Last Updated on the 4th of December, 2025
Portugal’s famous surf town, Nazaré, is known for its enormous waves breaking off its broad beaches.
While some visit Nazaré to watch surfers test their limits on waves that race towards North Beach, others are not keen on water sports and will find several other things to do.
You can stroll the beachfront promenade, wander around the town’s cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed homes and explore the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo.
As we finally made our way towards the north, my thoughts lingered back on our very first visit. It was during the road trip from Lisbon to Porto that we stopped for a night, checked into a Marta Hotel and spent the remainder of the day between the two parts of the town.
I clearly remember sitting on the bench early in the morning, underneath the palm trees, listening to the chirping birds and watching a local man and woman set up their stalls, a scene I’ll carry with me eternally.
Some of the women were wearing traditional skirts made up of beautiful layers upon layers of cloth. The colourful skirts that are usually worn with knee-high socks, hand-stitched aprons and slippers are made of 7 petticoats.
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How Many Days do You Need For Nazaré
Given that the town is pretty compact and fairly small, and you only have one day in Nazaré, it would be just enough to see all the highlights of the town, enjoy some delicious local cuisine and admire the traditional whitewashed buildings that line the streets.
However, it would be a good idea to spend the night, as this would give you some extra time to learn about the history and centuries-old traditions deeply rooted in the sea.
You could also use Nazare as a base for exploring nearby towns and villages, as in the short vicinity you can find Alcobaça, Leiria, São Martinho do Porto, Obidos and the iconic Batalha Monastery.
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Best Time To Visit Nazaré
The best time to visit Nazaré depends on what you wish to do. What you’ll experience in Nazaré will depend on which season you choose to visit.
If you wish to witness the power of the big waves, then November to February is the peak season for big wave surfing in Nazaré, with the largest swells often arriving during this period.
- Summertime in Nazaré is hectic; hotels usually sell out, and the beautiful sandy beaches are crowded. July and August are peak months when flocks of visitors arrive in Nazaré to relax and sunbathe under colourful umbrellas.
- Autumn sees near-empty beaches and different kinds of crowds; it’s when the surfers from all around the world arrive in town to surf the huge waves.
- Springtime is a fantastic time to explore Portugal’s fishing villages. The weather is comfortably warm, hotel prices are reasonable, and the hillside is covered in beautiful flowers.
- For the big waves on Praia do Norte, Nazaré, again, it’s hard to tell when to go or for how long, as this is due to the direction of the winter swells and wind, so you have to be patient to see the big waves. By now, we have travelled to Nazaré three times and were out of luck.
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#1. Wander around Sitio Village
Start your visit with a funicular ride to the Sitio Village.
With its panoramic views and village ambience, visiting the Sítio district is one of the top things to do in Nazaré.
The fastest way to reach the old part of Nazaré is to take the funicular. The Funicular dates back to a steam-powered version from the late 19th century, and since then it’s been modernised.
The ride is a short but scenic one, and it runs from top to bottom and vice versa every 15 minutes and costs EUR 4 for a round trip.
Once at the top, you’ll be greeted by truly spectacular views from various viewpoints over orange-roofed buildings. It’s also where you’ll find many souvenir shops that are worth a look because many products are handmade by local people.
There is also the chapel of Ermida da Memoria, the church of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, and the Dr Joaquim Manso museum.
*Top Tip – it can get busy; therefore, it pays off to go early or prepare to walk the steep path and steps of the Ladeira do Sítio.
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#2. Admire The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth
After exploring the wonderful village, pop into the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth, which dominates the main square.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth, a stunning testament to history and faith, traces its roots back to the 14th century as the church stands on the site of an earlier church.
The impressive church, with its two bell towers and a sweeping semi-circular staircase, leads visitors to the entrance and hides a staggering beauty within.
Once inside, you’ll be captivated by the blue-and-white tile panels covering the walls, the impressive gold-toned altarpiece, and the church’s beautiful dome, which will leave you awestruck.
Make sure you stop by the sacristy as well, as it’s where captivating panels and paintings colourfully depict the legends of Our Lady of Nazareth.
- How to get there: From the centre of Nazaré, take the funicular to Sítio. The church is just a few feet behind the funicular station.
