As a local, now based in Lisbon, every weekend I head back to Nazaré, and seeing my bus filled with eager tourists, my heart melts a little. This place I’ve always called home has finally captured the world’s attention, and I totally get the hype. Just a few years ago, Nazaré would be bustling in the summer for its beautiful beach, but in winter? Almost empty. Now, visitors come all year, drawn not only by record-breaking waves but also by the town’s unique charm and breathtaking views in every season.
So, if you’re ready to experience what truly makes Nazaré special (beyond the surfboards and sunbathers), let me take you through the best spots and hidden gems with a local’s perspective!
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What to Know Before Visiting Nazaré
Nazaré is a coastal town located on Portugal’s Silver Coast, about 120 kilometers north of Lisbon. This town was once a quiet fishing village and has grown into a world-famous surfing destination. What makes Nazaré unique is the Nazaré Canyon – an underwater canyon that creates waves of unbelievable height, making Praia do Norte one of the best big-wave surfing spots globally, with several world records!
During your visit to Nazaré, you’re likely to encounter local women dressed in the town’s iconic traditional attire, characterized by the colorful and intricate seven skirts. This vibrant custom, predominantly maintained by the older generation, embodies the rich cultural heritage of Nazaré. You will often find these women throughout the town, where they sell dried fish, homemade snacks, or advertise local accommodations, showcasing the town’s bustling market spirit.
Population: Approximately 15,000 residents
Best Known For: Record-breaking surfed waves, especially at Praia do Norte
Peak Seasons: Summer (for beachgoers) and winter (for big-wave surfing fans)
Local Legend: The Legend of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (Our Lady of Nazaré) is deeply woven into the town’s history and spirit. As the story goes, back in the 12th century, a nobleman, Dom Fuas Roupinho, was hunting near the cliffs of Sítio da Nazaré when he saw a stag. He chased the animal until the thick mist obscured his view, and his horse nearly ran off the cliff. In that critical moment, Dom Fuas prayed to Our Lady of Nazaré, who miraculously appeared, stopping his horse and saving his life. In gratitude, he ordered a chapel to be built on that very cliff, which today is the Ermida da Memória chapel, a revered spot for both locals and visitors. To this day, you’ll find statues and artwork throughout Nazaré depicting this miraculous event, and the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré stands as a symbol of protection, faith, and the town’s enduring traditions.
How to Get to Nazaré
The easiest way to reach Nazaré from Lisbon is by bus, with direct routes by Rede Expressos from the Sete Rios station or by Flixbus from the Oriente station. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to get here, and you’ll be dropped off right in the town center. If you’re driving, it’s a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Lisbon. Just be prepared for some extra traffic in town during peak surf season and summer!
How to Get Around Nazaré
Nazaré is super walkable, especially around the town center and waterfront. For getting up to Sítio da Nazaré, I’d recommend taking the funicular – it’s a short ride that offers one of the best views around! You can also catch local buses or taxis, or use your own car if you’d like to explore areas like Praia do Norte or want to cover more ground with ease.
Best Things to Do in Nazaré
Sítio da Nazaré
High above Nazaré, Sítio da Nazaré offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Portugal. Situated at the top of the cliff, this neighborhood provides amazing views of Nazaré beach and the Atlantic Ocean. You can reach it by the town’s historic funicular or by car.
Sights at Sítio da Nazaré
Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré: A beautiful church that is central to the town’s history and the local legend of Our Lady of Nazaré.
Ermida da Memória: This small chapel marks the spot where the legendary apparition of Our Lady of Nazaré occurred, offering a serene atmosphere and a connection to the town’s spiritual roots.
Miradouro do Suberco (viewpoint): A stunning viewpoint nearby that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the town below. It’s an ideal spot for photos, especially during sunset.
In Sítio, ladies wearing traditional attire will be selling a variety of traditional Portuguese snacks that you simply must try. Among these delights, the tremoços stand out—salted lupin beans that make for a savory snack, perfect for nibbling. Another popular treat is pevides, salted pumpkin seeds that provide a satisfying crunch. Don’t miss the bolachas de amendoim (go for the big ones!), delicious cookies made with peanuts, offering a sweet contrast to the savory options.
Sítio da Nazaré is also the access point to the Fort where you can watch the huge waves from, which brings me to the next point:
2. Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo
Perched on a rocky promontory, the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo is the ultimate spot to view Nazaré’s famous giant waves. This is where big-wave surfers come to conquer the world’s largest recorded waves, often reaching over 80 feet. Surfing records have been broken here, including the 26.21-meter wave surfed by Sebastian Steudtner in 2020.
How to Get There: The fort is accessible on foot from Sítio da Nazaré; you can go down there by car, but due to very limited parking, most visitors walk from town. I only advise you to take the car if you need to drop off someone with low mobility, and then go park somewhere around Sítio.
What do Do: Inside the fort is a small museum dedicated to Nazaré’s surfing history, along with the lighthouse where you can take in expansive ocean views. Entry is just 2€ and well worth it for the incredible scenery. You can visit from 8am to 6pm.
