Nazaré, Portugal

Visit Nazaré and immerse yourself in this picturesque coastal town in the Central Region of Portugal

Nazaré © Vitor Estrelinha

Nazaré, Portugal, is a village that will make you fall in love at first sight and draw you in so you’ll never want to leave. Considered "the most typical village in Portugal", this small town has much more to offer than meets the eye. It is located in the Central region of the country; at about 100 kilometres from Lisbon and 230 kilometres from Porto, it is one of the most versatile and rewarding destinations the country has to offer.

streets of Nazaré © Celestino Manuel

The village is linked to an interesting story about D. Fuas Roupinho, mayor of Porto de Mós, which has made the village legendary. The story begins with the mayor chasing a deer on horseback. Before he knows it, he loses sight of the deer and finds himself facing a cliff. He’s going so fast that he can’t slow down, and the view of the horizon is getting sharper by the minute. At this desperate moment, he remembers the Virgin Mary and prays for his life, and miraculously, both he and the horse survive unharmed. In honour of what happened, D. Fuas built a chapel honouring the Virgin on top of the same cliff. The building became the foundations of Nazaré, the second miracle of this story.

Artisanal fishing © CM Nazaré

Considered by many artists to be the tenth muse, Nazaré has a charm that transcends the material. You will feel something different when you walk the streets of this village; its pleasant climate and sea breeze will make you feel like you are in an earthly paradise. The friendly people will introduce you to a world of colourful personalities, especially the women in their famous as sete saias dresses, which you won't see anywhere else. The village is divided into three different areas: Praia, Sitio, and Pederneira, each with their own magic but all remaining authentic to the essence of Nazaré.

Each of the three areas of the villa has a distinct atmosphere that will speak to your passions. If you are captivated by the sea in all its forms, visit Praia, where the sun and beach take centre stage. The fresh fish will delight your palate, and the lively people will keep you smiling. If you're passionate about history and religion, stop by Sitio. The area is elevated in height and spirit, offering captivating views of the city. Sitio is home to historic forts and exciting museums that keep the past alive. Last but not least, Pederneira is the cradle of the town and is a mixture of the previous two areas, combining beautiful beaches with a historical-religious feel. It’s not only representative of the town but of central Portugal as a whole.

Index

What to see in Nazaré?
What are the best beaches in Nazaré?
What to do in Nazaré?
What are the best trips to take from Nazaré?
When is the best time to go to Nazaré, Portugal?

What to see in Nazaré?

Portugal, Nazaré
© Celestino Manuel

Nazaré is one of the most varied and characteristic places in all of Portugal. No matter where you look, there’s always something to catch your eye. The spirit of the town is everywhere, from its artistic and religious monuments to its natural wonders. Don't miss the opportunity to take in its essence.

The town keeps its religious origins alive with a multitude of structures dedicated to celebrating its spiritual passion. Visit the Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Sanctuary, a Baroque architectural marvel that dazzles the eye and the soul. The sanctuary is so striking and important that it is used to commemorate the Virgin in a festival every September. Two other churches you can’t miss are the Igreja Paroquial de Nossa Senhora das Areias and the Igreja da Misericórdia da Pederneira, two beautiful Baroque buildings (early and late styles, respectively) that show an evolution in the approach to God over the years that is as captivating as it is fascinating.

If you are looking for an experience to immerse yourself in depth and simplicity, visit the town’s magnificent chapels, such as the Ermida da Memória, the Capela de Santo António, and the Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos. The three small buildings make up for their size in beauty; all three are bathed in beautiful azulejos (tiles), with a deep sea blue that will make you feel like you are in a spiritual bath. The Ermida da Memória is particularly interesting because it is the chapel that was built by D. Fuas Roupinho after he miraculously escaped death on a cliff. According to legend, he survived by praying to the virgin and then created the chapel in her honour. The chapel later became the beginning of Nazaré.

Sitio, Nazaré
© Vitor Oliveira

Not only do humans build for God, but God also builds for humans; there is no place that shows this more clearly than Nazaré. The town is blessed with beautiful natural sights that you will want to appreciate from every perspective. If you want to see the true beauty of the town, visit the Pederneira Viewpoint, which offers a view of the town with a rustic and comfortable feel. If you’re more intrepid and up for a challenge, climb Monte de São Brás (São Brás Hill) and admire the town from the heights of nature. Some of the most beautiful panoramas in all of Portugal can be seen at Monte Branco Viewpoint. The fascinating lookout has a tricky path, but its reward is totally worth the effort. If you’re a sea enthusiast, make your first stop the Miradouro do Suberco, the Miradouro da Barbaçã, or the Gruta do Forno de Orca, where you can appreciate the sea and its effects on both land and sky, beautifying grottoes and painting sunsets.