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#2. Visit Nazaré Lighthouse
From the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth, make your way to Nazaré Lighthouse, which is situated right on the cliff edge above the thundering Atlantic waves and take in the views of Nazare beach to the left and Praia do Norte to the right.
You’ll find that the lighthouse and the cliffs are fascinating places, as they are located on top of the rooftop of a sixteenth-century fort and stand unbreakable against the howling winds, turbulent waters and huge swells.
The ocean was glassy on our visit, and it’s relatively calm during the summer, yet the immense power of nature can be felt with every step.
Inside the fort, you’ll find the Nazaré Canyon Interpretive Center, with many interesting oceanographic and meteorological exhibits explaining how activity in the Nazaré Canyon creates all the giant waves.
There is also a hall of fame dedicated to surfers who have successfully surfed the giant waves at Norte Beach.
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#3. See the Big Waves
Some places leave a long-lasting impression, and if you wish to visit one, then make your way to North Beach, where the largest submarine canyon in Europe, the Nazare North Canyon, produces enormous waves.
Every winter from October to March, Nazaré attracts big wave surfers from all around the world, turning this little fishing village into a bustling surf town with the bravest waterman trying to do the impossible task – ride up to 100ft high waves.
If you wish to witness this phenomenon, you have to keep an eye on the forecast. You can check here because waves are not always there; they form due to a combination of several elements of nature, including the direction of the stream, the wind, the North Atlantic storms and the wave period.
There is also an Annual Big Wave surfing event that lasts for a day and has no fixed date; it’s usually confirmed 3 days in advance.
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#4. Explore Forno de Orca Cave
Once you finish exploring the lighthouse, make your way down to the beach.
One of the best off-grid experiences near the beach is visiting the lesser-known natural phenomenon, Forno de Orca Cave.
Located at the foot of a hill adjacent to Praia do Norte Beach, Forno de Orca is a natural cave shaped by the erosive activity of time that has a circular hole in the ceiling.
The striking cave, however, can only be reached at low tide. The short trail that leads to the cave starts near São Miguel Arcanjo Fort. The trail is short but very steep and ends with a rocky and rough walk.
*Top Tip – keep your eyes on the tide as during the high tide, the waves bash against the cliff and water floods the cave.
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#6. Sample Top-Quality Cuisine
After all the walking and exploring, catch the funicular back to the main town for something to eat.
Nazaré offers a wide variety of mouth-watering local dishes that you simply must try during your visit.
You can find traditional Portuguese cuisines such as caldeirada, a delicious fish stew, and bacalhau à brás, which is a classic dish of salt cod, potatoes, and onions.
You also won’t want to miss out on all the wonderful seafood dishes, which can be found in abundance here. You can savour octopus salad, plates of grilled sardines, and much more at one of the town’s street stalls or many waterfront restaurants.
For a more memorable taste, you can also try salted fish dried on nets in the sun.
For a delicious meal, we recommend going to Tabernassa – a wonderful restaurant located in the heart of town with outdoor seating that offers stunning views of the glistening sea.
This popular local restaurant serves up traditional Portuguese dishes with a unique twist, such as clams cooked in white wine, codfish with pork crackling, and seared octopus.
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#7. Explore Nearby Attractions
Sure, Nazaré is small, and you can quickly get the gist of everything in one day, but as I mentioned earlier, it can also be used as a base to explore nearby attractions such as:
- Nearby Sao Martinho do Porto, located just 13 kilometres from Nazaré, is a typical Portuguese holiday resort with beautiful sandy beaches, perfect if you are travelling with small children. Here you’ll find great restaurants, a playground, a chance to rent a bike and a local market.
- The beautiful Alcobaça Monastery is located just a 15-minute drive away in the town of Alcobaça. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for those travellers who love history and architecture.
- Another impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Monastery of Batalha, with its prickly spires located just a 30-minute drive from Nazaré.
- Historic Óbidos Town, aptly dubbed the “Town of the Queens”, with many sites and attractions, including the castle and plentiful imposing churches, is only a 30-minute drive away from Nazaré.
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How to get to Nazaré
Nazaré is located in the subregion Oeste and Leiria districts, which are 75 miles | 120 kilometres north of Lisbon and only a 2-hour drive from Porto.
