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12 Things to do in Nazaré Portugal: Our favourite spots
Most people visit Nazaré hoping to see its massive waves, but after years of visiting this Portuguese fishing town, we’ve discovered that there’s plenty to enjoy even when the ocean is calm.
We’ve watched professional surfers tackle the enormous waves during the February 2022 Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge, but some of our favourite visits have been spent exploring Sítio, enjoying the clifftop views and wandering along the beachfront past the traditional fishing boats.
If you’re visiting Nazaré for the first time, we’d recommend allowing a full day. That gives you time to see the lighthouse and surfing exhibition, explore the upper town, ride the funicular and enjoy a seafood lunch by the beach.
Here are our favourite things to do in Nazaré, along with practical tips from our visits to help you decide what to see, how to get around and whether to stay overnight.
Best things to see in Nazaré Portugal
Nazaré map with highlights
1. See Praia do Norte and the famous big wave coastline
Whenever we hear that big waves are expected, we get excited! After witnessing the TUDOR Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge in February 2022, we were hooked. Now we’re always on the lookout for another chance to watch the surfers in action.
The Nazaré big waves break at Praia do Norte (North Beach), close to the Nazaré lighthouse. As you walk towards Farol da Nazaré, you’ll find cliffs overlooking the beach, which is the perfect spot to watch.
You can also get fantastic views from the fort where the lighthouse stands, although access may be restricted on competition days. Take a little time to find a safe viewing spot that works well for the conditions that day.
The big wave season in Nazaré runs roughly from October to March, covering autumn and winter into early spring. Wave heights depend on several factors, including the swell, wind and tides. If you’re visiting specifically to see the giant waves, check the forecast before you go, as they aren’t guaranteed even during winter.
If you want to learn more about the giant waves, Nazaré Canyon and what to expect during surfing events, take a look at our Nazaré big waves guide.
2. Explore São Miguel Arcanjo Fort and the lighthouse
When you arrive in Nazaré, you can already spot the lighthouse on the cliffs from afar. It stands on top of São Miguel Arcanjo Fort, a must-see when you’re here.
The fort is generally open year-round, and for a small entrance fee of €3, you can explore the exhibitions inside. The Surfer Wall displays boards used by surfers who’ve mastered Nazaré’s giant waves, alongside information about the athletes.
You’ll learn more about big wave surfing and discover the underwater canyon and its effect on the waves at Praia do Norte. Until we visited, we had no idea why these waves were so big! Did you know Nazaré has the biggest waves in the world? The displays and seabed model help explain what happens beneath the surface.
Afterwards, head up to the fort’s terrace for a stunning view over Praia do Norte. If the conditions are right, you might even see professional surfers riding the enormous waves.
3. Forno de Orca Cave
We haven’t visited Forno de Orca Cave yet, but it’s on our list for a future trip to Nazaré. This small natural cave sits at the base of the headland beside Praia do Norte.
Before exploring the area, check the current access restrictions and sea conditions with the local tourist office. Don’t approach the cave during high tides or rough seas, and remember that low tide alone doesn’t make it safe. Respect any barriers and warning signs, and certainly don’t swim here!
4. Enjoy the views from Miradouro do Suberco
After seeing the waves, you can continue towards the funicular. You’ll pass the viewing terraces around Sítio where you can find beautiful views over Praia da Nazaré, the town’s rooftops and the coastline.
Follow the clifftop streets around Rua do Horizonte towards the sanctuary square and Miradouro do Suberco, Nazaré’s best-known viewpoint. You’ll find several places to pause along the way, each offering a slightly different angle over the beach.
There are also sometimes cats (and plenty of seagulls), so another reason for a quick break! We recommend stopping at a few rather than heading straight to one viewpoint. It’s a lovely little walk, especially if, like us, you keep stopping to take photographs!
5. Ermida da Memória
Before you arrive at Miradouro do Suberco you will also notice a small chapel with a big story. It’s the Ermida da Memória or the Chapel of the Miracle’s Memory in English.
