Nazaré Portugal Travel Guide: Big Waves, Beaches & Traditions

As your travel guide to Nazaré, I welcome you to one of the most unique coastal towns in Portugal. Famous for its towering Atlantic waves, Nazaré has become a mecca for surfers from around the world. But beyond the thrill of surfing, you’ll find a picturesque town with rich traditions, panoramic cliffside views, and a deeply rooted fishing heritage.
 

Whether you’re here for the legendary surf, the laid-back beach vibe, or the authentic Portuguese experience, Nazaré has something unforgettable to offer.

🏖️ Where Is Nazaré?

📍 Location: Central Portugal, on the Silver Coast (Costa de Prata)

🚗 Distance from Lisbon: Approx. 125 km (1.5 hours by car)

🏄‍♂️ Famous for: Giant waves at Praia do Norte, surfing world records, traditional fishing, scenic cliffs

🌟 Top Reasons to Visit Nazaré

See the world’s biggest surfable waves at Praia do Norte

Discover local traditions and old fishing customs in the town center

Ride the iconic Nazaré funicular to the Sitio district for panoramic views

Relax on wide sandy beaches perfect for families and sunbathers

Enjoy fresh seafood at seafront restaurants and local markets

🏄‍♂️ Nazaré and the Giant Waves

Nazaré rose to international fame in 2011 when Garrett McNamara rode a 78-foot wave, setting a world record. Since then, surfers from around the globe have come to tackle the monstrous swells of Praia do Norte, fueled by the underwater Nazaré Canyon, one of the largest in Europe.

🌊 Best Time for Big Wave Watching:

October to March: Prime season for big wave surfing

November: Often hosts the World Surf League (WSL) Tow Surfing Challenge

There’s a specially built lighthouse viewpoint on the cliff (Farol da Nazaré) where visitors can safely watch the spectacle below.

🗺️ Things to Do in Nazaré

🔹 1. Visit the Lighthouse and Surf Museum (Farol da Nazaré)

Perched on the cliffs of Sitio, this is where you get the best view of the legendary waves. Inside the fort is a small surf museum, showcasing:

Surfboards used by record-holding surfers

Videos and photos of extreme wave riding

Interactive info on the Nazaré Canyon

🎟️ Entry is just a few euros – well worth it!

🔹 2. Relax on Nazaré Beach (Praia da Nazaré)

The main beach in the town is a long stretch of golden sand, ideal for:

Swimming (during calmer summer months)

Sunbathing and beach games

Strolling along the beautiful promenade

The promenade is lined with shops, ice cream parlors, and traditional restaurants. Keep an eye out for local women dressed in seven-layer skirts, a nod to Nazaré’s historic maritime culture.

🔹 3. Explore the Sitio District

Accessible via a charming funicular railway, the hilltop area of Sitio offers:

Stunning cliffside views

Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Sanctuary, a religious pilgrimage site

Quaint streets with artisan shops and cafes

From here, you’ll see the town, the beach, and the Atlantic stretch into the horizon.

🔹 4. Taste Fresh Seafood

Nazaré is known for its fishing legacy, so it’s no surprise the seafood here is outstanding:

Grilled sardines (especially in summer)

Arroz de marisco (seafood rice stew)

Polvo à lagareiro (octopus in olive oil)

Locally caught shellfish and fresh clams

🦞 Don’t miss the open-air Mercado Municipal (market), where locals sell fresh fish, fruit, and local cheeses daily.

🔹 5. Attend Local Festivals

If your trip coincides with a festival, you’re in for a treat:

Our Lady of Nazaré Festival (September): Religious procession, music, and cultural shows

Carnival in Nazaré: Colorful parades and traditional dances

New Year’s Eve: Fireworks by the sea and all-night beach parties

These events showcase the town’s deep-rooted cultural identity and are perfect for travelers seeking an immersive experience.

📸 Top Instagram Spots in Nazaré

Farol da Nazaré overlooking Praia do Norte

Miradouro do Suberco (clifftop viewpoint)

Traditional boats on the sand at Praia da Nazaré

Funicular railway car ascending to Sitio

Women in seven-skirt dresses selling dried fish

📷 Nazaré is photogenic in every direction – from waves to cliffs to culture!

🚞 How to Get to Nazaré

🚗 By Car:

From Lisbon: A1 + A8 highways (~1.5 hours)

From Porto: A1 + A17 (~2.5 hours)

Free or paid parking available throughout the town

🚌 By Bus:

Rede Expressos buses run frequently from Lisbon’s Sete Rios station

Duration: Around 2 hours

🚆 By Train:

No direct train service to Nazaré

Closest train station: Valado dos Frades, 7 km away, then take a taxi or bus

🏨 Where to Stay in Nazaré

From budget hostels to seaside boutique hotels, options include:

Hotel Mar Bravo – Seafront views and central location

Hotel Magic – Stylish rooms near the promenade

Villamar Style Maison – Modern guesthouse with a pool

Hostel Praia – Affordable dorms and private rooms for backpackers

🏖️ Staying close to the beach or the Sitio area gives you the best access to sights and surf.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Travel Tips

Nazaré is great for families: safe beaches, pedestrian zones, and lots of child-friendly restaurants

The funicular ride is a fun experience for kids

Visit the Norpark Water Park in summer (July–August)

🧃 Plenty of cafes and public restrooms make it easy for family travel.

🧭 Day Trips from Nazaré

If you're staying for more than a day or two, explore nearby destinations:

Alcobaça Monastery (20 minutes): UNESCO World Heritage Site

Batalha Monastery (40 minutes): Gothic architecture masterpiece

Óbidos (45 minutes): Walled medieval town with cobblestone streets

Peniche (1 hour): Surf hub and gateway to Berlengas Islands

🧠 Historical Background of Nazaré

Originating as a fishing village, Nazaré’s history is tied to the sea

Legend of Our Lady of Nazaré (Nossa Senhora da Nazaré) saving a nobleman from falling off a cliff in the 12th century

The Sitio Sanctuary became a major pilgrimage site thereafter

Surf fame only began in the 2010s, adding modern allure to ancient charm

This blend of old and new makes Nazaré a richly layered destination.

🌿 Best Time to Visit Nazaré

🏄‍♂️ For surf lovers, autumn and winter are best. For families or casual travelers, spring and summer offer perfect weather and relaxed vibes.

📋 Summary – Why Nazaré Should Be on Your Bucket List

🌊 Witness the power of the ocean at one of the world’s top surf spots

🧓 Experience Portuguese culture through local traditions and cuisine

🏖️ Relax on spacious beaches or explore scenic cliffs

🧭 Easily accessible from Lisbon for a day trip or weekend escape

📸 Capture unforgettable moments from land, sea, and sky

Whether you're watching titanic waves crash below the lighthouse, enjoying grilled sardines on the beach, or riding a funicular up a centuries-old cliff, Nazaré leaves a lasting impression.