Driving and public transport are relatively easy in Portugal, thanks to the good roads and public transport in the country.
- Public Transport | Rede Expressos offers a direct bus service from Lisbon to Nazaré for only €8-12 one way per person. This is the cheapest way to travel to get to Nazaré. Buses depart from Sete Rios terminal, and the trip is around 2 hours long each way.
- By train | The nearest train station to Naazre is Valado dos Frades train station, located about 6 km to the east. From the train station, you have to get a bus or a taxi into town.
- Driving | If you are planning on driving, the trip from Lisbon to Nazaré via A8 shouldn’t take longer than 1.5 hours. Because A8 is a motorway, expect to pay around EUR 7 in toll fares. By driving, you get an option to see more of the Silver Coast, and if you take exit 14 on the A8, it will bring you to Peniche, yet another beautiful fishing village where Quicksilver Championships are held.
- Day Trips | You can join a full-day tour from Lisbon for a chance to visit Nazaré. Day tours are brilliant because they are informative, and you get to see quite a lot in one day, usually, a combination of historical monuments and stunning beaches. Most of the tours stop at several towns and villages like Óbidos, Fátima and even at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Batalha Monastery.
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Where to stay in Nazaré
Nazaré offers a diverse selection of accommodations to suit all travel styles and budgets.
Whether you’re a family looking for a comfortable apartment, a solo surfer seeking a budget-friendly hostel or a couple wanting a luxurious hotel experience, Nazaré has something for you.
- Villas Mare Residence | The fully equipped and beautifully decorated apartments are just a 10-minute walk away from the beach. Vilas Mare residence guests can relax by the outdoor pool and rent bicycles to explore the town. Address: Rua Drº António Duarte Pimpão, Nº 6, 2450-901
- The Quinta do Campo | Located in Valado dos Frades and originally built by monks in the 19th century, this rural hotel has 8 rooms, 6 apartments and beautiful gardens. Address: Rua Carlos O´Neill 20 Apartado 48, Valado dos Frades, 2450-344 Valado dos Frades
- Hotel Magic | Located just a few minutes from the beach, Hotel Magic is a super cool hotel with bright and spacious rooms that are stylishly decorated with murals and artwork. Address: Rua Mouzinho de Albuquerque, n 58, 2450-253
- Vale Paraíso Camping | Situated in the beautiful pine forest, Vale Paraíso Nature Park is a family-friendly site with a pool, comfortable chalets, a picnic area and free parking. Address: Estrada Nacional 242, 2450-138
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Conclusion: Is Nazaré Worth Visiting?
By now, I’ve been to Nazare on four different occasions.
We visited Nazare on a day trip from Ericeira, stayed for a long weekend, spent a night in a campsite and slept on a North Beach while touring Portugal’s coast in a campervan.
I can honestly say that Nazaré is absolutely worth visiting, as this charming coastal town offers something for every traveller.
Whether you wanna relax on its picturesque beaches, be captivated by the awe-inspiring waves, savour the vibrant culture, or simply connect with nature, Nazaré provides an unforgettable experience for visitors of all interests.
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Now, over to you!
Have you been to Nazaré? Let us know in the comments!
Let us know if you are planning a visit to Nazaré and have travel-related questions!
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OUR CROSSINGS 
Phenomenal article! And quite a lovely place inviting a visit! Loved the pics Aiva!
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Thank you, Francisco. Nazare is home to the largest surfable waves on the planet! However, way before the rest of the world found out about Nazare, the Portuguese had been living and travelling to this unique surfing mecca. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Well Aiva I loved your article and photos. I don’t have any interest at all in surfing but I do love to see the ocean, especially those huge waves, but safely from the shore. 😊💐😊
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Wow! Another beautiful place to see! Watching the locals going by their day I think is mesmerizing! I would love to see those big waves! Absolutely beautiful! Happy New Year dear Aiva! Wish you a year filled with joy, travels and lots of adventures 😉
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Nazare is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Silver Coast in Portugal, but it is also a place where the huge breaking waves are created by the underwater Nazaré Canyon. The canyon allows the incoming waves to “encourage” each other by constructive interference leading to truly monstrous outcomes closer to shore. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Cheers to a fresh start! May 2025 bring peace, prosperity, and all your heart desires. 🥂💫 Aiva xx
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I would really like to see them! Thank you Aiva! Same to you! Wish you a wonderful new year!
