, “Yes, that’s my dream.” Without hesitation, Estrela picked up her phone and called the landlord to inquire about available properties. To my surprise, he told her that there was an apartment available and that I could move in the following month—just two weeks away.

A New Beginning in Ericeira

The apartment was a dream come true: a cozy studio with a pool, a garage, and an incredible view of a pine forest, only a five-minute walk from the beach. Within just two weeks, I was living in Ericeira. Everything seemed to fall into place so effortlessly, as if the universe had been waiting for me to take the leap.

A year later, I made another bold decision—I left my stable job, volunteered at the Eco Village of Janas (you can read my authentic story here), and started traveling. Although my family and friends thought I was crazy, questioning “What will you do with your life?”, I knew I had to surrender to the experience of life. I wanted to live my dreams with passion, authenticity, and freedom.

Ericeira: A Place Where Dreams and the Sea Meet

Ericeira, for me, was the realization of a childhood dream. Since I was a child, I had always been drawn to the sea, and living by the beach had always been my goal. I vividly recall my summers, walking the narrow streets of Ericeira with my parents, mesmerized by the blue and white of the sea and the rustic charm of the village. Every corner seemed to tell a story, and the architecture itself spoke to the village’s deep maritime roots.

The architecture of Ericeira is beautifully unique, with whitewashed buildings adorned with blue and turquoise accents. From the ceramic tiles to the fishing nets woven into the facades, the town’s design feels like a tribute to the sea that surrounds it. It is this combination of tradition and beauty that makes Ericeira a special place to live.

A Legend of Protection: Our Lady of Good Voyage

Ericeira’s deep connection to the sea is also reflected in its legends. One of the most cherished is that of Our Lady of Good Voyage, the patron saint of fishermen. The legend tells of a time when a terrible storm threatened the lives of the fishermen out at sea. Their families, desperate for their return, prayed fervently for a miracle.

And then, one fateful night, a divine light appeared on the horizon, calming the storm and guiding the fishermen safely back to shore. It was Our Lady of Good Voyage who had appeared, offering her protection and ensuring their safe return. In gratitude, the villagers built a chapel in her honor—an enduring symbol of faith and protection for all who set sail.

Believing in Dreams: A Journey of Authenticity

I’ve always believed that all our dreams are possible. The key is to have the courage and determination to follow them. When we set an intention with enough passion, our hearts expand with belief. By feeling as though our dreams have already come true, and taking the necessary steps to make them a reality, the universe often aligns to support us.

Ericeira is more than just a picturesque village by the sea; it’s a place where dreams take shape, where authenticity is lived, and where the beauty of nature and the strength of the ocean surround you, guiding you toward your true self.

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What to Visit in Ericeira

Ericeira offers much more than its charming streets and breathtaking views. Here are a few must-visit places that capture the essence of the village:

Tasca do Joy

For a true taste of Ericeira, don’t miss Tasca do Joy, a traditional restaurant known for its arroz de peixe (fish rice) and relaxed, authentic atmosphere. Enjoy fresh seafood and the simple joys of coastal living.

Chapel of Our Lady of Good Voyage

A beautiful and serene place where you can connect with the village’s maritime heritage and the legend of the fishermen’s protection. It’s a site full of history and faith.

Fishermen’s Beach (Praia dos Pescadores)

This iconic beach is not only famous for its beauty, but also for being a hub of local life. Watch the boats coming in with the day’s catch, or just relax while listening to the waves crash against the shore.

Ericeira’s Narrow Alleys

Take a walk through the maze of narrow cobblestone streets. As you wander, you’ll notice charming details like whitewashed houses with blue trim, traditional ceramic tiles, and hidden cafés where locals gather.

The Traditional Market (Mercado da Ericeira)

Visit the local market for fresh seafood, artesanal products, and local specialties. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the daily rhythm of Ericeira and sample some of its famous fish dishes.

Ribeira d’Ilhas

Known for its excellent waves, this beach is a surfer’s paradise. Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s worth visiting for its stunning views and laid-back atmosphere.

Praia de São Sebastião

This picturesque beach is surrounded by steep cliffs and offers a peaceful, quiet retreat. It’s perfect for a relaxing day by the sea, with a beautiful view of the coastline and the iconic São Sebastião Fort.

São Sebastião Fort

Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, this fort dates back to the 16th century and was once used to defend the coast. Today, it offers panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding area, making it a perfect spot for photography.