The traces of history have also made their mark in Nazaré, with ancient and contemporary works that have evolved over time. You can step into the past at the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort, once an impenetrable fortress against pirates and now a historic beauty that opens its doors to visitors. If you like a sense of regality and power, visit the Antigos Paços do Concelho da Pederneira. The old town hall is decorated with 17th-century elements and exudes an air of pride. You can appreciate expressions of strength and temperance on your stop at the Monument to the Women of Nazaré. The monument celebrates the value and importance of women in Nazaré’s history, along with their beauty.

History, art, and culture are presented on their rightful pedestals in the town's incredible museums. Discover the mysteries hidden in Nazaré's past at the Dr. Joaquim Manso Ethnographic and Archaeological Museum. Its exhibitions of archaeology, painting, sculpture, photography, and much more will create a picture of the spirit of Nazaré. Admire works rich in physical and spiritual value at the Rector Luís Nési Museum of Sacred Art, which is full of tributes to Nossa Senhora that carry the spirit and hope of citizens and pilgrims. Let yourself be hooked by the Casa-Museu do Pescador (Fisherman’s House-Museum), which allows you to see the greatest prowess in the sport of fishing in one of the most competitive areas of this mastery. Don't miss the opportunity to see the spirit of the town embodied in different ways in the Cultural Centre, where you will find great exhibitions and magnificent sculptures such as the Monument to the Nazarene Mother.

What are the best beaches in Nazaré?

Beaches in Nazaré
© Vitor Oliveira

Experts around the world agree that Nazaré’s beaches are some of the most beautiful and best-formed beaches in the world. The sun, sea, and sand seem to have made an agreement to make Nazaré an unforgettable destination. Take your seat in the Nazaré Lift, enjoy the beautiful views on your descent, and prepare to immerse yourself in the abundance of Nazaré’s beauty.

Nazaré consists of three beaches, each with a different approach to beauty and each achieving it in its own way. Check out Praia do Salgado. A mix of urban and natural, this beach always has fabulous weather that makes practising sport a joy. If you prefer a more urban style, Banhos Beach has you covered. Fully integrated into the city centre, the beach is nestled in one of the most traditional and picturesque neighbourhoods in all of Portugal. Its tide is as lively as its people, so you will no doubt have an unforgettable experience. If you are more interested in nature, you will find Praia do Norte a marvel. Surrounded by a pine forest, it is a perfect area to admire the outdoors and coexist with nature. It is even close to the Forno da Orca Cave and is part of the area’s ecological reserve.

What are the best things to do in Nazaré?

Nazaré and the sea go hand in hand, and citizens have worked with the ocean throughout the town’s history. The activities available in Nazaré are an exhilarating source of fun and adrenaline that will make you wish you never had to leave.

Even as you begin your journey to see its wonders, Nazaré welcomes you with one of them: a ride in its iconic Funicular. A lift that travels 318 metres to link the Praia and Sitio neighbourhoods, the 19th-century architectural marvel was created by one of Eiffel's disciples, Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard. Ascending and descending have never been so interesting, so enjoy your journey and the splendid views aboard the engineering treasure.

There’s no lack of surfing in Nazaré, and the town has a track record that is as fascinating as it is eye-catching. The wind from Peniche makes the waves gigantic and tubular, creating a jaw-dropping scene as a spectator or participant. In fact, the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed has been set on the beaches of Nazaré twice, first by Garrett McNamara and then by Rodrigo Koxa in 2017. The combination of unbelievable talent and incredible conditions makes these results possible.

If you want to take to the sea in a calmer way, the village is full of activities that allow you to explore the ocean. Jump into the waters of Nazaré, which are full of almost unexplored seabeds and unique flora and fauna, and try scuba diving in the company of friendly people who will make the activity a joy. You can also sign up for dolphin watching, where you will see a natural show worthy of Cirque du Soleil, with dolphins jumping and surprising you with every splash.