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Ah, those views over Sitio Village are spectacular! Thanks for sharing this inspirational travel guide to sunny Portugal 💜🌊
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Sitio Village is a must when visiting Nazare – not only do you get to experience incredible views but also meet many local vendors selling handmade tiles, hand-sewn sweaters, and speciality food items. As we walked around, seeing all the things this traditional village offered, I fell in love with Nazare even more after so many years. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Aiva xx
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Lovely town. We visited Portugal in 2011 but didn’t make it to Nazaré. We truly enjoyed this lovely country. Thanks for the tour and the photos. (Suzanne)
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You would love Nazare as this small coastal town feels a world away from the bustling Portuguese capital. With a proud fishing tradition dating back many hundreds of years, spectacular waves, and picturesque orange-roofed buildings packed along a long, golden beach, it’s a beautiful, chilled-out place to spend a night or two. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Wishing you and yours health and wealth in the new year. Happy New Year! Aiva xx
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Looks like you had gorgeous weather on that trip Aiva. What month were you there. The history and natural beauty look well worth exploring, but keep me away from those big waves. Thanks for sharing. Allan
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Most of the photos in the post are from the trip we took in September a few years ago. By now we’ve been to Nazare too many times to count and always at different times of the year and always encountered pleasant temperatures – Nazare is a place of stunning beauty, even in the absence of nature’s aquatic rage, and in November.
Those big waves are impressive, but you have to be very careful. In August 2012, an unexpected wave killed a 5-year-old British girl and her grandfather who were just walking along Salgado Beach.
Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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A fine place to explore. And the seafood dishes sound great. You have made me hungry.
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We found the charcoal-grilled whole fish to be melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. You can’t really go wrong with fish in a place like Nazare and we didn’t stray from this golden rule too much. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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We had no expectations for Nazaré so we’re quite surprised by how cute it is. We went to see the site of the big surf we had heard so much about, but of course we’re disappointed. There’s a good documentary about the surf, 5 or 6 episodes. I think it’s called 100 foot wave. Have you seen it? It’s pretty good. Maggie
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The last time we visited Nazare was in November – which is one of the best times to witness the epic beauty of the biggest swell in the world. Unfortunately, even with keeping a close eye on the surf forecast and webcams, we still missed the record-breaking waves by a week. But, the swell was still impressive, with 10-foot waves and a permanent gaggle of surfers braving the cooling waters of the Atlantic. I still haven’t seen the 100-foot wave, but given that I’ve always deeply admired Garrett McNamara, I need to look it up. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Aiva xx
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You make me want to go! We didn’t get this far north when we visited Portugal. The town looks gorgeous and those waves!! They are HUGE. Wowsers. I am sure the food would be good as that was the norm in Portugal and that beach looks like it would be perfect in May when only a crazy Canuck would think of swimming. July and August would be a huge no for me. Thanks for sharing your travels and the picture of you and your little cutie! Bernie
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Nazaré, Portugal is a nice mix of touristy hot spots – thanks to the famous big waves – and a quaint old fishing town, holding on to its age-old traditions. This makes for a really nice mix of things to do in Nazaré, and there’s something for everyone. The staggering heights of the waves that roll into Praia do Norte, the epicentre of big wave surfing in Nazaré, is a sight to behold as it reminds you how powerful the ocean can be. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 I Hope your New Year is off to a good start 🙂 Aiva xx
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Looks like a lovely place for a few days – we’ve been to Porto and Lisbon but never the coastline in between … it certainly looks worth a visit – I’ll probably skip the surfing though!!!!
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Nazare is one of Portugal’s most quaint fishing towns. It’s a wonderful place to visit especially as it’s where you can take a modernized 19th-century funicular from downtown to Sitio, the uptown of Nazare from where you can enjoy stunning views of the town, beach, and the vast Atlantic ocean. Thanks for stopping by. I hope all is well with you and your family 🙂 Have a sparkling New Year! 🙂 Aiva xx
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A comprehensive guide to Nazare Aiva. It all looks very inviting illustrated by your excellent photos. I’ve not been there yet but will look into a visit sometime in the future. M
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It’s a wonderful place to visit for a day or two, Marion as Nazare’s exclusive location on the coast makes for some mindblowing views. One of my favourite things to do is to visit Nazare market because there is no better place to experience the authentic atmosphere of a seaside town than at the local market where you can find products sourced and made by the locals of Nazare. If you are looking to avoid a tourist trap, this is the place to be, not some glorified food court. Thanks for stopping by. I hope all is well with you and your family 🙂 Have a sparkling New Year! 🙂 Aiva xx
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That beautiful campsite looks like a great place to stay and something totally different from the regular types of accommodation. It looks like you could easily spend a few days in this interesting place.
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To this day, Vale Paraiso campsite is one of my favourite places we’ve ever stayed at as it is located less than three kilometres from the broad beaches of the charming coastal town of Nazaré and is surrounded by beautiful spruce trees. The park has more than 200 pitches, bungalows, apartments and excellent support structures as well as a pool to cool down on those warm summer days. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Great post with excellent photos!
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Thank you kindly 🙂 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! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Lovely, I remember reading about the surfers going to Nazare, the waves are huge. Those camp sites look like fun. So many beautiful things to see. As always, thanks for the great write up. 💕
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Those record-breaking waves are a sight to behold! But there is so much more to see in Nazaré than the big surf waves and beaches therefore the little fishing town would make for a wonderful stop along the coast. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I’ve not heard of Nazaré, but what a beautiful town! Truly a coastal beauty with plenty of sea views and activities to enjoy. And of course, you can’t forget the fresh bacalhau (codfish) to taste and enjoy. There’s a lot more to explore in Portugal, that’s for sure. Thanks for sharing, Aiva!
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Nazare is a charming coastal town brimming with beaches, seafood restaurants and lookouts with superb ocean views and makes for a wonderful stop in between the big cities. The town became known after the surfer Garrett McNamara broke the world record for the biggest wave surfed there. Even if you are not a surf lover, there is always a good reason to spend some holidays in Nazaré as it has much more to it than the famous giant waves. 🥰 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wow, if you’ve been there four times, it must be good. I’ve heard of Obidos, but had never heard of Nazare. I bet the Annual Big Wave event is fun to watch. I can just imagine the world’s most serious surfers dropping everything to make for Portugal with three days notice!
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As avid surfers, we often travel to Portugal just to watch surfing championships, and events and meet the world’s best surfers who often can be found roaming along the Silver Coast. We once even ran into Mick Fanning who is a 3X World Champion surfer from Australia. You know, I love Nazare because it is a place with a sense of autonomy and even isolation from the rest of Portugal. Going to Nazaré is almost like entering a very characteristic and peculiar world 🥰 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It sounds like Nazaré has many things one would typically want to experience during their travel: great vistas, a charming old town, and interesting local dishes. It’s also good to know that it can be an excellent base for exploring other sites in the region. I’m not a surfer, but I think I’ll be in awe if I see those big waves myself.
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We are well used to seeing big waves because we live so close to Mullaghmore which is a place for one of the heaviest – and certainly one of the coldest – big waves on the planet. It’s where in late October 2020 Hurricane Epsilon created 60-foot giants. But even after seeing numerous gigantic waves in Sligo, nothing could prepare us for the ones in Nazare – whether crashing onto the shore or gently rolling through the open ocean, waves are a ubiquitous and powerful force of nature. 🥰 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Excellent guide and photos, Aiva! Portugal has so much to offer for a small country. We haven’t visited Nazaré, but have enjoyed other locations in this beautiful country.
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Nazaré may be a small town, but it certainly is charming. You get to visit viewpoints with breathtaking views and admire one of the biggest waves in the world and, on top, the food is also delicious. So, visiting Nazaré is quite the perfect idea if you want to chill out for a bit and have a cool day by the sea. 🥰 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Sounds like a great small town. Since you visited it four times, it definitely seems worth of visit
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Before Nazaré was a world-class surfing destination, it was a fishing community. The fisherman here fished on some of the most dangerous waters on earth, with the mighty waves. The fishing traditions still remain, and you can see this in the dried fish market and Barcos Salva Vidas on Praia da Nazaré. I love returning to Nazare as it has conquered my heart not only with its huge waves but also with its authentic culture, delicious cuisine and friendly people.🥰 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It’s a great area to visit a wonderful range of architecture, isn’t it? Sadly we didn’t make the best of Nazare. We were heading south to Obidos and had already stopped off at Alcobaca, so time was short. With your recommendations, I’ll take a better look next time, Aiva. We didn’t get beyond Sitio.
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It is a wonderful and colourful place to visit where you can still see older locals holding on to their traditional dress and young surfers from around the world chasing waves. There are also quite a lot of amazing places to see in the vicinity of Nazare which makes this part of Portugal well worth a visit. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Aiva, this looks like an amazing place to visit. I am impressed at how large their waves get, and that is good to know the time of year to see them. Thank you for sharing another amazing travel guide!!!
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Visiting the beautiful town of Nazaré and admiring its amazing landscapes makes for a great day out especially as there’s quite a lot to do and see. Beyond its beaches, Nazaré also contains some historical monuments and a lively food market We didn’t get to see the big waves on the last trip as they were small, relatively at least, but there was still the backdrop of bubbling white water and churning white noise. When the swell is right and the surf is up, it is a different story on a different scale. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Very interesting post Aiva. Nazaré looks like a nice place to spend a weekend.
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It is a wonderful place to visit. Although Nazaré is known for the big waves, there’s so much more to do for visitors lucky enough to pass through this seaside surf town. This Portuguese gem boasts beaches, markets, chapels, amusement parks and more. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Those big waves are incredible…and maybe just a little scary. I love the Orca Cave and the sanctuary looks really beautiful. It just seems like the whole city is a delightful and scenic place to stroll, eat, and enjoy 🙂
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This year has been exceptional for Nazare in terms of weather patterns and swells generating some of the biggest and most powerful waves ever seen in the region. It’s quite fascinating to see them yet at the time quite scary when the water regularly surges five stories high — and occasionally reaches twice as high. The Orca Cave was a wonderful discovery and a spot of amazing natural beauty especially as it looks so similar to the Benagil Sea Cave, on the Algarve coast 🥰 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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You’ve convinced me! It looks like a great place to visit.
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I am glad to hear that! Whenever we travel up and down the coast, we try to schedule our itinerary in a way that we get to stay in Nazare as it is a wonderful place where you can slow down and enjoy the little things in life. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It looks beautiful Aiva, with lots to see and do (and eat!). It looks quite a relaxing place as well, perfect for a nice break 🙂
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It is a wonderful place to explore for the day, especially if you get a chance to watch the surfers from Forte Sao Miguel Arcanjo. I have been to Nazare several times and have always loved sunbathing on the golden sand and watching the massive waves crash against the shore in winter. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Great article! It’s a truly enchanting place, which I have been fortunate enough to visit in the past. Your post brought back some fabulous memories. 🩵🌹🩵
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I am glad to hear that you’ve been to Nazare, dear Luisa. I always love visiting Nazare in the summer for the beaches and the winter for the waves. Witnessing the raw power of nature here is awe-inspiring. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Many thanks to you not only for your kind reply, but also for the constant support, dear Aiva 💐🙏💐
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What a beautiful town! I’ve never surfed (and this sure doesn’t look like the place to learn, my goodness those waves are enormous) but it looks like there’s so much else to do besides surfing. I could see myself sitting on one of those high points just watching the waves and admiring the turquoise water. Thanks for this tour of Nazare, Aiva!