According to local legend, the nobleman Dom Fuas Roupinho was chasing a deer on horseback in 1182 when he approached the cliff edge. He called upon Our Lady of Nazaré for help, and his horse stopped just before falling into the sea. Tradition says he had the chapel built in gratitude for his rescue.
If it’s open, take a look inside at the blue-and-white azulejos, which date from the 18th century. There’s also a tile panel depicting the legendary rescue, so it’s worth looking beyond exterior! Unfortunately, it’s been closed every time we were visiting, but one we look forward to as it looks stunning on the inside!
6. Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré
The little chapel is located on Largo de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, and on the other side, you’ll find a much larger sight worth visiting. The Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth) is open daily and free to visit.
King Fernando I founded the sanctuary in 1377, when the nearby Ermida da Memória became too small for the growing number of pilgrims. The church was expanded and remodelled over the following centuries.
Look for the gilded main altarpiece inside and the small wooden image of Our Lady of Nazaré, also known as the Black Madonna. The blue-and-white tiles are another highlight, and there’s a Dutch connection here! Artist Willem van der Kloet created the biblical panels in the transept, with more than 6,500 tiles arriving in Nazaré in 1709.
Wondering where Nazaré gets its name? It’s linked to Nazareth through the religious tradition surrounding the sanctuary’s wooden image of Mary and the infant Jesus. According to that tradition, the image travelled from Nazareth via Mérida in Spain before reaching this part of Portugal.
7. Discover local traditions at Museu Dr. Joaquim Manso
If you want to learn more about Nazaré, you can visit Museu Dr. Joaquim Manso in Sítio. You’ll learn more about Nazaré’s history and the close relationship with the sea. That includes fishing traditions, the clothes worn for work, celebrations and mourning.
There are miniature fishing boats and traditional women’s outfits, including the layered skirts associated with Nazaré. The historical photographs by Álvaro Laborinho offer a glimpse of everyday life in the fishing town during the first half of the 20th century.
There is also a small garden where you can find traditional boats and maritime equipment. It’s an interesting stop, and perfect for a rainy day!
8. Take the funicular to Sítio
Nazaré’s beachfront and clifftop neighbourhood sit at very different heights. Praia da Nazaré is at sea level, while Sítio, the lighthouse and the viewpoints overlooking Praia do Norte are higher up. Thankfully, there’s the Ascensor da Nazaré, so you don’t have to tackle the steep climb!
The Nazaré Funicular connects the lower town by the beach (Praia) with Sítio da Nazaré. During the ride, you’ll enjoy beautiful views over the fishing town and Praia da Nazaré, so don’t miss it!
If you’re like us and prefer walking downhill rather than climbing up, this is the moment! You can look for the Ladeira do Sítio, the old walking route between the two neighbourhoods. Along the way, you can stop at Baloiço da Ladeira, the famous Nazaré swing overlooking the beach. It’s a lovely spot for a photo and a pause on the climb.
You can take the funicular in Nazaré back up when you return.
9. Spend time at Praia da Nazaré
If you want to swim, you can head over to Praia da Nazaré. This is the town’s main beach, and the shoreline stretches for approximately 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles): It’s a lovely spot for a beach day or a long walk, but always check the beach flags and follow lifeguard advice before entering the water.
What we love about this beach is seeing the traditional fishing boats and the locals drying and selling fish. We enjoy stopping for a chat and hearing their fishing stories, and of course photographing the colourful boats.
During selected dates, you can also watch a re-enactment of Arte Xávega. This is a traditional fishing method involving nets hauled ashore from the sea. The demonstration ends with a simulated fish sale, which offers a glimpse of Nazaré’s fishing heritage. Check the municipality’s current programme before planning your visit around it.
Along the beachfront, you’ll also find surf schools and plenty of restaurants. During our visits, we usually pick somewhere here, as the views towards Sítio are beautiful and there’s always something happening on the beach. Some recommendations are Restaurante O Casalinho and Maria do Mar.
If you’re staying in Nazaré for a holiday, you can also explore nearby beaches such as Praia do Sul and Praia do Salgado. Praia do Salgado stretches for approximately 5.5 kilometres (3.4 miles) and is a beautiful place for a beach walk.
10. Browse Mercado Municipal da Nazaré
If you’d like to explore Nazaré’s food scene, stop by Mercado Municipal da Nazaré. You’ll find stalls selling fish, fruit and vegetables, making it a useful place to shop if you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen.
Even if you’re not buying ingredients, you can browse the stalls and see what’s on offer. Take a look around before choosing, as prices can vary between vendors.
A little shopping tip: confirm the price before ordering and check whether it’s per kilo or per item. You can ask “Quanto custa?” (How much does it cost?) or “É por quilo?” (Is that per kilo?).
11. Try the local seafood
With its fishing heritage, Nazaré is the perfect place to try Portuguese fish and seafood! Look out for caldeirada à Nazarena, a traditional fish stew, or massa de peixe, a tasty fish pasta dish often prepared with sea bass or white seabream.
If you prefer something simpler, try grilled sardines, horse mackerel or sea bass. Seafood lovers can also look for arroz de marisco, a saucy seafood rice, or clams prepared à Bulhão Pato, with garlic, coriander and olive oil.
You’ll also notice fish drying on racks along the beachfront. This is part of Nazaré’s traditional way of preserving fish, and you can buy dried fish from the vendors. It’s less commonly found on restaurant menus, so don’t expect every restaurant to serve it!
If you’re ordering fish sold by weight, ask for the price per kilo and the estimated total before it’s cooked.
12. Take a surfing lesson
You don’t have to tackle giant waves to try surfing in Nazaré! Local surf schools offer lessons for beginners too, with instructors choosing a suitable spot according to the conditions and your experience.
Unfortunately, our brave sea days are over, but ocean lovers and teenagers will have plenty of opportunity here! If you’d like to give it a go, a lesson is a fun way to spend part of your visit in the water.
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How to get to Nazaré from Lisbon or Porto
Visiting Nazaré by car
Driving is the easiest way to reach Nazaré if you prefer following your own travel plans and explore nearby places such as Óbidos or Alcobaça during a day trip. We have always rented a car so we can really travel to off the beaten path locations along the way.
From Lisbon, it takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and where you’re starting. Follow the A8 north towards Leiria, take exit 22 for Nazaré / Alcobaça / Valado dos Frades, then continue towards Nazaré on the IC9.
From Porto, allow around 2–2.5 hours. One route follows the A1 south, connecting to the A25 towards Aveiro and then the A17 and A8 towards Nazaré. Check your live navigation before setting off, as the recommended route may vary.
Parking in Nazaré can be challenging in summer and on big wave days, so allow extra time when you arrive. If you’re heading straight to the lighthouse and viewpoints, look for parking in Sítio rather than driving down to the beachfront.
Planning to explore more of Portugal? We always compare rental cars with DiscoverCars to find an option that suits the route and budget.
Taking the bus to Nazaré
There are buses every day from Lisbon to Nazaré, and the direct journey generally takes around 1.5–2 hours. You can depart from Oriente and Sete Rios, depending on the operator and service, so check your departure station when booking.
From Porto, allow around 3 hours, although some services are faster and others take longer.
If you’re visiting for the day, check the return timetable before making your plans. You can compare departure times, journey lengths and ticket prices on Omio.
The coaches generally arrive on Avenida do Município, in the lower part of town. You’ll still need to walk into the beachfront area, and the terminal isn’t beside the lighthouse or Sítio.
Booking a Nazaré day tour from Lisbon
If you’d like to visit Nazaré without renting a car or working around bus timetables, an organised day tour from Lisbon is a convenient option. You can leave the driving and parking to someone else and explore more of Central Portugal along the way.
Many tours combine Nazaré with the medieval streets of Óbidos, the pilgrimage of Fátima, the monastery in Alcobaça or nearby Batalha. Choose an itinerary based on the places you most want to see, rather than simply the number of stops included.
If Nazaré is your main reason for booking, check how long you’ll spend there and which sights you’ll visit. A stop at the beachfront is a different experience from visiting Sítio and the lighthouse overlooking Praia do Norte. And if you’re hoping for giant waves, remember that sightings depend on the season and conditions.
Take a look at the tours below to compare itineraries, group sizes and what’s included, and find one that suits your day.
How to get around Nazaré
It’s good to know that the main sights in Nazaré are spread between the beachfront town and Sítio, the neighbourhood above the cliffs. Where you start depends on what you’d like to see.
If you’re coming mainly for the big waves, you can head straight to Sítio without going down to the town centre. Parking can be difficult on busy days, so look for a permitted space in the upper neighbourhood and continue on foot. Walk towards the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, then follow the route towards the lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll pass the Escultura Veado Surfista, the distinctive deer-headed surfer statue.
If you’d also like to explore the town, enjoy the viewpoints around Sítio before taking the funicular or walking down the Ladeira do Sítio. You can then explore the streets, stop for lunch and walk along Praia da Nazaré.
Remember where you’ve parked! If your car is in Sítio, allow time to get back uphill. During surfing events, follow local parking signs and access restrictions, as these can change.
What can you combine with a visit to Nazaré?
If you’d like to explore more of Central Portugal, there are several places you can combine with Nazaré. For a day trip from Lisbon, we recommend choosing one additional stop so you have time to enjoy both. If you’re staying in Nazaré, you can explore the surrounding area over several days.
Nazaré and Óbidos
For a mix of coastal scenery and medieval streets, combine Nazaré with Óbidos. Spend part of your day exploring Nazaré’s viewpoints and beachfront, then wander through Óbidos’s whitewashed streets and browse the small shops. It’s a lovely combination if you’d like two very different experiences in one day.
Nazaré and Alcobaça
If you enjoy history and architecture, Alcobaça Monastery is a great addition to your visit. Allow time to explore the monastery rather than making it a quick photo stop as it’s huge! You can then spend the rest of your day in Nazaré, with a walk along the beach or a visit to Sítio.
Nazaré, Batalha and Fátima
Batalha and Fátima are options if you’re interested in Portugal’s religious heritage. Batalha is known for its monastery, while Fátima attracts pilgrims to its sanctuary.
Visiting all three places makes for a busier day. If you’d like plenty of time in Nazaré, choose just one of these stops or spread your visits over two days.
One of our favourites: Buddha Eden Garden
For something different, consider Buddha Eden Garden, one of our favourite places in the area. Its gardens, sculptures and lakes offer a change of pace from Nazaré’s beaches and clifftop sights. Give yourself time to wander rather than squeezing it between several other stops.
Staying longer in Nazaré?
If you’re using Nazaré as a base, you can also plan outings to Tomar, Leiria, São Martinho do Porto or Ourém. For a walk in nature, look into Cascata da Fórnea, or head underground at the Mira de Aire caves. There is a lot to see in this area, and you can definitely stay a few days to explore it all.
Is Nazaré worth visiting?
Yes, Nazaré is worth visiting even when there are no giant waves! We’ve been several times and enjoy the views from Sítio, the fishing traditions along the beachfront and stopping for a meal overlooking the sea. If you like coastal scenery, local history and a relaxed wander, there’s plenty to fill a day.
We love this part of Portugal and usually like to stay longer and use Nazaré as a base for exploring nearby towns such as Óbidos and Alcobaça.
When is the best time to visit Nazaré?
The best time to visit Nazaré depends on what you’d like to do. Summer is ideal for beach days, while October to March is the main season for watching giant waves. For sightseeing, we’d consider late spring or early autumn, when you can explore the town and viewpoints without the busiest summer crowds.
If you’re visiting in summer, don’t expect the enormous waves of Nazaré you’ve seen in photographs. There’s still plenty to enjoy, from the beachfront restaurants to the sights around Sítio. Swimming always depends on the conditions that day, so check the flags and follow lifeguard advice.
If the famous giant waves are your main reason for visiting, keep your dates flexible and check the forecast before travelling. We’ve visited in January and found sunshine and a calm sea, so winter alone doesn’t guarantee a spectacle! Our Nazaré big waves guide explains when to go and how to check the conditions.
How to spend one day in Nazaré
If you come to Nazaré for the day, you can explore both Sítio and the beachfront without rushing. Here’s how we’d organise the day, starting in the upper neighbourhood. If you arrive by bus, you can reverse the route or take the funicular up first.
Morning: viewpoints and sights around Sítio
Start with the viewing terraces around Sítio and make your way towards Miradouro do Suberco. Stop at Ermida da Memória and step inside the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré.
Then walk towards the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort, passing the deer-headed surfer statue along the way. Visit the surfing exhibition and canyon displays, then enjoy the views over Praia do Norte.
If you’d like to visit Museu Dr. Joaquim Manso too, fit it in before heading towards the fort and allow a little longer for your morning.
Lunch: head down to the beachfront
Return towards the upper funicular station and walk down the Ladeira do Sítio, stopping at the Nazaré swing along the way. Alternatively, take the funicular down if you’d prefer to skip the sloping path.
Choose somewhere for lunch near the beachfront in one of the many restaurants in Nazaré. This is a good moment to try caldeirada, grilled fish or seafood rice, with time to enjoy the view.
Afternoon: explore the town and Praia da Nazaré
Spend the afternoon wandering through the lower town and walking along Nazaré beach. Look out for the traditional boats and fish-drying racks, then leave time for a café stop or the beach.
If you’d like to visit the municipal market, check its opening hours first. You may need to explore the lower town in the morning and visit Sítio afterwards.
A surfing lesson is another option, but we’d swap it for part of the sightseeing rather than squeeze everything into one day.
Late afternoon: enjoy one last view to end a great day
If you’ve parked in Sítio, take the funicular back up and enjoy another look over the town before leaving. If you’re returning by bus, allow enough time to walk back to your departure stop.
Where to eat in Nazaré
After a day of watching the fearless surfers surfing the huge waves, it’s time for some food in a local restaurant! Nazaré has many excellent restaurants, and fresh seafood is a highlight on most menus. Rice, potatoes, chips, or salad often accompany the catch of the day. Besides fish, there will be plenty of meat options available.
Our favourite places to eat in Nazaré
- Zé d’Avo
- Joaquim Restaurante
- Rosa Dos Ventos
- Maria do Mar
- Little India and pizzeria Blue Jardim for vegetarian options
- Tabernassa
- Sabor’art Café and Brunch M&M for breakfast
Where to stay in Nazaré
If you’d like more time for the beach, sightseeing and exploring nearby towns, consider staying overnight in Nazaré. The accommodations near the beachfront are near the restaurants and the lower town, while places further away usually have more space and parking. Here are three options based on our stays and a recommendation from friends.
📍 For a romantic weekend: We love a little getaway from time to time and really enjoyed staying at Alluz Nazaré – Boutique Chalet By The Sea. It’s right on the seafront, with lovely views and bright, airy rooms. The exterior, complete with its cute tower, was enough to make us want to stay here!
📍 For a longer stay: We like having a kitchen when we travel for more than one night, and Home Sweet Praia was perfect for that. It’s just off the main boulevard, and the apartment had a living area and kitchen facilities. A handy option if you’d like to prepare some meals yourself while staying close to the beach and restaurants.
📍 For families: Our friends who travelled with children loved Quinta Amarela. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and free private parking. It’s away from the beachfront, so it’s worth considering if you’re travelling by car and would like somewhere with outdoor space.
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Frequently asked questions
How much time do you need in Nazaré, Portugal?
Allow a full day to explore the beachfront, visit Sítio and see the fort without rushing. Half a day works for a shorter sightseeing stop, while two or three days give you time for the beaches and nearby towns. If you’re hoping to see giant waves, flexible dates matter more than a fixed number of days.
Can you visit Nazaré without a car?
Yes, you can reach Nazaré by bus or join an organised tour from Lisbon. Once you arrive, you can explore much of the town on foot and use the funicular to reach Sítio when it’s operating. A car is more useful if you want to explore several nearby places independently.
Is Nazaré easy to explore on foot?
