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MyPortugalHoliday.com

The best independent guide to Central Portugal

Nazaré the best attractions, sights and things to do – Updated for 2025

Nazaré is a charming town situated along the beautiful Silver Coast, which has transformed from a traditional fishing village into a world-famous destination for big wave surfing. Despite its newfound fame, Nazaré retains its authentic charm and remains a beloved summer destination for Portuguese holidaymakers.

While many visitors flock to Nazaré for its expansive beach in summer or the thrilling spectacle of giant waves in winter, the town offers much more than sand and surf. This guide will explore the diverse attractions and hidden gems that make Nazaré a captivating destination year-round.

A note on Nazaré's famous waves: The town's legendary giant waves, which can reach heights of up to 30 meters, occur only 10-15 times during the winter season under specific conditions. If you visit Nazaré in summer, you won't see these massive swells or the extreme surfers who come to surf them.

 

 

Brief overview of the main sights of Nazare

Nazaré boasts a diverse array of sights and attractions. Below, you'll find a concise list of the town's highlights, followed by a map to help you plan your visit efficiently. The final section of this guide provides more detailed information about each attraction.

The top 10 sights of Nazare

1) Praia da Nazaré:
The glorious sandy beach of Nazare. A wide, crescent-shaped beach popular for sunbathing and swimming during summer months.

2) São Miguel Arcanjo Fort:
A 16th-century fort that now houses a lighthouse and a surfing museum, offering panoramic views of Praia do Norte.

3) Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré:
A grand baroque church that was once an important pilgrimage destination, housing a unique religious icon.

4) Miradoura da Pederneira:
A scenic viewpoint located near the Cemitério da Nazaré, providing views over Nazaré and the Atlantic Ocean. A stunning location to watch the sunset.

5) Ermida da Memória chapel:
A small chapel perched on a cliff with beautiful painted tiles, commemorating the legend of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré.

6) Monte de São Bartolomeu hike:
A 156-meter hill set amidst the Leiria Pine Forest, offering panoramic views and a challenging staircase climb to its summit.

7) Mercado Municipal da Nazaré:
A vibrant local market known for its fresh seafood, produce, and regional products, reflecting Nazaré's fishing heritage and culinary traditions.

8) Praia do Norte:
Wild and unspoilt beach to the north of Nazare, made famous for big wave surfing.

9) The Avenida da Republica:
The beachside promenade extending along the entire length of the town, enjoyable for a stroll on a summer's day.

10) Ascensor da Nazaré:
A funicular railway climbing the steep hill between the fishing quarter and the Sitio neighbourhood.

Sunset Nazare

Sunset over the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort

Other notable tourist sights of Nazare

11) O Sítio district:
A historic hilltop neighbourhood perched at the top of the headland that leads down to the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort.

12) Marina da Nazaré / Porto da Nazaré:
The sheltered harbour of Nazare with both a marina and moorings of the town's fishing fleet.

13) Barcos Salva Vidas:
Colourful traditional lifeboats and fishing boats displayed on the beach, remembering the fishing heritage of Nazaré and its brave fishermen.

14) Seca do Peixe (Dried Fish Museum):
An open-air exhibition area where visitors can observe the traditional method of drying fish in the sun, a practice that has been part of Nazaré's culture for centuries.

15) Gruta Forno de Orca:
A natural cave formation along the Praia do Norte coastline, accessible during low tide and known for its huge open roof.

16) Praia do Sul:
A quieter beach located south of the Porto da Nazaré, offering a more secluded environment for sunbathing and relaxation.

17) Nazare Canyon:
The largest submarine canyon in Europe, extending for 230 kilometres and depths of 5,000 meters, its eastern end creates some of the world’s largest surfable waves.

18) Miradouro do Suberco:
A stunning viewpoint from the cliff tops of O Sítio overlooking the beach and town.

19) Baloiço da Ladeira:
A popular location for social media images, offering a scenic swing at a stunning viewpoint. On a peaceful, sunny day, this is the perfect place to capture beautiful photos for your feed.

Baloiço da Ladeira Nazare

20) Escultura Veado Surfista:
A unique sculpture of a deer surfer, combining Nazaré's legends and its modern surfing culture.

21) Fishing quarter:
The charming narrow streets that lead down to the area of Nazaré, characterized by narrow streets, traditional shops, and seafood restaurants, offering an authentic glimpse into local life.

22) Eating a Bolo de Berlim:
A traditional Portuguese doughnut filled with a rich egg yolk-based custard, often enjoyed as a sweet treat during beach trips.

The best of the Nazare region
Here are some fascinating attractions within easy reach of Nazaré, perfect for day trips or an extended holiday to the region:

23) Mira de Aire Caves - (40 km from Nazaré)
Portugal's largest cave system featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes, through its illuminated chambers. Definitely worth the drive.

