Best things to do in Nazaré, Portugal. Nazaré is a coastal town in western Portugal, known for its canyon, which creates giant waves. Several records have been broken here for the largest waves ever surfed!
Although these waves are the biggest attraction of Nazaré, this place has many other charms that you should know.
1. Sítio da Nazaré
Sítio da Nazaré is the highest neighborhood in Nazaré, from where you can have an incredible view over the beach.
In the Nossa Senhora da Nazaré square you can find the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, and this church can also be visited.
2. Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo
At certain times of the year, it is possible to see the giant waves of Nazaré, and this is the place chosen by most people to see this phenomenon. The most recent record is held by Sebastian Steudner. He surfed the largest wave ever (male category), of 26.21 meters, on October 29, 2020.
The access to the fort is from Sítio da Nazaré, and must be done on foot since there is no space to park near the fort. Along this route there is a statue: half man – half deer, which symbolizes the junction of two important moments for Nazaré: the legend of Our Lady of Nazaré and the coming of the surfers to this town.
At the top of Nazaré fort is the lighthouse, which can be visited between 10am and 5:30pm for a cost of 2€.
3. Nazaré Waterfront
The marginal of Nazaré beach is great for a nice walk, and is where you can find lots of stores and restaurants, especially fish ones. Something I usually do very often is to stop at Gelatomania to have an ice cream with a view of the beach.
4. Funicular
The Funicular of Nazaré connects the beach to Sítio da Nazaré, the highest point of this town, going up 318m. The funicular leaves every 15 minutes between 7:15 am and midnight. A one-way ticket will cost you 1.50€ and a round-trip ticket will cost 2.90€.
You can also do this route on foot via an alternative trail.
5. Baloiço da Ladeira (panoramic swing)
On this alternative route, a little after you start walking down from Sítio to the beach, you can find the panoramic Ladeira Swing, with a spectacular view of the beach.
6. Praia do Norte
Located north of the Nazaré promontory, this is the beach where surfers face the giant waves, being an alternative to the Nazaré lighthouse to observe this phenomenon. At the access to the beach there is also a park with deer, that from time to time are curious to get close to the people that visit them.
I hope you enjoyed this article about the best things to do in Nazaré, Portugal!
Leave your opinion in the comments and follow me on social networks so you don’t miss my next trips and tips. Use #travelplannerholic to get noticed.
With Love,
Catarina Vieira
Would you like to save this article? Hover the image to pin it!
