NAZARÉ

Nazaré's town centre and old town offer a charming glimpse into the heart of Portugal’s coastal culture. Famous for its massive waves and vibrant traditions, this fishing town has evolved into a popular destination without losing its roots. In the old town, wander through narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses with colourful tiled facades. The Praça Sousa Oliveira is a central hub, perfect for people-watching, coffee, and tasting fresh seafood in local restaurants. Head uphill to the Sítio district for panoramic views over Nazaré's famous beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, a church dating back to the 14th century, is worth a visit for its religious significance and stunning interiors.

Nazaré's culture is deeply linked to the sea. You’ll see traditional women dressed in seven skirts—a custom related to the fishing heritage. Explore the Museu Dr. Joaquim Manso to learn more about local history. Don’t miss catching the fishermen mending their nets or the fresh fish market where Nazaré’s maritime spirit endures.

Praia da Nazaré (Praia de Banhos

The town's beach, Praia da Nazaré, is renowned for its wide expanse of sand and profound fishing heritage. Historically, Nazaré’s fishermen would launch their boats from the shore, and even today, the influence of this tradition is evident in the colourful boats and fish-drying racks seen along the beach.

Today, Praia da Nazaré is popular for sunbathing, swimming, and strolling along its picturesque promenade. Visitors can also enjoy fresh seafood from restaurants that line the seafront.

Sun-Dried Fish Museum (Museu do Peixe Seco)

Opened in 2016, the Sun-Dried Fish Museum sits right on Nazaré’s main beach, offering both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Step inside the former fish market to uncover the fascinating history and artistry behind this ancient preservation method. Outside, just across the road, you’ll find rows of fish drying under the sun—an age-old tradition used to preserve surplus catches for future sales. Don’t be surprised if you spot (and smell!) the fish while strolling along the beach. Often watched over by a local dressed in traditional attire, the sight of drying fish is a quirky photo opportunity that visitors can’t resist!
Av. Manuel Remígio, 2450-106 Nazaré, Portugal. | 39° 35' 45.5" N | 09° 04' 20.6" W

Take a ride on the funicular up to Sitio da Nazaré, a charming little neighbourhood perched high on a cliff and offers the best views of the area. can also be reach by car or by climbing a stairway, but is far less fun.

NAZARÉ FUNICULAR (Ascensor da Nazaré)

The Nazaré Funicular, inaugurated in 1889, connects Nazaré’s beachside town to the clifftop Sítio district, offering stunning panoramic views. Ascending 110 metres (360 ft), this historic ride is popular with tourists and locals. Originally steam-powered, the funicular was fully modernised in 2002, now providing accessibility for wheelchairs and bicycles.

Departing every 15 minutes, the funicular runs daily from 7:15 a.m. to midnight. The lower station features a vibrant tile panel, added in 2017, showcasing Nazaré’s iconic dried fish, massive waves, and other local elements. The upper station in Sítio displays an older tile panel depicting the Miracle of Our Lady of Nazaré, a nod to the town's spiritual heritage.
Lower Station: R. do Elevador 9, 2450-200 | 39° 36' 09.8" N | 09° 04' 24.4" W
Higher Station: R. do Horizonte 20, 2450-065 Nazaré | 39° 36' 19.3" N | 09° 04' 28.8" W
Single €2.50, Return €4.00, 6-trip pass €10.00, 7-day ticket €17.50.

MIRADOURO DO SUBERCO

The Miradouro do Suberco viewing terrace is close to the funicular station, which offers famous spectacular views over the town and its main beach.

Dr. JOAQUIM MANSO MUSEUM

The Dr. Joaquim Manso Museum in Nazaré is a delightful journey through the town’s rich maritime heritage. Housed in an early 20th-century villa that once served as Dr. Joaquim Manso’s summer retreat, this museum was founded in 1976 and honours the renowned journalist and writer. The villa itself, donated in 1968 by Nazaré’s own Amadeu Gaudêncio, sets a comfortable scene for the museum’s fascinating displays.

The museum’s collections span archaeology, decorative arts, and ethnography, with a focus on Nazaré’s fishing culture and maritime traditions. From traditional fishing gear to iconic Nazaré costumes, each exhibit showcases the region’s unique sea-inspired identity. Supported by generous donations from locals over decades, the Dr. Joaquim Manso Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Portugal’s coastal history.
Daily: 09h30 - 17h00.
Rua D. Fuas Roupinho - Sítio da Nazaré, 2450-065 Nazaré, Portugal. | 39° 36' 22.6" N | 09° 04' 33.7" W
+351 262 562 801 | mjmanso@museusemonumentos.pt

SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF NAZARÉ

The Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré), is a stunning architectural gem dating back to the 14th century, steeped in history and beauty. Tall bell towers flank the impressive Baroque façade on either side. The interior walls are faced with fine azulejo tiles and intricate gold gilding.