The beachfront and lower town are relatively flat and easy to explore on foot. Sítio sits high above the beach, so walking between the two involves a steep climb. The funicular saves you that uphill walk, but reaching the fort from Sítio still involves a sloping route. Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time if you’re visiting with a pushchair or have limited mobility.
What can you do in Nazaré when it rains?
Visit the surfing exhibition and canyon displays inside São Miguel Arcanjo Fort, or explore Nazaré’s maritime traditions at the Dr. Joaquim Manso Museum. The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré is another indoor stop, followed by lunch or a coffee break. Check opening times before setting off, and remember that the walk to the fort is exposed to wind and rain.
Should you stay overnight or visit on a day trip?
A day trip works well if you want to see Nazaré’s main sights during a holiday in Lisbon. Stay overnight if you’d prefer a slower visit, time at the beach or an evening around town after the day tours leave. Nazaré can also be a base for exploring the surrounding region.
Can you swim at the beach in Nazaré?
Yes, you can swim at Praia da Nazaré, the main town beach, when conditions permit. Always check the flags and follow lifeguard instructions. A yellow flag means swimming is prohibited, while a red flag means you must stay out of the water. Praia do Norte is not recommended for swimming because of its powerful surf and dangerous currents. Smaller waves don’t necessarily mean safe conditions.
What are the best beaches in Nazaré?
Praia da Nazaré is the most convenient choice for a beach day, with restaurants and facilities nearby. Praia do Norte is worth visiting for its dramatic coastline and famous surfing waves, rather than swimming. Just outside town, Praia do Salgado offers a long, scenic stretch of sand, but its exposed sea conditions also require caution.
Nazaré Portugal things to do with kids?
Spend time building sandcastles at Praia da Nazaré, ride the funicular to Sítio and look for the traditional fishing boats along the beachfront. Children interested in surfing may enjoy the boards and canyon model inside the fort. Older children can also try a lesson with a qualified local surf instructor when conditions are suitable. If you’re bringing a pushchair, the funicular saves you the steep climb to Sítio, although the walk towards the fort is still sloping.
Can you drive to Nazaré lighthouse and park there?
Don’t count on parking beside the lighthouse. Access along the road towards São Miguel Arcanjo Fort is restricted for normal traffic. For visitors, it’s more practical to park in Sítio and continue on foot. Follow local signs and allow extra time when it’s busy.
Is it better to visit Nazaré independently or on a tour?
We prefer renting a car, as it gives us the freedom to spend longer in Nazaré, stop where we like and combine our visit with nearby places. If you’re hoping to see the waves at Nazaré, it also makes it easier to adjust your plans around the forecast. If you’d rather leave the driving and parking to someone else, a guided tour from Lisbon is a convenient alternative. Check how much time you’ll have in Nazaré and whether the itinerary includes the beachfront, Sítio or the lighthouse area before booking.
Plan your Nazaré visit
We hope our tips help you see a little more of Nazaré than its famous waves. Whether you’re stopping for the day or staying longer, leave some time to wander, enjoy the views and settle down for a meal. Those quieter moments are part of why we keep coming back!
If you’re continuing through Central Portugal, take a look at our guides to Caldas da Rainha and the Berlengas Islands, two very different places you could include in a longer trip. Or, if you’d like help choosing your stops and putting together a realistic route, explore our Portugal travel planning services. We’ll help you plan a holiday that suits your interests and pace.
Other beautiful cities and sights north of Lisbon:
- 10 amazing tips for what to do in Óbidos Portugal
- 12 Things to do in Nazaré Portugal: Our favourite spots
- Watch the Nazaré big waves in Portugal; Things to know before you go!
- Buddha Eden; The largest, most beautiful oriental garden in Europe
- Discover the stunning Mafra National Palace
- Lisbon to Ericeira: A local guide to Portugal’s favourite surf town
- 10 Things to do in Caldas da Rainha
- 15 things to do in Tomar
- Visiting Fátima, Portugal: What you need to know
- Visit or stay at Aldeia da Mata Pequena in Portugal’s stunning countryside
- Stunning nature at Berlengas, Portugal + 8 things to do
- Celebrate the amazing Carnaval Torres Vedras in Portugal
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