Explore Nazare | One Day Tours Portugal
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Professional Surfing Spot with Thrilling Waves, Home for Ancient Portuguese Traditions.

Nazare

Nazare is a small fishing village, a spot of the highest waves and professional surfing.

Nazare, a Portuguese town on the Atlantic coast, is famous throughout the world with 30-meter waves, seen hitting the shore in a strictly defined place, opposite the observation deck with a red lighthouse. This local storm is caused by a gigantic underwater canyon, stretching for almost 170 km and reaching a depth of 5 thousand meters in some places. Nazare is divided into two parts, connected by a path, great for walking along, enjoying local architecture and picturesque views in the background.

The upper one is the old city, the main sightseeings are concentrated here. In the lower part, there is a beach, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, shops, and all the tourist infrastructure.

The lower part of Nazaré is a labyrinth of cozy streets. If you don’t want to walk, use the funicular, which operates from 6-00 to 23-00.

The name of Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara is tightly connected with Nazare Portugal surfing. In 2011, he became famous throughout the world when he conquered the largest wave, reaching more than 30 meters. This happened on the beach of Praia do Norte, the record was fixed in the Guinness Book of Records, and the surfer received the Billabong XXL Global Awards. After this event, Nazaré became a mecca for surfers who dream about competing in this crazy adventure. It’s impossible to convey the feelings of the people of the planet who pronounce the name of the city in the hope of conquering its waves at least once.

There are two main beaches in Nazare to be seen: Praia da Nazaré and Praia do Norte.

Nazare beach is a long sandy beach with close accessibility to souvenir shops and seafood restaurants. It's the perfect location for both locals and tourists to swim or enjoy water sports. Along the beach there are traditional fishing boats and a market where old ladies sell dried fish, so don't miss your opportunity to try it.

A meeting point for surfers is Praia do Norte, located a bit further.

Above Nazare Beach there is Sitio, an area with incredible views of the sea. It's accessible on foot, but don't miss an opportunity to go there by the Nazaré funicular. Created by Raul Mesnie du Ponsard, one of Gustave Eiffel's students, it has been operating in Nazaré since 1889. The church of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, founded in the 14th century, is also located here. Nowadays it's used as the site of many religious events, such as the Procession in honor of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré on September 8th. Next to the church is a tiny chapel known as Ermida da Memória.

The Miradouro do Suberco observation deck is on the edge of the cliff, 110 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the beach and sea below. One of the most beautiful sunsets on the Nazaré coast is here.

The fortress of São Miguel Arcanjo on a rocky cliff is the best place to view the giant waves in Praia do Norte. The building was originally created by King Sebastian in the 16th century to protect Nazare from foreign invaders. Nearby Nazaré is the monastery of Saint Mary of Cos, which dates back to 1670. The interior with a golden altar, tiled walls, and stunning painted ceilings is well-kept till our times.

Nazaré, Portugal, is a unique town, attractive for visiting at any time of the year. You can come here in winter, when Nazare has big waves, or in summer to relax on the beach. You can enjoy the soft sand on the beach, go shopping or taste local dishes, do extreme sports, or visit sightseeings.

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All About Nazare

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When to Visit

Nazare is a perfect choice for you, regardless of the season, if you love the ocean. But before making your visit it's highly recommended to check the Nazare weather forecast to make sure the weather is comfortable for your visit.

The high season is considered to be from 15 of May till 15 of September. During the rest of the year, it's still popular among surfers. It should be taken into account that even in summer the Atlantic coast is quite cool as the water here does not warm up above +18 degrees. In addition, the ocean is often stormy.

At the peak of the high season, temperatures vary from +17 to +30 degrees without rain. The most comfortable months for a trip are September and the first half of October. At this time, the temperature remains at +20-25 degrees.

In winter the temperature ranges from +8 to +15, this is the ideal time for extreme surfing as during the cold season Nazare in Portugal has the biggest waves in the world.

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Getting Around

Getting around Nazare, Portugal is available by walking, biking, taxi, or rented car. The town is compact, so most of the attractions are within walking distance. You can also rent a bike or car to explore further. Taxis are another option for short trips or reaching destinations outside the town center. For travelers seeking a more personalized approach, taxi service is available in Nazare. Taxi is the most comfortable and efficient option whether you're venturing to the renowned Nazare North Canyon for surfing adventures or exploring the nearby fishing villages along the coast.

The most convenient way to reach surrounding areas and attractions, such as Alcobaca or the natural beauty of the Serra de Aire e Candeeiros National Park, are bus routes from the local bus station.

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Travel Information

You can get an unforgettable experience while traveling in Nazare if you consider a few simple Nazare travel tips:

1. How to make the first trip to Nazare unforgettable?

Nazare is a town with a population of just over ten thousand people, located in the Leiria district, famous for its fishing traditions, as well as the legend of the miraculous rescue of the local king by the Virgin Mary. Nazaré has long been number one among the places visited by pilgrims from all over the world. But for many thousands of tourists, the main attraction factor, of course, is the giant wave, amazing landscapes, and a great feeling of unity with nature.

In Nazare, it is necessary to visit Sitiu, eat in one of the restaurants, admire huge waves and surf, watch the sunset on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and drink port wine.

The Portuguese countryside also offers great cuisine, beautiful natural enclaves and monuments, and a bustling and lively atmosphere.

2. What is a list of Nazare hidden gems?

While Nazaré is well-known for its stunning beaches and world-famous waves, there are also non-tourist sightseeings worth exploring, such as Praia do Norte Promenade. Away from the bustling crowds, it guarantees the breathtaking views of the coastline. You can admire the rugged cliffs and observe local fishermen going about their daily routines.

Don't forget to visit the museum of Dr. Joaquim Manso. This small museum provides insight into Nazaré's maritime heritage and local traditions. You can learn about the town's fishing history, view traditional artifacts, and even see exhibitions featuring local artists.

Exploring these hidden gems can offer a more intimate and authentic experience of Nazaré, allowing you to appreciate its authentic beauty.

3. What dishes are the must-try in Nazare?

The most iconic dishes served in Nazare seafood restaurants are perhaps caldeirada (fish casserole), massa de peixe (a kind of fish soup with thin noodles from rock bass or sea crucian carp), arroz de marisco (rice with seafood), accorda de marisco ( panada soup with grated bread, garlic, coriander, and seafood), arroz de tamboril (rice with monkfish). The most respected seafood in this region are clams, shrimp, spider crabs, fresh mackerel, sea bream, rock perch, and sardines, preferably grilled. All these dishes are prepared in numerous restaurants in the city, and each chef has own secrets to make them significant. Nazarenos are the most popular local confectioneries and can be tasted in many of Nazaré's pastry shops.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get clear and useful insider tips for the most common queries about Nazare

What are the safety rules for beach and water activities in Nazaré?

Nazaré beaches offer fantastic opportunities for swimming and water sports, but potential hazards should be the focus of attention. There are designated areas for swimming, supervised by lifeguards, areas warning flags, indicating dangerous areas with strong currents and large waves.

Are there any scenic hiking trails to explore near Nazaré?

Yes, there are numerous hiking trails with stunning landscapes surrounding Nazaré. The Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park offers picturesque walking routes, while the Pedra do Ouro coastal trail provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and pristine beaches.

Are there any activities in Nazaré suitable for families with kids?

Yes, there are variable activities such as competitions with building sandcastles on the beach, taking a ride on the funicular to the Sítio neighborhood, or visiting the Nazaré Aquarium to learn about marine life in the region.