24) Batalha Monastery - (35 km from Nazaré)
A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Gothic and Manueline architecture, serving as the burial site for several Portuguese royals

25) Monastery of Alcobaça - (15 km from Nazaré)
An impressive Gothic Monastery and housing the ornate tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, telling a tragic love story.

26) Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Coz - (12 km from Nazaré )
A former Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century, notable for its baroque architecture

27) Grutas de Santo António - (47 km from Nazaré)
A complex of limestone caves featuring colourful rock formations and underground chambers.

28) São Martinho do Porto - (9 km from Nazaré)
A charming seaside town known for its shell-shaped bay and calm waters, that is sheltered from Atlantic by towering cliffs. This is ideal for a beach trip for young children.

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

Legend: 1) Praia da Nazaré 2) São Miguel Arcanjo Fort 3) Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré 4) Miradoura da Pederneira 5) Ermida da Memória chapel 6) Monte de São Bartolomeu hike 7) Mercado Municipal 8) Praia do Norte 9) Avenida da Republica 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) Nazare 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

Sights of Nazare

São Miguel Arcanjo Fort

The São Miguel Arcanjo Fort perches at the end of the O Sítio, and its unique vantage point provides wonderful views over the Praia do Norte. Built in the 16th century as part of Portugal's coastal defense system, this fortress has served various purposes over time. Today, it houses a surf museum and a lighthouse, offering visitors a unique blend of history and modern culture. The fort provides an exceptional vantage point for watching Nazaré's famous giant waves, especially during winter months.

From its walls, spectators can safely observe surfers tackling some of the world's largest waves. The lighthouse, constructed in 1903, continues to guide ships along this treacherous stretch of coastline.

São Miguel Arcanjo Fort
Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré

The Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré is a prominent religious site in Nazaré, Portugal. Dating back to the 14th century, this sanctuary sits atop a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It houses a small wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to have miraculous powers. According to legend, the statue was brought to Nazaré in the 4th century.

The current church building, completed in 1377, features baroque architecture and stunning azulejo tilework. Inside, visitors can admire ornate gilded woodwork and religious artifacts.

Praia do Norte Nazare
Ermida da Memória

The Ermida da Memória chapel, a small but significant religious site in Nazaré, sits atop the Sítio promontory. Built in the 14th century, this chapel marks the spot where a legendary miracle occurred in 1182. According to local tradition, nobleman Dom Fuas Roupinho was saved from falling off the cliff while hunting deer, after invoking the Virgin Mary's protection.

The chapel's interior features azulejo tiles depicting this miraculous event. Despite its modest size, the Ermida holds great importance in Nazaré's religious and cultural heritage.

Ermida da Memória Nazare
Escultura Veado Surfista

The Escultura Veado Surfista in Nazaré creatively merges local legend with modern culture. This sculpture depicts a deer riding a surfboard, symbolizing the miraculous escape of Dom Fuas Roupinho in 1182 when his deer almost plunged off a cliff. The artwork cleverly connects this historical tale to Nazaré's contemporary fame as a world-renowned big wave surfing destination, bridging centuries of local lore and present-day identity.

Escultura Veado Surfista Nazare
Mercado Municipal da Nazaré

The Mercado Municipal da Nazaré, located in the heart of town, is a vibrant hub of local life and commerce. Built in the mid-20th century, this covered market serves as a focal point for fresh produce, seafood, and regional specialties. Fishmongers display the day's catch, often including Nazaré's famous sardines and other Atlantic fish. Local farmers sell seasonal fruits and vegetables, alongside vendors offering traditional Portuguese cheeses, cured meats, and baked goods.

Ascensor da Nazaré

The Ascensor da Nazaré, also known as the Nazaré Funicular, is a historic transportation link connecting the beach area (Praia) with the clifftop district (Sítio). The funicular climbs 110 meters over a distance of 318 meters, offering passengers stunning views of the coastline during the journey Inaugurated in 1889, it is one of the oldest funiculars in the Iberian Peninsula.

This hydraulic-powered system was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, the same engineer behind Lisbon's famous Santa Justa Lift.

Ascensor De Nazare
Barcos Salva Vidas

The Barcos Salva Vidas are a display of tradition lifeboats that were moor along the beach edge in case of seafaring emergencies. These colourful vessels were designed for sea rescues in the perilous seas of the Atlantic Ocean and were crewed by fellow fishermen.

Barcos Salva Vidas Nazare
Gruta Forno de Orca

Gruta Forno de Orca is a striking sea cave, resembling a large oven with a massive open roof. Located at the base of the Sítio headland on Praia do Norte beach, it is only accessible at low tide. The cave's name, meaning "Whale Oven Cave," comes from its distinctive shape and the occasional whale bones discovered nearby. Visitors should exercise extreme caution due to the fragile cliffs and the unpredictable, powerful waves that can surge into the cave.

Gruta Forno de Orca
Miradouro da Pederneira Viewpoint

The Miradouro da Pederneira is a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. This elevated spot provides visitors with sweeping views of Nazaré's coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, and the is Romaic setting for watching sunsets over the Atlantic.

Historically, Pederneira was one of the original settlements in the Nazaré area, predating the development of the beachfront town. The viewpoint is situated near the remnants of an old castle, which dates back to medieval times when the area served as a defensive outpost.

Bolo de Berlim

The Bolo de Berlim stall is a popular spot in Nazaré, offering a beloved Portuguese sweet treat. Bolo de Berlim, similar to a German Berliner, is a fried doughnut-like pastry traditionally filled with rich custard cream. In Nazaré, these treats are often sold from small kiosks or carts near the beach. The local version is known for its generous filling and a light dusting of sugar. This sweet snack has become closely associated with beach culture in Portugal, particularly in Nazaré.

Bolo de Berlim stall Nazare
Nazaré Canyon

The Nazaré Canyon is a remarkable underwater feature. This massive submarine canyon, one of the largest in Europe, stretches for about 230 kilometers and reaches depths of up to 5,000 meters. Its unique topography plays a crucial role in creating the enormous waves that have made Nazaré famous among surfers worldwide.

The canyon's steep walls and narrow shape funnel and amplify incoming swells, resulting in waves that can reach heights of over 30 meters (100 feet) during winter months. This phenomenon has attracted top big-wave surfers and led to several world records for the largest waves ever surfed.

Around Nazare
Mira de Aire Caves

The Mira de Aire Caves are Portugal's largest underground cave system that are open to the public. Discovered in 1947, these limestone caves extend for over 11 kilometers, with about 600 meters accessible to visitors via guided tours.

The caves feature impressive formations of stalactites and stalagmites, created over millions of years by water erosion. Visitors descend 110 meters below ground through a series of chambers, each with unique geological features. The tour culminates in the "Great Lake" chamber, home to an underground lake and waterfall.

Maintained at a constant temperature of around 17°C (63°F), the caves offer a cool respite from summer heat. Modern lighting systems illuminate the caverns, highlighting their natural beauty

Mosteiro de Alcobaça

The Mosteiro de Alcobaça is a masterpiece of medieval Gothic architecture. Founded in 1153 by Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques, it became one of the most important Cistercian monasteries in Europe.

The church attached to monastery is the largest early Gothic building in Portugal. Inside, visitors can see the ornate tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, whose tragic love story is a key part of Portuguese folklore.

The monastery's kitchen, with its massive chimney and water channel, is a notable feature. The complex also includes a vast dormitory, refectory, and cloister.

Mosteiro de Alcobaça
Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Coz

Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Coz is a former Cistercian monastery with a history dating back to the 12th century. Originally founded as a small hermitage, it evolved into a significant religious institution for women by the 16th century.

The monastery's church, rebuilt in the 17th century, showcases a blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles. Its interior features intricate tile work, gilded woodcarvings, and a notable organ. The convent buildings, arranged around a central cloister, offer insight into monastic life of the period.

A unique aspect of Santa Maria de Coz is its connection to female education and autonomy in medieval Portugal. The monastery was known for its scriptorium, where nuns engaged in manuscript production and illumination.

Mosteiro da Batalha

The Mosteiro da Batalha , a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture. Built to commemorate Portugal's victory over Castile in the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota, it took over a century to complete. The monastery's intricate stonework and soaring spires are awe-inspiring, with the ornate Manueline-style Royal Cloister being a highlight.

Inside, you'll find the Founder's Chapel, where King João I and his English wife Philippa of Lancaster are entombed. The Unfinished Chapels, with their open-air octagonal structure, offer a unique glimpse into 15th-century construction techniques. The Chapter House houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with an eternal flame honouring Portugal's fallen.

Related articles: Guide to Batalha

Mosteiro da Batalha
São Martinho do Porto

São Martinho do Porto is a charming coastal town located about 10 kilometers south of Nazaré. Its most distinctive feature is a sheltered, shell-shaped bay that forms a natural harbor, creating calm waters ideal for swimming and water sports.

The bay's unique shape was formed over millions of years by geological processes and is now protected by two headlands. This natural configuration has made São Martinho do Porto a popular resort since the early 20th century, attracting both Portuguese and international visitors.

The town's history dates back to the 13th century when it was an important port. Today, it retains much of its traditional character with whitewashed houses and narrow streets. The main beach, stretching for about 3 kilometres, is known for its fine golden sand and gentle waters, making it particularly family-friendly.

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