For those of you that have watched 100 Foot Wave on HBO/MAX, you know about Nazaré. If you haven’t watched it, I encourage you to so you can see some of the biggest waves in the world and the crazy people who surf them.
But Nazaré is more than a big wave surfing destination. It is a lovely village with a beautiful, vast beach. It has great seafood restaurants, a rich cultural heritage, and a ginjinha hut right on the beach!
We have only been to Nazaré a few times but each time was a different experience. The first time, we visited the Sítio do Nazaré to see the big waves. Standing up by the lighthouse, we were mesmerised by the ebb and flow of the sea.
But we only saw a small part of Nazaré on that trip. The next time, we explored the beach town just below the lighthouse and it was full of charm and beauty.
A Few Questions about the waves
I know a lot of you out there have a few questions about the waves in Nazaré, so I’ll do my best to answer them.
What makes the waves so big?
That actually depends on many factors. First, there is an underwater canyon just off shore that is one of the deepest in Europe. It funnels and amplifies the swells as they approach. You also have the convergence of swells that travel across the ocean and when they reach the waves in Nazaré, they converge and increase in height and power.
Ocean currents and wind conditions also play a role in creating these big swells. Strong winds generate larger swells and when they come into the Nazaré canyon, they can transform into massive waves.
Are the waves always so big? When is the best time for them?
No. And predicting a good swell is tough to do. Surfing season is between October and March and there are many people out there that watch the conditions closely. You can check out the waves on Nazaré’s surf cam and see for yourself.
Where do you go to see them?
The big waves stroll in on Praia do Norte beach. The best place to watch them is from the lighthouse in the Sítio do Nazaré which is the upper cliff part of the village. This is where the Nossa Senhora da Nazaré is located and the best views of the lower village and ocean can be seen from here.
If there is a good forecast or waves or a surfing competition, getting in and finding a parking place can be hectic. But if it is a general day in the summer, you might be able to find parking down in the village. There is a funicular that will take you to the top to see the waves. You can walk down the hill or get a tuktuk to transport you.
Make sure you check out the museum in the lighthouse. Cost is €2 and worth it to see the views. Plus you get to see the ceramic and wood seagulls that artist Mario Reis made just for the fort. He also has four panels in the upper station and one panel in the lower station of the funicular.
What else is there to do in Nazaré?
Spend a day on the beach–not Praia do Norte–that could get a little out of hand and is dangerous to swim in. The beach at Praia de Nazaré is beautiful and large and has great water to swim. During the summer months, there are often cabana rentals to keep you out of the sun and plenty of boardwalk activities too.
Eat at the amazing restaurants!
Nazaré is a paradise for seafood lovers. Indulge in the local gastronomy and savor the freshest catches from the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurants on the main drag are good but if you want authentic local cuisine, walk down the back alleys, especially closer to the funicular where the town is oldest. You will find great places and you may have to use your Portuguese!
If you are looking for some great tacos, check out Waves Tacos and Tapas restaurant. It is located in the Sítio district. The tacos were amazing and the margaritas incredible. Highly recommend this place, plus if you are lucky, you can park down there and walk to the church as well as the lighthouse.
Soak up the culture
With a history dating back centuries, Nazaré boasts a charming blend of tradition and modernity. Visitors can explore the historic Sítio district, home to the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, a sanctuary with panoramic views, and the picturesque Praia da Nazaré beach.
Experience the authenticity of Nazaré’s fishing culture, where colorful wooden boats, known as “sardinheiras,” line the shores. Witness the daily routines of local fishermen and learn about their age-old traditions. You will also run into some women dressed in traditional skirts known as the 7 petticoat skirts. They are not really 7 petticoats or layers but some are beautifully dressed. In the winter, these skirts keep them warm while they are out trying to rent you a room or sell something to you.
Walk the charming streets and markets
Nazaré’s streets are filled with charm, featuring traditional Portuguese architecture, vibrant markets, and lively squares. Stroll through the town’s narrow alleys, explore local markets, and immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere.
There are also numerous tours to Nazaré from Lisbon, Coimbra, etc. Many of those tours will also take you to Óbidos, Fátima, or other places close by. You can also find adventures such as buggy tour or jet ski rental that could be fun!
Where to Stay?
If you want to spend several days exploring Nazaré, you have several options but I suggest you book ahead of time! Our friends stayed at the Hotel Praia and loved it! It was easy walking to all the restaurants, markets, and the beach.
There are plenty of Air B&B’s and rooms to rent as well. But Nazaré is very popular especially during the summer.
Nazaré makes for a great destination if you are a beach lover and adventure seeker. It’s laid back welcoming atmosphere, natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the thrill of giant waves makes Nazaré a multifaceted destination that appeals to surf enthusiasts, history lovers, and those seeking an authentic Portuguese experience. If you go, let us know in the comments what you thought!
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Shelley is a full time traveler, blogger and podcaster currently living in Portugal with her wife, 2 dogs and a cat. She is a former history teacher originally from Winston-Salem, NC but wanted to see what life was like abroad. Now she travels all over Portugal and Europe writing about what she sees and does and tells you all kinds of fun stories on the podcast at Wandering Works for Us.