For centuries, Nazaré was a quiet fishing community, its way of life shaped by the Atlantic and the families who worked its waters. That changed when the surfing world discovered what lies just offshore: a deep underwater canyon that funnels ocean swells into some of the largest waves ever ridden. Now the town draws two very different crowds.

In summer, holidaymakers fill the broad golden beach, swimming in calm waters and eating grilled sardines at seafront restaurants. In winter, spectators gather on the clifftops to watch professional surfers take on swells that can exceed 30 metres, a spectacle that has earned Nazaré a place in record books worldwide.

Yet there is more to the town than sand and surf. The historic Sítio district sits atop the headland, home to a grand baroque church and sweeping coastal viewpoints. Down below, the old fishing quarter retains its traditional character, with narrow streets leading to excellent seafood restaurants and a lively municipal market. Whether you have a morning to spare or several days to explore, the town rewards those who look beyond its famous beach.

This guide covers all of Nazaré's main attractions and activities, from the essential sights to lesser-known spots that reward the extra effort, along with day trips in the surrounding region that I find myself returning to.

A note on Nazaré's famous waves: The giant waves that have made Nazaré famous occur only 10 to 15 times during the winter season, when specific storm and swell conditions align. I've visited in both seasons and can confirm: summer Nazaré is a calm, family-friendly beach town, nothing like the mountainous swells in the viral videos. Don't let this put you off, it's a different experience, but a good one.

 

 

Nazaré has a surprising number of sights and attractions for a town of its size. The following list summarises the highlights, with a map and detailed descriptions further down the page.

The top 10 sights of Nazaré
1. Praia da Nazaré: The town's main beach, a wide crescent of golden sand popular for sunbathing and swimming in summer.
2. São Miguel Arcanjo Fort: A 16th-century coastal fort now home to a surfing museum and lighthouse, with views over Praia do Norte and its famous waves.
3. Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré: A baroque church and former pilgrimage site in the Sítio district, housing a venerated statue of the Virgin Mary.
4. Miradouro da Pederneira: A viewpoint near the old Pederneira district with wide views over the town and coastline, particularly good at sunset.
5. Ermida da Memória: A tiny clifftop chapel decorated with traditional azulejo tiles, marking the spot of a legendary medieval miracle.
6. Monte de São Bartolomeu: A 156-metre hill in the Leiria pine forest, reached by a steep staircase and offering panoramic views from the top.
7. Mercado Municipal da Nazaré: The town's covered market, selling fresh fish, local produce, and regional specialities.
8. Praia do Norte: A wild, exposed beach north of the headland, famous as the site of big-wave surfing in winter.
9. Avenida da República: The seafront promenade running the length of the main beach, lined with restaurants and cafés.
10. Ascensor da Nazaré: A historic funicular railway connecting the beach area to the clifftop Sítio district.

Sunset over the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort

Other notable sights in Nazaré

11. O Sítio district: The historic clifftop neighbourhood above the main town, with cobbled streets, traditional houses, and access to the headland viewpoints.
12. Marina da Nazaré / Porto da Nazaré: The town's sheltered harbour, home to both a modern marina and the working fishing fleet.
13. Barcos Salva Vidas: Traditional wooden lifeboats displayed along the beachfront, a reminder of the dangers Nazaré's fishermen once faced at sea.
14. Seca do Peixe (Fish Drying Area): An open-air area where fish are still dried in the sun using traditional methods, one of the few places in Portugal where this practice continues.
15. Gruta Forno de Orca: A sea cave at the base of the headland with a large natural opening in its roof, accessible only at low tide. The name translates as "Whale Oven Cave".
16. Praia do Sul: A quieter beach south of the harbour, less crowded than the main stretch and good for a more peaceful swim.
17. Nazaré Canyon: The underwater canyon responsible for the giant waves. At 230 kilometres long and up to 5,000 metres deep, it is the largest submarine canyon in Europe.
18. Miradouro do Suberco: A clifftop viewpoint in Sítio looking directly down over the main beach and town.
19. Baloiço da Ladeira: A swing set at a scenic viewpoint, popular for photographs. Best visited on a clear day when the light is good.