Nazaré has a very interesting culture of fish and fishermen, which can be as exciting as it is delicious. Test your patience and determination by practising sport fishing, where you will be equipped, instructed, and guided by the best professionals in this art in a relaxing and exciting experience. If you prefer to go straight to the reward, take a food tour, where you can enjoy some of the most delicious seafood Portugal has to offer. Don't miss out on tasty meals such as Caldeirada and Massa de Peixe. If you want to understand the authenticity and history of the region’s food, you have to stop at Salga de Peixe. In a curious Nazarene tradition, fish is dried and then served to taste, creating unique dishes that will transport you back to a simpler time.

What are the best trips to take from Nazaré?

Since it’s located in the very heart of Portugal, Nazaré is a perfect spot for excursions to fascinating places. Whether by land, by sea, or even into caves, Nazaré leaves ideal destinations at your fingertips.

If you're not ready to leave the sea behind, take a trip to one of the many nearby communities with strong ties to the ocean. Visit places like Peniche, where the sea has been conquered by the locals and you can enjoy delicious food, soft sands, and thrilling waves. If you want to see the sea from another perspective, travel to Torres Vedras, a place with wonderful views and magnificent infrastructure that makes walking an unforgettable experience. Don't want to take your feet out of the water? Check out the boat trips that will take you to gorgeous natural sites. For example, you could cruise to the Berlengas Islands, where the wonders of the ocean are brought to the forefront, with flora, fauna, and amazing rocks that seem like they were carved by Michelangelo.

Freshwater sailor? Not a problem! From Nazaré, you can take trips on the Ria de Aveiro, a lagoon that joins the ocean. You could take a trip to the community of Aveiro, a rustic and colourful town that has been nicknamed the Portuguese Venice for its boats, structure, and romantic atmosphere. Or visit towns like Ovar that combine the beauty of earth and sea; the town is home to gorgeous views of the Ria and some of the most beautiful churches in the world, such as Santa Maria de Válega Mother Church and Cortegaça Church.

Religious excursions from Nazaré are also very popular. You can step into the shoes of a pilgrim and see that there is beauty both in the journey and in the destination. Travel to the magnificent city of Fatima and experience spirituality on another level, with shrines and museums that have honoured the Virgin for years and years. If you're looking for monuments steeped in religious and military history, visit Batalha Monastery and Alcobaça Monastery, two imposing buildings that were built after Portuguese victories in honour of the Virgin. Their façades alone show the pride of the Portuguese faithful.

The area not only allows you to travel wherever you want, but also gives you the chance to travel back in time. Visit mediaeval times full of knights and troubadours in communities such as Óbidos, Alcobaça, and Coímbra, where the village residents keep the mediaeval age alive in the best possible way with festivals, poems, castles, jousting, and lots of fun.

If you are looking for comfort and modernity, Nazaré is an excellent starting point for a road trip to Portugal's most popular cities. Trips to cities like Porto and Lisbon have never been easier or more fun. Travel in comfort to the modern urban areas from this village and see the evolution and progress along the way.

When is the best time to go to Nazaré, Portugal?

Nazaré celebrates its culture whenever it gets the chance, so the full experience of the village can always be enjoyed, though there are some events that take it to new heights. It is advisable to travel in September, when the town puts on its festival for the Virgin of Nazaré. It’s a lively festival where you can experience Nazaré-style food, folklore, dancing, and concerts in honour of the patron saint who gave birth to the town. On the other hand, if you're looking to be amazed by high-level skills, travel in February for the Tow Surfing Challenge. The most talented surfers put in their best performances to prove who has the most grit and determination, challenging the biggest waves the world has ever seen.

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Why "Portugal Travel"?

Portugal Travel is an organization of Portuguese agencies whose objectives are:

✓ To make Portugal, its culture and its heritage known.
✓ To promote sustainable tourism.

In collaboration with:

Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril

Turismo de Portugal

Nazaré, Portugal

Visit Nazaré and immerse yourself in this picturesque coastal town in the Central Region of Portugal

What to see in Nazaré?

What are the best beaches in Nazaré?

What are the best things to do in Nazaré?

What are the best trips to take from Nazaré?

When is the best time to go to Nazaré, Portugal?

Recommended Excursions:

Nazaré

What to see:

Museums:

Beaches:

What to do:

Other worth-visiting nearby towns and cities:

Why "Portugal Travel"?

In collaboration with: