Things To Do
in Nazaré
Nazaré is a traditional Portuguese fishing town on the Atlantic coast, famous worldwide for its giant winter waves at Praia do Norte and a strong maritime heritage. The town combines a lively beachfront promenade, a dramatic cliff-top neighborhood called Sítio with panoramic viewpoints, and colorful local traditions. Fishermen, surfers, and seasonal tourists converge here, giving Nazaré a mix of local charm and international surf culture.
Expect fresh seafood, steep cobbled streets up to the Sítio, and excellent photo opportunities of cliffs, waves, and sunsets.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Nazaré and check into your selected accommodation, immersing yourself in the scenic beauty of the seaside town. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach to get your first glimpse of the imposing cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean's breathtaking waves. Savor a fresh pastry at a local café while absorbing the vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the iconic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, where you can admire its stunning architecture and learn about the town's rich history. Afterward, explore the charming streets filled with traditional shops and art galleries that showcase local craftsmanship. Treat yourself to a delectable lunch at a nearby seafood restaurant, indulging in fresh fish caught that very morning.
As the sun begins to set, find a picturesque spot on the beach to witness the vibrant colors of the sky reflecting off the ocean. Head to a cozy tavern for dinner, where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes accompanied by local wines. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the shoreline, feeling the cool breeze and listening to the soothing sounds of the waves.
After breakfast, embark on a hike to Cabo Carvoeiro, where stunning coastal views await. The trails offer various vantage points to admire the dramatic cliffs, and you might even spot a few surfers braving the powerful waves below. Remember to capture the scenery with plenty of photos as you take in the fresh ocean air.
Pack a picnic and enjoy your lunch at a viewpoint, surrounded by magnificent landscapes and the sound of crashing waves. Afterward, explore the nearby lighthouse and learn about its history and significance in guiding sailors to safety. Spend some time at the beach, basking in the sun and watching surfers ride the famous Nazaré waves.
Dinner awaits at a beachfront restaurant where you can choose from a selection of mouthwatering local dishes, perhaps some fried calamari and grilled sardines. As you eat, listen to live music or the calming rhythm of the waves. Conclude your evening with a late-night coffee or dessert while soaking in the enchanting ambiance of Nazaré's vibrant promenade.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $1.50-3 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride | $5-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class big-wave surfing and dramatic coastal scenery
- Fresh seafood and authentic fishing-town atmosphere
- Compact town with excellent photo opportunities and viewpoints
- Easy day-trip access to historic sites and natural parks
- Can be crowded in summer and during big-wave events
- Limited public transport and parking issues in peak season
- Windy weather and strong sea currents can limit swimming
- Fewer nightlife and entertainment options outside high season
- "Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde" - Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon
- "Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica a praia?" - Where is the beach?
- "Pode tirar uma foto?" - Can you take a photo?
- "Tenho alergia a marisco" - I am allergic to shellfish
Places to Visit in Nazaré
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views over Nazaré, the bay and the long stretch of beach — especially dramatic at sunrise and sunset.
Clifftop fort overlooking Praia do Norte, famous for big-wave surf photography and dramatic ocean scenes during winter swell.
Wide sandy beach and colorful fishing boats near the shore; great for lifestyle, sunset and candid street photography.
The ascensor, narrow cobbled lanes and traditional houses in Sítio offer charming, authentic street scenes and portrait backdrops.
Food in Nazaré
Nazaré Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty Portuguese fish stew made with mixed local fish, potatoes, tomatoes and herbs — commonly found in waterfront restaurants and an essential local specialty.
Must-Try!
Simple, smoky grilled sardines served with bread or potatoes; especially popular in summer and at festivals.
A rich seafood rice dish with clams, shrimp and sometimes lobster; looks similar to paella but saucier and intensely flavored.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily municipal market where local fishermen and vendors sell fresh fish, seafood and produce — great for seeing the morning catch and buying fresh ingredients or simple prepared snacks.
Scattered along the promenade you’ll find stalls selling grilled sardines, prepped seafood, pastries and cold drinks — convenient for a casual seaside bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings matter: say 'bom dia' (good morning) or 'boa tarde' (good afternoon) when entering shops and 'obrigado/obrigada' to thank people.
The fishing community values tradition — be respectful when photographing fishermen and boats, and ask before taking close-up photos of people or their equipment.
Casual dress is fine at the beach; slightly smarter attire for dinner. Keep noise levels down in residential streets at night and be polite to service staff.
Safety
Tipping in Nazaré
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants for good service is common. Small change for café service is fine; drivers and guides may expect small tips for excellent service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and larger shops, but smaller cafés, market stalls and remote businesses may prefer cash. ATMs are available in town; notify your bank if traveling from abroad.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, sunny weather with busy beaches and full services — ideal for swimming, sunbathing and festivals; book accommodation early as the town fills with families and tourists.
Milder temperatures and fewer crowds; good for walks and dining out. Autumn swells start to pick up, drawing surfers to Praia do Norte.
Cooler, wetter conditions with big Atlantic swells that create the world-famous giant waves — excellent for watching big-wave surfing competitions but swimming is not recommended.
Mild, pleasant weather and blooming coastal scenery; quieter than summer and a great time for hikes and discovering local life before high season.
Nazaré at Night
Hiking in Nazaré
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short coastal trails and viewpoints around the Sítio and the fort, offering dramatic overlooks of the bay and Praia do Norte; suitable for easy to moderate walks.
Longer coastal walking options that link beaches and small towns; sections are flatter and good for day hikes or bike rides.
A bit inland but within reasonable driving distance, this protected area offers extensive hiking trails, limestone plateaus, caves and richer biodiversity for a full-day nature excursion.
Airports
How to reach Nazaré by plane.
Main international gateway, about 1.5 to 2 hours by car depending on traffic; regular bus and private transfer options connect Lisbon to Nazaré.
Northern international airport around a 2.5–3 hour drive; an option for travelers combining Nazaré with northern Portugal.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-established families involved in fishing and related trades who maintain traditional practices and festivals.
Seasonal visitors range from Portuguese holidaymakers and European tourists in summer to international surfers and spectators during big-wave season.
Some retirees and owners of holiday homes contribute to a quieter off-season population and local services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Nazaré is renowned for big-wave surfing at Praia do Norte; surfing of all levels takes place here, with local schools offering lessons on gentler beaches.
Traditional commercial and recreational fishing remain part of local life and economy.
A popular sport locally as across Portugal, with community clubs and youth participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nazaré.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are more limited but available: try vegetable soups, salads, omelettes, cheese plates and egg dishes; larger cafés and tourist restaurants can usually adapt simple pasta or rice dishes.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are available in bigger cafés or by request at modern restaurants, but travelers should communicate restrictions clearly (use key phrases) and consider buying snacks or staples at a supermarket.
Because seafood dominates the local cuisine, explicitly state allergies in Portuguese and confirm cross-contamination risks — some smaller kitchens may have limited ability to separate ingredients.