20. Escultura Veado Surfista: A sculpture of a deer on a surfboard, linking the medieval legend of Dom Fuas Roupinho (who nearly rode his horse off the cliff chasing a deer) with the town's modern surfing fame.
21. Fishing quarter: The old part of town near the beach, with narrow streets, traditional shops, and some of Nazaré's best seafood restaurants.
22. Bolo de Berlim: A custard-filled doughnut sold from stalls along the beach. Eating one is an unofficial Nazaré tradition.

The best of the Nazaré
region Nazaré sits within easy reach of some of central Portugal's best attractions. The coastline to the south has quieter beaches and sheltered bays, while inland you'll find UNESCO-listed monasteries and extensive cave systems. All of the following can be visited as half-day or day trips from Nazaré.
Mira de Aire Caves (40 km) - Portugal's largest publicly accessible cave system, with stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground lake. Guided tours descend 110 metres below ground.
Mosteiro da Batalha (35 km) - A UNESCO World Heritage Site built to commemorate Portugal's 1385 victory over Castile. The Gothic and Manueline stonework is extraordinary, and several Portuguese kings are buried here.
Mosteiro de Alcobaça (15 km) - A vast Gothic monastery founded in the 12th century, best known for the ornate tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, whose tragic love story is part of Portuguese folklore.
Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Coz (12 km) - A lesser-known former Cistercian convent with a 17th-century church featuring baroque decoration and traditional tilework.
Grutas de Santo António (47 km) - Another limestone cave system, smaller than Mira de Aire but with colourful rock formations and fewer crowds.
São Martinho do Porto (9 km) - A small resort town built around an almost enclosed bay, where the water is calm and shallow. A good choice for families with young children.

The following map shows the location of all these sights. Note: zoom out to see the sights of the region.

Legend: 1) Praia da Nazaré 2) São Miguel Arcanjo Fort 3) Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré 4) Miradouro da Pederneira 5) Ermida da Memória 6) Monte de São Bartolomeu 7) Mercado Municipal 8) Praia do Norte 9) venida da República 10) Ascensor da Nazaré 11) O Sítio district 12) Marina da Nazaré 13) Barcos Salva Vidas 14) Seca do Peixe 15) Gruta Forno de Orca 16) Praia do Sul 17) Nazaré Canyon 18) Miradouro do Suberco 19) Baloiço da Ladeira (swing) 20) Escultura Veado Surfista 21) Fishing quarter 22) Bolo de Berlim stall

Sights of the region (blue) 23) Mira de Aire Caves 24) Mosteiro da Batalha 25) Mosteiro de Alcobaça 26) Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Coz 27) Grutas de Santo António 28) São Martinho do Porto

The São Miguel Arcanjo Fort stands at the far edge of the Sítio headland, providing a high vantage point over the famous Praia do Norte. Originally constructed in 1577 to defend the fishing village from Algerian, Moroccan and Norman pirates, the fortress was expanded in 1644 when an image of the archangel Michael was sculpted above the entrance. Over the centuries, its function evolved: a lighthouse was added in 1903 to help ships navigate the dangerous Atlantic waters and remains operational today.

The fort witnessed significant historical events, including occupation by Napoleon's troops in 1807. Local residents and a group of students famously drove out the French invaders, making the site a symbol of popular resistance.

Inside, a small museum documents the area's surfing heritage and maritime history. Visitors can explore the Surfer Wall, which features boards donated by world-record holders. Entry costs around €2, and the terraces provide unobstructed views of the coast.

The São Miguel Arcanjo fort on a calm summer’s day

While during “Big wave Season” it becomes a focal point to watch the daredevil surfers.

The Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré is a significant religious landmark that has dominated the Sítio district since the 14th century. The sanctuary was built to house a sacred, dark wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, known as the Black Madonna. This figure is believed to have been carved by Saint Joseph and brought to the region in the 4th century. Historically, it has attracted high-profile figures, including explorer Vasco da Gama and King Dom João I, who funded a major reconstruction of the site in 1377.

Inside the sanctuary, visitors find a space filled with ornate gilded woodwork and religious artifacts that reflect centuries of devotion. The interior is particularly noted for its extensive tilework, featuring thousands of Dutch azulejos by Willem van der Kloet. For generations, the site has been a major pilgrimage destination, drawing visitors from across the country. It remains a central part of local identity, as evidenced by the numerous offerings left by sailors who survived the dangers of the Atlantic.