A wooden statue of the Virgin Mary is housed within and is a place of pilgrimage. A 12th-century legend states the Virgin Mary saved a knight named Dom Fuas Roupinho from riding off a cliff while chasing a deer, leading to the sanctuary's creation. A small chapel, the Ermida da Memória, marks the spot of this miraculous event and is located close by. Each September, the Feast of Our Lady of Nazaré draws many pilgrims to celebrate this miraculous event.

Largo de N. Sra Nazaré, Sítio da Nazaré, 2450-065 Nazaré, Portugal. | 39° 36' 19.4" N | 09° 04' 35.9" W
April - Sept: 09h00 -19h00, Oct - March: 09h00 - 18h00
+351 262 550 100 | reitoriadosantuario@cnsn.pt | Website

Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo stands majestically on the Nazaré promontory, once a formidable coastal defence built by King D. Sebastião in the 16th century to ward off Moroccan, Algerian, and Norman pirates. Its Mannerist architecture was later reinforced in 1644 under King João IV, and a lighthouse was added in 1903 to aid sailors navigating the rugged coast. Today, the fort is a must-visit for panoramic views of Praia do Norte's legendary giant waves.

Inside, you’ll find the Interpretative Centre of the Nazaré Canyon**, showcasing the natural forces that create Nazaré's iconic surf. The Surfer Wall pays tribute to daring wave riders while rotating exhibitions keep the history vibrant. As you wander, imagine the fort's past defenders, and perhaps feel a twinge of adventure yourself. Just a short walk from the beach, this historic site immerses visitors in Nazaré’s rich maritime history and stunning coastal scenery.

Winter: Mon - Sun: 10h00 - 18h00, Summer:Mon - Sun: 10hoo - 20h00
Estr. do Farol 2450, Nazaré, Portugal. | 39° 36' 16.5" N | 09° 05' 05.5" W

Praia do Norte in Nazaré is a world-famous beach that’s become a surfing legend, drawing visitors and thrill-seekers from around the globe. Known for some of the biggest waves ever recorded, Praia do Norte is a place where nature and adventure collide. This sandy spot may look peaceful, but during peak season, it's where monstrous waves as high as 100 feet roll in—ideal for the world’s best big-wave surfers. Praia do Norte’s waves have broken multiple records and solidified Nazaré as the ultimate surfing destination.

For those not riding the waves, Praia do Norte offers great spectator opportunities. Head to the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo for jaw-dropping cliff views of the surfers below, and enjoy a thrilling show with nature’s raw power on full display. The beach is also perfect for a relaxing day of sunbathing or coastal walks to soak in Nazaré’s beauty.

In autumn and winter, wave heights are most impressive, and you can catch the World Surf League events right here. So whether you’re cheering on the pros or just curious about this surfing hotspot, Praia do Norte delivers unforgettable experiences and an authentic taste of Portugal’s wild coastal spirit.

Nazaré's fishing heritage lives on in the local cuisine and this quaint town offers an abundance of traditional delicacies to excite your senses. A must try dish is the famed "caldeirada," a traditional Portuguese fish stew that warms the soul and satisfies the belly. Caldeirada is made of various freshly caught roasted fish simmered with potatoes and vegetables into a fulfilling broth.

Another culinary local legend is the "polvo à lagareiro," or grilled octopus. Topped with garlic and olive oil, this dish is a must-have for seafood lovers. Keep an eye out for Massa de Peixe (fish soup with pasta). Seafood rice and the Açorda of seafood (garlic soup with seafood), Arroz de Tamboril (monkfish rice) and the Cataplanas de Peixe.

The Portuguese have a sweet tooth and found within their bakeries across the country one finds local delicacies and regional traditional sweets. When in Nazaré look out for Támares, a unique combination of ingredients typically found in Portuguese pastries. At their core, these treats are made from a blend of eggs, sugar, and almonds, baked to a soft texture. Támares were first created in the region's monasteries and now found in local bakeries throughout Nazaré.

Although its name means sweet sardine there is nothing fishy about the Sardinha Doce. Crafted from sweet almond paste, these fish shaped delights are often brightly decorated with coloured icing to resemble fish scales, making them not only tasty but also visually appealing. Another traditional sweet specifically associated with Nazaré is the Nazareno. They are crafted using local flavours and culinary techniques. These sweets are known for their rich, moist texture and are typically made with ingredients such as sugar, eggs, ground almonds and a delicate hint of citrus, usually from lemon or orange zest.

Eight kilometres (5mi) south of Nazaré is the beautiful resort of São Martinho do Porto. It has a shell-shaped bay with soft golden sands. The calm conditions of the sea is a stark contrast to the wilder waters in Nazaré. The enclosed nature of the bay results in warmer sea temperatures too. The conditions are ideal for swimming, boating and snorkelling. São Martinho do Porto has undergone quite a lot of development recently but as yet not spoiled by mass tourism. The town is popular with Portuguese families but has yet to be discovered by the international crowd.

Ether side of the bay is two twin headlands. On the southern promontory is the remains of the 12th-Century Capela de Santa Ana chapel from where there are amazing views over the bay. The town has plenty of amenities and places to eat. There's a handy train service to Caldas da Rainha and Leiria.
39° 30' 16.8" N | 09° 08' 09.0" W