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As someone with a deep love of wave-watching, I can personally attest to what an amazing experience it can be to witness these natural wonders up close and personal. The waves here are perfect for surfers looking for an intense adrenaline rush, while the long stretch of golden sand makes a great pit stop for non-surfers wanting to bask in the sun or watch some wave carving for an hour or so. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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You can never go wrong with Portugal! It looks lovely there, it’s somewhere I’ll have to consider visiting someday! 🙂
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It’s a lovely place to explore for a day or two, Jason as the town is renowned for its stunning beaches, monstrous waves, spectacular views, and delicious seafood. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Looks like a lovely town. The waves here sound impressive! It would be neat to see the annual Big Wave surfing event. The Forno de Orca Cave is beautiful! Thanks for sharing. Linda
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You would love Nazare and its beachside promenade bustling with bars, souvenir shops and restaurants. It’s also an amazing place where you can witness the raw power of nature as the massive Nazaré Canyon just offshore funnels, strengthens and shapes the enormous waves that unload on Praia do Norte’s shifting sandbars. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Fascinating article about what looks like a beautiful place! My kids watch videos of the big wave surfing here all the time and would love to hit the beach here – but it looks like there’s so much more to do
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We often get to see gigantic waves rolling in here on the Wild Atlantic Coast in Ireland, but the ones in Portugal are on an entirely different level, dangerous even as massive waves up to 100 feet high regularly break along the rocky coastline.
Standing at one of the viewpoints and knowing that right in front of my eyes off the coast of Nazare is the biggest underwater ravine in Europe called Nazaré Canyon and that this huge canyon runs 125 miles from the abyssal plain of the Atlantic Ocean to less than half a mile from the coastline, pointing towards the town like an arrow, made me shiver both in fear and excitement.
Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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What an excellent post and I love the photo of the giant waves, the lighthouse looks tiny in comparison. Safer to experience from a distance I think!
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The pretty seaside town of Nazaré on the west coast of Portugal is usually crowded throughout the summer with tourists who flock to its long sandy beaches to relax, swim and surf. But when winter arrives, only the most serious thrill seekers stay to catch a glimpse of the gigantic waves – it is a sight to behold, but as you mention, from a safe distance! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wonderful scenery! I love the photo of the fishing boat 🙂
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Thank you kindly 🙂 These vibrant boats symbolise the village’s longstanding fishing heritage, which traces back centuries to the time of the Phoenicians 🥰 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thank you for sharing an in-depth blog. Nazare seems like a delightful town with interesting things to do, despite its size. I’m intrigued by the campsite. I think it would make for a great stay. 🙂
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Thank you kindly – I am glad you enjoyed it. Renowned for its giant waves the charming fishing village of Nazaré offers so much more than just thrilling surfing adventures. There’s also history, folklore, and centuries-old traditions deeply rooted in the sea that offer a captivating exploration waiting to unfold 🥰 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I’ve never been to Nazaré, but after reading this article, I would like to!
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I am glad to hear that! Nazaré is a charming and traditional town offering delicious seafood and a serene ocean breeze 🥰 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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You have a good day, too, Aiva. xo
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🥰🥰🥰
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Hi Aiva:
We wish to return to Portugal and you have given us a good location to investigate Airbnb options near Lisbon in this Portuguese location.
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Hello, it’s so nice to hear from you! As I was writing about Nazare and flipping through my photos, I could feel that a desire to visit Portugal once more was slowly beginning to rise. With incredible weather, a stunning coastline, vibrant cities, and beautiful architecture, Portugal has something for everyone and therefore makes for a wonderful place to visit time and time again 🥰 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Portugal, Antarctica, and Ireland our priorities in the next two years barring any lingering setbacks in health for my immediate family.
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I cannot wait to visit Portugal! I tried to go last year but couldn’t get my visa on time. That main square looks tranquil – I’m not usually a morning person but I imagine that an early morning stroll would be absolutely stunning!
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I am not a morning person either, but to see certain places without tourist crowds, once in a while, I set my alarm super early and force myself out of bed. I find that by starting my day early I have more hours to explore. I can fit more activities into my day, from peaceful morning walks to visiting attractions before they become crowded. This efficiency not only enriches my travel experience but also allows for a more relaxed pace later in the day. I hope you make it to Portugal one day, it’s a beautiful country to explore and photograph! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I loved Nazare when I traveled up the coast years ago. The waves were not at their peak, but the beach was full of colorful bungalos, widows dressed in black from head to toe, and a lovely little restaurant down an alley I would never be able to find again. Enjoyed your tour.
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Nazare makes for a wonderful stopover for those who travel up and down the coast. There may not be many tourist attractions, but that’s what makes this little fishing village so attractive. It’s a place worth visiting for magnificent beaches, world-class surfing, rich cultural heritage, scenic cliff views and delicious seafood. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It was a surprising little treasure.
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