Set on and below a cliff on the Atlantic coast of central Portugal, Nazaré is a picturesque town that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Once a sleepy fishing village, Nazaré has only recently transformed into a world-renowned destination, famous for its giant waves, colorful traditions and warm hospitality.
Before our Portugal trip, I’d watched many documentaries about the big waves of Nazaré. So, of course, I had to set aside a day to explore. But as it turns out, the town is so much more than the waves.
So in this guide, I’ll take you on a journey through the best that Nazaré has to offer – From the adrenaline-pumping big wave surfing scene to the charming cobblestone streets of the old town.
Article overview
How to get to Nazare
You’ll find Nazarée on the Atlantic Coast of Portugal, almost halfway between Lisbon and Porto. We visited Nazaré from Ericeira, another beautiful surf town, on our 10-day Portugal road trip.
I would say that renting a car is the best option, it only takes 1.5 hours to drive the 120 kilometers (75 miles) north from Lisbon. Once you’re out of the city, it’s an easy drive on Highway A8, which will take you through a few tunnels.
And from Ericeira, it only took 1 hour and 10 minutes. Having a car was such a treat, being able to stop whenever we wanted and change our minds on a whim.
Unfortunately, there are no direct trains between Lisbon and Nazaré, but several direct buses run throughout the day. I always book with Flixbus since I already have the app, but you can also book through Rede Expressos. Buses run from either Oriente or Sete Rios Bus Station in Lisbon, costing between €5 and €15.
Join a guided tour
If you just want to sit back and relax, why not book a guided tour from Lisbon? Day trips often include stops in Nazare and the beautiful medieval hilltop town of Obidos.
✅ Click here for >> Private tour to Nazaré and Óbidos from Lisbon
Experience the best of Portugal’s stunning coastal towns on this 7-hour Nazaré & Óbidos tour by minivan. Relax on the beach and watch the big waves, before enjoying a seafood lunch and continuing to Óbidos, where you’ll feel like you step back in time.
✅ Click here for >> Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré and Óbidos Private Tour
Explore Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré and Óbidos all in one day. With only your private group and a professional driver, you get to visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, Francisco and Jacinta’s House, Batalha Monastery and many more. Hotel pickup and drop-off in a high-end vehicle are included.
Best time to visit Nazaré
For big wave enthusiasts, the ideal time to visit Nazaré is from November to March. This is when the Atlantic Ocean produces the strongest swells, with peak months typically being December, January and February.
However, for most tourists who are more interested in enjoying the town’s beaches, sights and overall atmosphere, the shoulder seasons of spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October) are my favorite times to visit. The weather is generally pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season.
All the photos in this article were shot in late October. It was around 20°C during the day and we saw some big waves, though not as large as I had hoped.
Nazaré as a surfing destination
Praia do Norte (North Beach) is home to some of the largest and most powerful waves on the planet, thanks to Nazaré Canyon. These colossal waves, known to reach heights of up to 30 meters (100 feet), have become a mecca for big-wave surfers seeking to test their skills and push the boundaries of the sport.
The potential for big wave surfing in Nazaré was only recently discovered, thanks to local surfer and bodyboarder Dino Casimiro. In the early 2000s, Casimiro began exploring the waves at Praia do Norte, despite the local fishing community’s belief that the area was too dangerous for surfing.
Casimiro’s pioneering efforts caught the attention of American big wave surfer Garrett McNamara, who visited Nazaré in 2010. (You can watch his documentary, 100 Foot Wave, on Max.)
In November 2011, McNamara, with the help of Andrew Cotton, rode a wave estimated to be around 23.8 meters (78 feet) high at Nazaré, the world record at the time. This feat garnered international media attention and solidified Nazaré’s reputation as a premier big wave surfing destination.
Following McNamara’s achievement, other renowned big-wave surfers got their eyes up for Nazaré. In 2017, Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa set a new world record by riding a 24.4-meter (80-foot) wave, before Sebastian Steudtner broke that record by surfing a 28.57-meter (93.73ft) wave in 2020.
But it isn’t just fun and games, in 2023 Veteran Brazilian surfer Marcio Freire died while practicing tow-in surfing.
The discovery of Nazaré’s big wave potential has not only put the town on the map for surfers but also contributed to its growth as a tourist destination. The town now hosts annual big wave surfing events, such as the Nazaré Challenge, which attracts elite surfers and thousands of spectators from around the globe.
Why are the waves at Nazaré so big?
The primary reason for Nazaré’s giant waves is Nazaré Canyon, the largest underwater canyon in Europe. It is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) deep and 230 kilometers (143 miles) long. It extends from the coast to the edge of the continental shelf.
As waves approach the shore, the canyon’s unique bathymetry amplifies the wave energy. The sudden change in depth from the deep canyon to the shallow continental shelf causes the waves to slow down, compress, and gain significant height.
The canyon also acts as a funnel, concentrating wave energy from different directions into a single area. This convergence of waves further contributes to their size and power.
During winter months, strong offshore winds and powerful swells generated in the North Atlantic Ocean create ideal conditions for big wave formation at Nazaré.
🏄♀️ Pro tip >> There are several webcams along the beach in Nazare for surf enthusiasts to monitor current conditions. Click here to watch and see when the next giant swell is expected.
Top things to do in Nazaré
I wanted to save the upper town and big waves for sunset, I knew the view from up there would be spectacular. So we started our day of exploring down on Praia da Nazaré.
