Nazaré, Portugal: 15 Best Things to Do and See

There are truly countless beautiful places in Portugal, and Nazaré is one of them. Let’s embark together to this town on the west coast with a fishing history and enormous waves that attract surfers from all over the world. In this article, “Nazaré, Portugal: 15 Best Things to Do and See”, I’ve compiled 15 tips for you on what to see and do in Nazaré.

When to Visit Nazaré

Nazaré is a year-round destination, but the right time to visit depends on what you expect from your stay.

• Giant Wave Season (October – March): If you’re drawn to watching (or even conquering) gigantic waves, the best time to visit Nazaré is during the winter season. It’s during this period that the ocean produces record-breaking waves, attracting surfers from all over the world. The record here is held by a wave that reached an incredible 26.2 meters.
• Summer Season (May – September): For those of you seeking warmer weather, pleasant swimming, and long days on the beach, summer is ideal for a visit.

You might be interested in: Surfing in Portugal

Nazaré: where to Stay

If you don’t just want to quickly pass through Nazaré and want to explore everything at your leisure, and especially wait for big waves (or you know they’re coming but want to go without crowds in the morning), we recommend staying at, for example:

• Hotel Mar Bravo,
• Hotel Praia,
• Hotel Miramar Sul.

How to get to Nazaré

Nazaré is easily accessible from Lisbon, which is approximately 120 km away. You can go by:

• Car: This is probably the most flexible option, allowing you to explore surrounding towns as well. The journey from Lisbon takes about an hour via the A8 motorway.
• Bus: Regular connections from Lisbon are provided by Flixbus or Rede Expressos. The journey takes around 1.5 hours.
• Train: The nearest train station is in Alcobaça. From there, you can continue to Nazaré by bus or taxi.

Nazaré – when to Go for Giant Waves

Nazaré is known for the so-called “Nazaré Canyon” – an underwater canyon that creates some of the largest waves in the world. The biggest waves appear from October to March, with ideal conditions occurring during high tide and the right wind direction.

If you want to see the biggest waves in the world, head to the viewpoint by the Fortaleza de São Miguel Arcanjo lighthouse.

However, before you head to Nazaré, check the wave forecast HERE or here. They aren’t always huge, but even without giant waves, Nazaré is magical and worth seeing.

TIP: What to see in Sagres – a surfer’s paradise

Nazaré, Portugal: 15 Best Things to Do and See

If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful town of Nazaré, then I’ve compiled 15 tips for you on what to see and do there.

Praia De Nazaré

The heart of the town is the main beach, Praia de Nazaré. It has a long sandy coastline lined with golden sand, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or sunset strolls. This beach is unique for its atmosphere – you can see fishermen drying their catches on traditional stands, a remnant of local traditions.

Nazaré Funicular

In Nazaré, you’ll find a historic funicular, built in 1889, connecting the lower part of the town (Praia) with the upper district of Sítio. The funicular ride is short, but you’ll still get to enjoy a nice view of the town, the ocean, and the surrounding landscape. The funicular runs every 15 minutes, and a round-trip ticket costs 4 euros.

Sítio Viewpoint (Miradouro Do Suberco)

The Sítio Viewpoint is one of the most visited places in Nazaré. From this spot, you’ll have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, golden beaches, and the entire town. The viewpoint is especially popular at sunset, when the sky turns pink.

Old Town Sítio

Sítio is the historic district of Nazaré, located on a cliff above the town. It’s a place where you can soak up the authentic atmosphere of Portugal. Narrow cobbled streets, white houses with colorful shutters, and small chapels will transport you back in time. You’ll also find traditional shops and cafes where you can enjoy local specialties.

Ermida Da Memória

The Ermida da Memória chapel is located near the Sítio viewpoint. This small chapel holds immense historical and spiritual significance. According to legend, the Virgin Mary saved a hunter from falling off the cliff. The chapel was built as a thank you for this miracle. Its interior is decorated with colorful tiles (azulejos) and tells the story of this event.

Church of our Lady of Nazaré

This Baroque church is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal. Its interior is richly decorated with gilded details, frescoes, and statues. Inside, you’ll find the famous statue of the Virgin Mary, revered as the protector of the town.

Fortaleza De São Miguel Arcanjo and the Lighthouse

On the cliff above Praia do Norte beach, you’ll see a beautiful lighthouse. Fortaleza is not only a historic fortress but also a viewpoint from which you can watch the famous giant waves. In the winter months, you’ll often encounter surfers here trying to conquer the world’s biggest waves. The exhibition inside the fortress explains the history of surfing and the natural phenomenon of the local Nazaré canyon.

Surfers’ Hall of Fame

This exhibition is dedicated to the most famous surfers and their achievements in Nazaré. You’ll see photos, trophies, and records of the record-breaking waves that have been conquered in this area. The Hall of Fame is located directly in the Fortaleza, and there is an entrance fee.

Praia Do Norte

Praia do Norte beach is legendary for its gigantic waves, which attract surfers from all over the world. However, the place is also attractive for ordinary mortals – the sight of the ocean’s power and surfers on giant waves is a lifelong experience. The beach is less touristy than the main Praia de Nazaré and has a wilder atmosphere.

Try Surfing

If you’re interested in surfing, Nazaré has many surf schools for beginners and advanced surfers. Experienced instructors will teach you the basics and provide you with equipment. Even if you don’t dare to tackle the giant waves, smaller and calmer beaches in the area are great places to practice.

Taste Local Cuisine

Nazaré is a paradise for gourmets. Taste fresh fish and seafood prepared according to traditional recipes. For dessert, try the famous Pastel de Nata, a creamy tart that is a Portuguese specialty. Don’t forget Ginja liqueur, a sweet cherry liqueur often served in chocolate cups.

Trips around the Area

From Nazaré, you can take trips to the surrounding area, which you can book on the GetYourGuide portal. For example, visit:

• Óbidos: A medieval town with walls, about 30 km from Nazaré.
• Alcobaça: This town is home to the Mosteiro de Alcobaça monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Batalha: Another UNESCO site, the Mosteiro da Batalha monastery, is a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture.
• Peniche: This coastal town is known for its cliffs and beautiful beaches. It is also a popular spot for surfers and a great starting point for trips to the Berlenga Islands.

FAQ