Nazaré is a beautiful Portuguese town located in the district of Leiria, along the Atlantic Coast. It’s renowned for its stunning beaches, delicious seafood cuisine, and vibrant culture. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to choose which activities to include on your itinerary when visiting Nazaré. To help you plan your trip, here are 12 of the top things to do in Nazaré.
Language Portuguese
The currency Euro €
Where to stay in Nazaré
Nazaré has a range of accommodation options to suit any budget, to check out your options for accommodation, I highly recommend Booking.com as they offer good cancellation policies.
During our time in Nazaré, we stayed in an apartment called “Casa Lúcia“, it had the best location, one block back off the main Nazaré beach, it had 2 bedrooms, and sleeps up to 8 people, and the host was lovely, once we arrived we gave her a call and within 5 minutes she was greeting us with the keys.
If you like staying in Hostels, you can book your hostel with Hostel Worldwide. This will save you money to use on more exciting things.
Getting to Nazaré
Getting to Nazaré is relatively easy. The most convenient way to get there from Lisbon is to take a bus or train from the capital city, which takes around an hour and a half.
You can also rent a car if you want more flexibility in your travels. If you are traveling to Nazaré from Porto it will take you around 2 hours.
Once in Nazaré, you can explore the town on foot, or take one of the many buses that run through the city.
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The best time to visit Nazaré, Portugal
The best time to visit Nazaré is usually in the summer months of June, July, and August. During these months, temperatures are mild but can become quite hot and the city is filled with tourists eager to explore its beauty. The beaches also come alive during this season, as people flock from all over Portugal to soak up some sun on the golden sands.
The town is also alive with festivals and street parties during these months, so you’re sure to have a great time.
If you prefer cooler weather, spring (March-April-May) or autumn (September-October-November) are ideal times for a visit.
Is Nazaré expensive to visit
Nazaré is an affordable destination for visitors, with prices being lower than in other parts of Portugal. Accommodation tends to be the most expensive part of a trip to Nazaré, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options that won’t break the bank, like where we stayed at “Casa Lúcia” we found very affordable at the time.
Eating out is also relatively inexpensive, with plenty of delicious seafood restaurants serving up traditional Portuguese cuisine. You should also keep an eye out for the many local markets and food stalls offering tasty snacks at great prices. Overall, Nazaré is a great destination if you’re looking for an affordable vacation in Portugal.
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s dive into the 12 top things to do in Nazaré:
Praia da Nazaré (Nazaré Beach)
The picturesque Praia da Nazaré provides some of the best views in town. It is the ideal spot to watch the sunset and take pictures of the stunning landscape. The beach also offers plenty of activities such as kayaking, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Walk along the promenade and enjoy the views of the cobblestone streets, and vibrant buildings, get some souvenir shopping done, enjoy many of the restaurants, and walk to the end of the promenade where you can hop on the Funicular to panoramic views over Nazaré.
During our time in Nazaré (the month of July- Summer), we were lucky to enjoy the Euro beach soccer league 2022, we watched Germany Vs Spain, which draws crowds from all over Europe.
Sun-dried fish along the beach
Another interesting activity to experience while visiting Nazaré is seeing the sun-dried fish along the beach. This centuries-old tradition has been kept alive and is a unique way to preserve the fresh catches from off of the shore.
The practice involves hanging strips of cod and other types of fish on wooden frames that are placed near the beach. The fish is left to dry in the sun and wind, giving it a salty flavor that’s popular among locals. Seeing this process is a great way to experience the old-world charm of Nazaré.
The traditional Boats along the promenade
The Traditional Boats on view in this open-air exhibit in Nazaré is a great place to learn about the region’s maritime history and culture. Located along the beachfront promenade, it features boats from different eras and showcases how traditional fishing vessels were used throughout the centuries.
Visitors can also learn about the tools used by fishermen and explore interactive exhibits. It’s a great spot to visit if you’re interested in learning more about the region and its rich fishing tradition. After exploring the museum.
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby as well, so you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink while taking in the stunning views of the nearby harbor.
Ride the Nazaré Funicular
The Nazaré Funicular operates daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. It’s a great way to get up and down the steep cliffsides of Miradouro do Suberco, providing breathtaking views of Praia do Norte Beach, Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo (Fort St. Michael), and the Atlantic Ocean along the way.
Tickets cost around €2 for adults and €1 for children. The ride takes just 4 minutes, making it one of the quickest ways to get up and down the cliffside. So if you’re looking for a fast and affordable way to see the stunning views from Miradouro do Suberco, hop on board the Nazaré Funicular!
Explore the backstreets of the old town
Take a stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town and discover a different side to Nazaré. Here you can find some of the oldest buildings in the area, as well as traditional shops and cafes.