The Ermida da Memória is a small, square chapel located on the edge of the Sítio cliffs, marking the site of a legendary medieval miracle. Founded in the 14th century, the chapel commemorates the story of the nobleman Dom Fuas Roupinho, who was saved from a fatal fall in 1182. According to local tradition, Roupinho was hunting a deer in heavy fog when his horse nearly galloped over the precipice.

After he invoked the protection of the Virgin Mary, the horse stopped instantly at the cliff’s edge, saving his life. The interior of this modest building is decorated with traditional blue and white azulejo tiles that depict the miraculous event. Despite its small size, the chapel holds great importance in Nazaré's history.

The legend of Dom Fuas Roupinho halting before he fell off the cliffs above Nazare

The Escultura Veado Surfista is a bronze sculpture located on the headland near the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort that connects Nazaré’s ancient folklore with its current status as a global big-wave destination. This artwork depicts a deer-headed figure holding a surfboard, a direct reference to the miracle of Dom Fuas Roupinho that took place in 1182. By placing the legendary deer on a modern surfboard, the sculpture acknowledges how the same dangerous cliffs that once defined local myths now serve as the stage for professional surfers to tackle the winter waves.

Located in the heart of the lower town on Avenida Vieira Guimarães, the Mercado Municipal serves as a daily focal point for local commerce and traditional food culture. This covered market was constructed in the middle of the 20th century to provide a dedicated space for vendors. Today, it functions as a central hub for regional specialties. Each morning, fishmongers display the daily catch from the Atlantic. You will often see women dressed in the traditional seven skirts, a local custom rooted in the town's maritime history.

The Ascensor da Nazaré is a funicular railway that has provided a vital transportation link between the beach area and the clifftop Sítio district since it opened in 1889. Recognized as one of the oldest operating funicular systems on the Iberian Peninsula, it was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a protégé of Gustave Eiffel and the engineer responsible for Lisbon's Santa Justa Lift.

The cars climb a steep 110-meter incline over a track distance of 318 meters, negotiating a rare technical curve in the track during the three-minute journey. Originally powered by a hydraulic water-ballast system, the mechanism was modernized with an electric motor in 1963. Today, the two cars carry upwards of one million passengers annually.

These traditional wooden lifeboats are permanently displayed on the sand along the main beach, serving as a physical reminder of the rescue missions once performed by local volunteers. Each vessel, such as the "Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos" or the "Mimosa," has a distinct design optimised for launching directly into heavy Atlantic swells from the shoreline. Painted in bright, traditional colours, they were the primary means of saving fishermen from dangerous currents and shifting tides before modern motorised technology became available.

This natural limestone cave is situated at the northern base of the Sítio headland, looking out toward the big wave surf break of Praia do Norte. Its name, which translates as "Whale Oven Cave," originates from its rounded, oven-like shape and historical reports of whale bones found within its chamber. The cave is part of a Jurassic limestone formation and features a large, circular opening in its roof. Historically, fishermen used the cave as a barometer for sea conditions, watching the way water moved through its entrance

The Bolo de Berlim is a fried, sugar-dusted pastry that is a central part of the local seaside experience in Nazaré. While it is a variation of the German Berliner, this sweet treat was brought to Portugal by German Jewish refugees during the 1930s and World War II. The Portuguese version differs from the original by replacing fruit jam with a rich, yellow egg-based custard known as creme de pasteleiro, a choice influenced by the nation's historical convent baking traditions.

In addition to the permanent kiosks found near the promenade, these treats are famously sold by mobile vendors who walk across the sand carrying heavy coolers. These hawkers often announce their arrival with a rhythmic shout of "Olha a bolinha!", which has become one of the iconic sounds of the Portuguese summer.

The Nazaré Canyon is a massive underwater feature that acts as the primary engine for the town's famous waves. As the largest submarine canyon in Europe, it stretches 230 kilometers across the ocean floor and reaches depths of 5,000 meters. Because the head of the canyon sits just offshore, it funnels and amplifies Atlantic swells directly toward Praia do Norte. The interactive model at the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo helps make sense of how this works, worth a few minutes before heading to the viewpoint.

The geological structure causes incoming water to refract, splitting the wave energy so that it travels at different speeds. When these separate wave fronts collide over the shallow sandbanks, they create a "wedge" that can exceed 30 meters during winter storms. This stacking effect is further boosted by a coastal current that pushes against the incoming swells. These conditions occur roughly 10 to 15 times between autumn and spring, attracting professional surfers who have set multiple world records at this specific location.

For a perspective away from the coastline, Monte de São Bartolomeu is a 156-metre-high rocky outcrop located within the Leiria pine forest. A steep staircase leads to the summit, which features a small chapel and a panoramic viewpoint. Allow around 20 minutes to climb, and bring water, there's no shade on the final stretch.

From the top, the entire Nazaré region is visible, including the curve of the bay, the Sítio headland, and the vast Atlantic horizon. Late afternoon light is particularly good here for photography. It offers a quiet alternative to the busier viewpoints in the town centre.

Located on the sand along the southern end of the main beach, this open-air museum is one of the few places in Portugal where the traditional sun-drying of fish is still practised. Visitors can see wooden racks, known as estendais, where species like horse mackerel and octopus are cleaned, salted, and left to cure in the Atlantic breeze. The smell is strong but not unpleasant, it's part of the experience. The women who manage the drying area often wear the traditional "seven skirts" of Nazaré, historical attire designed to keep them warm and mobile while waiting for the fishing fleet to return.

The town's main beach is a wide, golden sand crescent that defines the coastline of the lower town. During the summer, the waters here are calm and suitable for swimming, a sharp contrast to the violent swells found on the northern side of the headland. Running the entire length of this beach is the Avenida da República, a wide seafront promenade lined with cafés, my preferred spot for a morning coffee is at the quieter southern end.

These caves were discovered in 1947 and represent the largest underground system in the country, with over 11 kilometres of mapped tunnels. The guided tour takes visitors on a 600-metre descent that reaches a depth of 110 metres, passing through a series of chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. Bring a light jacket, the constant 17°C feels surprisingly cold after the walk down.

One of the most distinctive areas is the "Great Lake" chamber at the end of the path, which features an underground lake and a waterfall. The exit involves climbing over 600 steps back up, or you can take the lift (worth it after the descent). Allow around 90 minutes for the full visit.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the first fully Gothic building in Portugal, founded in 1153 by King Afonso Henriques. Its church is noted for its immense scale and architectural simplicity, containing the ornate tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro. These tombs are placed foot-to-foot so that, according to the legend of their tragic love, the pair will see each other immediately upon rising on Judgement Day. Another notable feature of the complex is the 18th-century kitchen, which includes a chimney 28 metres tall and a diverted branch of the Alcoa River that once flowed directly through the room to provide the monks with a constant supply of fresh water.

Once one of the wealthiest Cistercian nunneries in Europe, this site began as a small hermitage before growing into a powerful institution for women. The church interior is heavily decorated with gilded woodcarvings and blue and white tilework covering the walls, a style typical of the Portuguese Baroque period.

It's less visited than Alcobaça or Batalha, which makes for a more peaceful experience. The building contains 106 hand-carved choir stalls where the nuns would gather for daily prayer. Check opening hours before visiting, access can be limited outside peak season.

The Mosteiro da Batalha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site commissioned by King João I to fulfil a vow after the Portuguese victory over Castile at the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota. Because construction continued for over a century, the building serves as a record of shifting architectural styles, moving from High Gothic to the ornate Manueline period. Inside the Founder's Chapel, visitors can see the joint tomb of the King and his English wife, Philippa of Lancaster, which was the first of its kind in Portugal.

The Chapter House is noted for its vaulted ceiling and houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where an eternal flame is guarded in honour of those lost in the First World War. One of the most distinctive features is the Unfinished Chapels, a massive octagonal structure that remains open to the sky because construction was halted in the 15th century when resources were diverted to build the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. The afternoon light through the open roof is particularly striking, allow at least an hour to do the site justice.
Related articles: Guide to Batalha

Located about 9 kilometres south of Nazaré, São Martinho do Porto is centred around an almost entirely enclosed, shell-shaped bay. This natural harbour is connected to the Atlantic by a narrow opening between two granite headlands, which blocks ocean swells and keeps the water calm and shallow, ideal for young children or nervous swimmers. While it is now a popular summer resort for families, the town's history as a strategic port dates back to the 13th century, when it served as a vital centre for shipbuilding and trade.

The main beach offers 3 kilometres of fine golden sand, and parking is easier here than in Nazaré during summer. The upper part of the town retains its traditional character with narrow streets and whitewashed houses that predate the 20th-century development of the waterfront, worth a short wander before or after the beach.

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