Although the water here is much calmer and perfect for swimming compared to the north side, it was too windy for us to lie down on the beach. Instead, we went for a walk in the sun along the 1.5 km long pebble boardwalk, enjoying views of colorful boats, and fish drying in the sun.
We also browsed some shops, had some ice cream and watched fishermen mend their nets. It’s fun to visit a place that only recently became famous where the traditional way of life is still very much alive.
Then we walked over to Mercado Municipal, a vibrant local market, where you can find fresh produce, fish, flowers and regional specialties. I, of course, had to pick up some pastéis de nata, I just can’t get enough of them.
There are many other things to see here as well, such as St. Anthony’s Chapel, The Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça das Areias, built in the 15th century, and Casa-Museu do Pescador, a museum dedicated to the life of traditional fishermen and their families.
We then took the 135-year-old Nazaré Funicular up to Sítio, the upper part of the town. It departs every 15 minutes, travels up 318 meters (1042 feet) and offers a panoramic view along the way. A one-way adult ticket costs €2.5 and €4 for a roundtrip.
If you want to get some exercise in, walk up Ladeira do Sítio, the old path connecting Nazaré Beach with Sítio. This is also where you’ll find Ladeira Swing. Yes, the swing craze has reached all the way from Bali to Nazaré. Haha. You can also walk down around 150 meters from the top.
It was then a short walk to the most popular viewpoint, Miradouro do Suberco. Though it was quite crowded so we continued down towards the fort to find a quieter spot, which we did.
Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, a 16th-century fort turned lighthouse and museum, is the most iconic landmark in Nazaré. While it’s primarily a viewpoint for the surf these days, it played a pivotal role in defending the area against pirate attacks for hundreds of years.
What I didn’t know before visiting, is that Nazaré Fort is home to an extensive collection of surfing memorabilia. The museum opened in 2016 and you can also learn about the science and natural forces behind the giant waves.
At low tide, you can hike down a dirt path below Nazaré Fort to the beach on the north side. It’s a steep climb at times, but most people will be able to do it, and you’ll be awarded by caves that can be fun to explore. There’s also a cave called Forno de Orca Cave that can be accessed from the beach.
We spent the rest of our day shooting photos of the big surf and enjoying the beautiful sunset. Keep in mind that it can be dangerous to swim at Praia do Norte (North Beach). Even on calm days, signs warn you of the dangerous rips and currents.
Pro tip >> Praia do Salgado and Praia da Gralha are much calmer beaches south of Nazaré, often used by locals wanting to escape the crowds.
🏄♀️ Read next >> A first-timer’s guide to surfing Nusa Lembongan (4 best surf spots)
Another gem in Sítio is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, a revered pilgrimage site. This beautiful 17th-century baroque monument, parts of which date back to the 14th century, is dedicated to Our Lady of Nazaré, a beloved figure in Portuguese Catholicism.
Inside, you’ll find stunning Baroque architecture, intricate tile work, and a statue of Our Lady, which, according to legend, was brought from Nazareth.
Where to stay in Nazaré
When deciding where to stay in Nazaré, both the upper town (Sítio) and the lower town (Praia) have their own unique charm and advantages. I would personally choose to stay in Sítio because it felt calmer and the views are incredible.
🏨 If you’re in Nazaré for the waves, you can’t go wrong with this two-bedroom apartment boasting a large veranda overlooking the surf.
But in the lower town, you’ll be just steps away from Praia da Nazaré, which is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Praia is also closer to the main bus station and other amenities, making it a convenient base for exploring the town and surrounding areas.
🏨 I loved the look of Nazare Marisol Praia Apartments and Hotel Mar Bravo, both with balconies right on the main beach.
What and where to eat
The food scene in Nazaré is a delightful celebration of fresh, local flavors. Seafood takes center stage, with dishes like grilled sardines, caldeirada (fish stew), and arroz de marisco (seafood rice) tickling your taste buds.
The town’s numerous seaside restaurants and cozy taverns (Rosa dos Ventos is the best) offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Also, don’t miss out on trying percebes (goose barnacles), I thought they were actual goose feet at first. Haha.
For those who prefer options other than just seafood, check out Village Brunch & Coffee or Sitiado, one of the most famous restaurants in Nazaré. Their tapas are up there with the best I’ve had, I especially recommend the Potato Peel Chips, Seared Tuna, Tuna Ceviche Steak Roquefort and Arugula Salad with Burrata Cheese.
In Nazaré, I also tried Pastel de Nata liqueur for the first time. I had never even heard about it before. Pastel de Nata is the most famous Portuguese dessert made of puff pastry and vanilla custard. The boozy version was incredible, but I think I prefer the edible kind.
You’ll probably also stumble upon small stands selling dried fish (Seca do Peixe). Drying fish is a tradition with a strong presence in Nazaré, just like in northern Norway.
So is Nazaré worth visiting?
Absolutely, Nazaré is a must! The friendly locals, charming streets and stunning coastal scenery make it an unforgettable stop on any Portugal trip.
Additionally, it’s easy to reach from Lisbon, Porto and Ericeria, and the major attractions can be seen in just one day. I hope to go back in January and sometime during the warmer months, to fully enjoy every side of this seaside gem.
Even if you’re not a fan of surfing, I’m sure you’re going to love the views of giant waves and watching the pros do their thing!
🔥 Read next >> If you’re a castle lover like me, you have to also take a road trip to Sintra. A fairytale town in the mountains known for its palaces, including the colorful Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira.
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