Indulge in fresh seafood
No trip to Nazaré would be complete without indulging in some of the delicious local seafood. You’ll find a variety of delicious dishes, from cod and shrimp to clams and oysters.
We had dinner at a place called Maria do Mar, located on a side street just off the main boulevard close to the Funicular, we indulged in a couple of different meals, Calderada de peixe (seafood/fish stew), espetada (seafood or meat skewer).
My husband was craving caracois (snails), he found a nice little restaurant Maria Matos Mariscos and enjoyed a cold cerveja (beer) and caracois. I have tried snails before, but this time I could not bring myself to do it.
Have you tried snails before, or would you be willing?
Miradouro do Suberco
For an even more spectacular view, head to the Miradouro do Suberco viewpoint. This incredible spot is located at the top of a cliff and offers some of the most breathtaking views of Nazaré’s coastline.
To get there, you can take a Nazaré Funicular (cable car) from the beachfront promenade or climb up the steep staircase. Either way, it’s well worth the effort as you can enjoy sweeping views of Praia do Norte Beach and the Atlantic Ocean at the top, you will also find cafes, bars, and plenty of souvenirs too.
Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo
Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo is another great place to explore in Nazaré. This 16th-century fortress was built to defend the town against pirates and other intruders.
It’s now a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can learn about its history and admire the stunning ocean views from its towers.
Here is a great spot to check out where the big waves happen, be warned in advance its a hill, going down to the Forte is ok, and coming back up can be a workout in itself, there are also tuk-tuks going from the top of Norte beach and down at the Forte, so you can jump on them for a cost.
Farol Da Nazaré
The Farol Da Nazaré is one of the most iconic sights in the town. This 18th-century red lighthouse stands an impressive 11 meters tall and offers spectacular views of the coastline from its vantage point on the cliffs.
It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset, as you can admire stunning shades of pink and orange as the sun goes down over the horizon. The lighthouse is open to visitors, and can be found during your visit to the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, a great place also to watch in awe of the massive waves of Nazaré.
Visit Praia do Norte Beach
One of the best things to do in Nazare is to visit the iconic Praia do Norte beach. This stunning stretch of golden sand is backed by dramatic cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also a popular spot for surfing, so be sure to bring your board!
Nazaré is famous for its big waves and holds the world record and it’s one of the best places in Europe to watch them. Every year, a giant swell known as “the Wave of Nazaré” appears and can reach up to 30 meters high or more! It’s an amazing sight to behold and makes for a unique experience.
Hike Monte De São Bartolomeu
If you want to escape the beach and get into nature – Monte De São Bartolomeu is a great spot for nature lovers, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding region.
The peak of the mountain stands at 517 meters and provides stunning panoramic views from its lookout point. It’s also home to some unique vegetation, such as rare orchids and fragrant wildflowers. During the summer months, there are guided hikes available to explore the mountain and its trails.
Alternatively, you can take a leisurely stroll and admire the views from a variety of vantage points, it can take between 15-20 minutes each way, mainly with stairs going up.
São Martinho do Porto
São Martinho do Porto is a beautiful town located in the municipality of Nazaré, Portugal. This quaint fishing village has a stunning beachfront with views of the Atlantic Ocean and plenty of things to do. Visitors can enjoy long walks along the sandy shoreline or take part in activities like swimming, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and jet skiing.
The town also has a number of restaurants serving delicious seafood dishes, so it’s worth stopping for a bite to eat! Additionally, the nearby Moledo Nature Reserve is home to some stunning landscapes and wildlife, perfect for nature lovers looking for an escape from the bustle of Nazaré.
We spent 3 months in Portugal and spent 3 weeks tripping around Portugal starting in Northern Portugal, there are so many great places to explore in Portugal, and given Portugal is quite a small country it is very possible to fit many destinations in within a short period of time, especially compared to my home country Australia which is far too big to squeeze a lot in, in a short time.
If you are continuing your travels down South of Portugal, a very short distance from Nazaré you will find Óbidos that is less than 40km away, and Peniche is less than 30km from Óbidos or less than 65km direct from Nazaré, less than an hour you can see 2 more incredible places in Portugal.
Is Nazaré worth visiting?
Yes, Yes, Yes, Nazaré is a beautiful coastal town in central Portugal with plenty of things to do and see. The allure of Nazaré is undeniable, and it’s no wonder why visitors are drawn to this enchanting town. With its unique history, stunning landscapes, and natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Nazaré has become a prime destination for travelers from all over the world.
From savoring freshly caught seafood to exploring the traditional Boats along the promenade, or taking a hike up Monte De São Bartolomeu, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Plus, with its proximity to towns like São Martinho do Porto and beautiful Nature Reserves, you can explore even more of Portugal’s charming coast.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both – Nazaré is the perfect destination. So if you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable journey, come discover the wonders that await in Nazaré!