Safety Tips: The cliffs near the fort can be both thrilling and dangerous, so it’s important to exercise caution. Strong winds and sudden wave surges can make the cliffs around the fort hazardous. Always remain behind safety barriers and avoid approaching the edge. Even on calm days, the ocean around Nazaré’s cliffs can be unpredictable. Avoid leaning too far over ledges to take photos, and never attempt to climb down the rocks closer to the water. During big-wave season, the fort gets crowded, making the paths narrow and more challenging to navigate. Keep an eye on children and be mindful of the people around you.
Nazaré Waterfront
The waterfront of Nazaré, or the “Marginal,” is a lively stretch perfect for a stroll, lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties. As you walk along the promenade, you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of the sea mixed with the unique smell of drying fish—a reminder of Nazaré’s fishing heritage.
One fascinating sight along the waterfront is the Museu do Peixe Seco (Dry Fish Museum). This small open-air exhibit displays traditional fish-drying racks, tended to by local women who continue the age-old methods of curing fish naturally in the sun and sea breeze. The scent here is strong, salty, and distinctly local—offering a sensory glimpse into the past, when fishing sustained much of the town.
Nearby, you can also visit the Museu das Barcas (Boat Museum), which houses a collection of old, brightly painted fishing boats. These boats showcase the unique designs that helped Nazaré’s fishermen identify their boats from afar. This small museum celebrates the town’s maritime history and its enduring connection to the sea.
Funicular of Nazaré
The Funicular of Nazaré connects the lower beach area to Sítio da Nazaré at the top of the cliff. It’s a quick and scenic way to reach the higher parts of town, covering a distance of 318 meters (about 1,043 feet).
Schedule: Operating from 7:15 am to midnight, the funicular runs every 15 minutes until 8pm, and every 30 minutes after that.
Ticket prices:
Adults – 1 trip: 2.50 €; Round trip: 4.00 €
Children – 1 trip: 2.00 €; Round trip: 3.00 €
6-trip pass (adults): 10.00 €
6-trip pass (children): 7.50 €
Bilhete Mar (Sea Ticket – valid for 7 days): 17.50 €
If you are more of a walking person, there is a walking path by the funicular, with equally stunning views. Along this path, you will find the next beautiful location you have to visit:
Baloiço da Ladeira (panoramic swing)
Along the alternative hiking route from Sítio da Nazaré to the beach, you’ll find the Baloiço da Ladeira—a scenic swing set against panoramic ocean views. This spot is a local favorite for photos and a peaceful place to enjoy the coastal landscape. If you’re here during the winter surfing season, be sure to bring binoculars and a camera for a closer view.
Praia do Norte
Praia do Norte is the legendary beach where surfers ride Nazaré’s massive waves. It’s a more rugged stretch of coastline, perfect for those looking to witness the impressive surf in action.
Extra tip: In the access to Praia do Norte, there’s a small hidden gem that even many locals overlook: a quaint deer park! Tucked away from the crowds that come to witness the towering waves, this little sanctuary is a refreshing find among Nazaré’s more famous attractions. Even though it is not visitable, the park hosts a small herd of deer who are known to venture close to visitors (behind the fences), making for a charming and unexpected encounter. It’s a peaceful spot that contrasts beautifully with the area’s high-energy surf culture, so if you’re into nature moments, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Where to Eat in Nazaré
Nazaré is a paradise for seafood lovers, offering a variety of restaurants that serve fresh, locally-sourced fish and seafood daily. For a refined experience, try Taberna d’Adélia, where hearty Portuguese dishes are served in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. If you’re after an ocean view, Aki-d’el Mar pairs a stunning seascape with the best seafood. Be sure to sample traditional local dishes like caldeirada (a flavorful fish stew) and arroz de marisco (seafood rice) for a true taste of coastal Portugal.
If you are looking for something more simple and less expensive, I highly recommend you to check out Restaurante Adega João Clau, Mar Bravo, and Restaurante Forno d’Orca, each offering tasty, fresh meals with a local touch.
If you’re in the mood for sushi, Kabuki is a great spot, known for its fresh and creative Japanese menu—a nice change of pace from the local flavors.
If you are looking for a sweet treat, locals love to gather at Gelatomania for ice cream, sweet crepes and waffles. For me, this is the perfect pair for a relaxing sunset walk on Nazaré’s Waterfront.
What to Visit Near Nazaré
While you’re in the area, consider a day trip to Óbidos, a charming medieval village just a short drive from Nazaré. Wander its cobblestone streets, explore the historic castle, and try the famous local cherry liqueur, ginjinha. Óbidos offers a magical glimpse into Portugal’s medieval past and is an easy addition to your Nazaré itinerary.
For more information on what to see and do in Óbidos, check out my Óbidos Guide!
I hope you enjoyed this article about the best things to do in Nazaré, Portugal!
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With Love,
Catarina Vieira
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It sounds like there is so much more to see in Nazaré than the big surf waves and beaches. Looking forward to a return visit.
There is definitely much more to explore!
What a gorgeous place you grew up at and visit on weekends. I look forward to visiting.
Thank you Sharyn! I hope you get the chance to visit
That is a very nice post! I can imagine how lovely the Funicular ride must be.
Thank you! It really is, the views of the beach from above are beautiful!