1. Visit Praia do Norte: Nazaré’s famous beach that is home to some of the largest waves in the world.
As someone who loves the ocean and is always in search of adventure, visiting Praia do Norte in Nazaré was an unforgettable experience. I had seen many videos on Instagram and youtube of the legendary waves that crash onto this beach and knew I had to witness them for myself. As I stood on the shore, I was awestruck by the sheer power of the waves, which can reach up to 100 feet tall during the winter months. I watched as surfers braved the waves, their courage, and skill inspiring me. Even if surfing isn’t your thing, simply standing on the beach and watching the waves is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. Praia do Norte is truly a natural wonder that is not to be missed when visiting Nazaré.
2. Take a walk along the Beach promenade: A scenic walkway that overlooks the city beach and offers stunning views of the ocean and the town.
Walking along the beach was a lovely experience. The Promenade is a beautiful pathway that hugs the coastline and offers gorgeous views of the ocean and the town. As I strolled along the walkway, I felt the salty sea breeze on my face and listened to the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore. The views were absolutely stunning, with the blue ocean stretching out as far as the eye could see and the colorful houses of the town perched on the cliffs above. Walking along the beach was the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon in Nazaré, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the town.
3. Explore the Nazaré town center: The heart of Nazaré where you’ll find charming streets, historic buildings, and a variety of restaurants and shops.
Exploring the town center of Nazaré was a delightful experience that allowed me to soak up the local culture and charm of this beautiful town. As I wandered through the streets, I was struck by the quaint buildings and narrow alleyways that gave the town its character. The town center is also home to several historic landmarks, including the church of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré and the Miradouro do Suberco viewpoint, which offers stunning views of the town and the sea. I also loved exploring the various shops and restaurants that lined the streets, sampling local delicacies, and picking up souvenirs to take home. The town center of Nazaré truly felt like the true heart of the town, and I felt privileged to have been able to experience it firsthand.
4. Visit the Nazaré Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse that offers panoramic views of the town and the coastline.
Visiting the Nazaré Lighthouse was a highlight of my trip to the town. The lighthouse is perched on a rocky outcrop at the edge of the town, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and the town below. As I climbed up the stairs to the top of the lighthouse, I was struck by the rich history and significance of this iconic landmark. At the top, I was treated to panoramic views of the sea and the town, which were truly breathtaking. I spent several minutes simply taking in the scenery and feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such a unique perspective on Nazaré. The Nazaré Lighthouse is truly a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the town, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a glimpse of the town’s rich history and natural beauty.
5. Explore the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo: A historic fort that dates back to the 16th century and offers a fascinating glimpse into Nazaré’s past.
This historic fort dates back to the 16th century and played a crucial role in the town’s defense against invading forces. As I wandered through the fort’s ancient stone walls and tunnels, I was struck by this landmark’s rich history and significance. The fort’s museum offered fascinating exhibits on the town’s past and the fort’s role in protecting it, providing a glimpse into a bygone era. The views from the top of the fort were also breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the town and the sea beyond. Visiting Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to delve deeper into the history and culture of Nazaré, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the town. Especially on a big wave day.
6. Appreciate the Nazaré Canyon: A natural wonder that lies beneath the ocean and is home to a diverse range of marine life.
As a lover of the ocean and all its mysteries, the Nazaré Canyon was a fascinating discovery for me during my visit. This natural wonder lies beneath the ocean, just off the coast of Nazaré, and is home to a diverse range of marine life. I was amazed to learn that the canyon is one of the deepest underwater canyons in the world, plunging to depths of over 5,000 meters. How humbling is that?
7. Enjoy the Nazaré Funicular: A funicular that takes you from the town center to the top of Nazaré’s cliffs where you can enjoy stunning views of the town and the beach.
Riding the Nazaré Funicular was a unique experience that provided amazing views of the town and the beach. The funicular is a historic railway that takes you from the town center up to the top of the cliffs, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Nazaré and the surrounding coastline. As I climbed aboard the funicular, I felt a sense of anticipation and excitement, knowing that I was about to witness some of the most beautiful views in the region. As we ascended the cliff face, I was treated to breathtaking vistas of the town and the sea below, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such a unique and unforgettable attraction.
8. Learn about traditional fishing in Nazaré: A centuries-old tradition that is still alive and well in the town. You can visit the harbor to see the colorful fishing boats and learn about the techniques used by local fishermen.
Learning about traditional fishing in Nazaré was a fascinating experience that gave me a glimpse into the town’s rich history and culture. As I visited the harbor, I was struck by the colorful fishing boats and the bustling activity of the fishermen as they prepared for their daily catch. I was also amazed by the intricate techniques used by local fishermen to catch fish, which have been passed down through generations of families. Learning about traditional fishing in Nazaré gave me a newfound appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into this centuries-old profession, and I felt grateful to have had the opportunity to witness it firsthand. It is truly an important part of the town’s cultural heritage, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the local way of life.
9. Visit the Nazaré Market: A vibrant market where you can sample local produce, seafood, and crafts.
Visiting the Nazaré Market was a sensory delight that allowed me to experience the vibrant culture and cuisine of the town. As I wandered through the bustling market stalls, I was struck by the colorful displays of local produce, seafood, and crafts. The scent of fresh fish and baked goods filled the air, tempting me to sample everything in sight. The friendly vendors were eager to share their knowledge of the local products and offer recommendations on the best items to try. I couldn’t resist purchasing some of the delicious cheeses, olives, and pastries to enjoy later in my trip.
10. Take a day trip to nearby attractions: Nazaré is surrounded by a variety of scenic destinations such as the medieval town of Óbidos, the picturesque village of Alcobaça, and the historic city of Tomar.
Taking a day trip to nearby attractions from Nazaré was a fantastic way to explore the region’s rich history and natural beauty. I was amazed by the medieval town of Óbidos, with its charming narrow streets and ancient castle walls. The picturesque village of Alcobaça was also a highlight, with its stunning monastery and beautiful gardens. The historic city of Tomar was another must-see destination, with its impressive castle and fascinating museums. Each of these destinations offered a unique glimpse into Portugal’s rich cultural heritage and left me with unforgettable memories. I would highly recommend taking a day trip from Nazaré to explore the surrounding area and discover even more of what this beautiful region has to offer.
Where to stay in Nazaré?
Nazaré is a truly magical destination that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring the town center and promenade to soaking up the sun on Praia do Norte and taking in the stunning views from the Nazaré Funicular, there are endless opportunities to immerse oneself in the town’s unique charm. Learning about traditional fishing, exploring the Nazaré Canyon, and visiting the historic Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo also provide fascinating glimpses into the town’s rich history and culture.
The nearby attractions such as the medieval town of Óbidos, the picturesque village of Alcobaça, and the historic city of Tomar are also not to be missed. And of course, the vibrant Nazaré Market is a must-visit for anyone looking to sample the local cuisine and immerse themselves in the town’s bustling atmosphere. Overall, my experience in Nazaré was nothing short of unforgettable, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic and immersive travel experience in Portugal.
