Discovering The Best of Nazaré In A Day – OUR CROSSINGS

Last updated on the 2nd of September, 2025

Portugal’s famous surf town, Nazaré, is known for its enormous waves breaking off its broad beaches.

While some visit Nazaré to watch surfers test their limits on waves that race towards North Beach, others are not keen on water sports and will find several other things to do.

You can stroll the beachfront promenade, wander around the town’s cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed homes and explore the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo.

As we finally made our way towards the north, my thoughts lingered back on our very first visit. It was during the road trip from Lisbon to Porto that we stopped for a night, checked into a Marta Hotel and spent the remainder of the day between the two parts of the town.

I clearly remember sitting on the bench early in the morning, underneath the palm trees, listening to the chirping birds and watching a local man and woman set up their stalls, a scene I’ll carry with me eternally.

Some of the women were wearing traditional skirts made up of beautiful layers upon layers of cloth. The colourful skirts that are usually worn with knee-high socks, hand-stitched aprons and slippers are made of 7 petticoats.

How Many Days do You Need For Nazaré

Given that the town is pretty compact and fairly small, and you only have one day in Nazaré, it would be just enough to see all the highlights of the town, enjoy some delicious local cuisine and admire the traditional whitewashed buildings that line the streets.

However, it would be a good idea to spend the night, as this would give you some extra time to learn about the history and centuries-old traditions deeply rooted in the sea.

You could also use Nazare as a base for exploring nearby towns and villages, as in the short vicinity you can find Alcobaça, Leiria, São Martinho do Porto, Obidos and the iconic Batalha Monastery.

Colourful traditional fishing boats on the main beach

Best Time To Visit Nazaré

The best time to visit Nazaré depends on what you wish to do. What you’ll experience in Nazaré will depend on which season you choose to visit.

If you wish to witness the power of the big waves, then November to February is the peak season for big wave surfing in Nazaré, with the largest swells often arriving during this period.

Summertime in Nazaré is hectic; hotels usually sell out, and the beautiful sandy beaches are crowded. July and August are peak months when flocks of visitors arrive in Nazaré to relax and sunbathe under colourful umbrellas.

Autumn sees near-empty beaches and different kinds of crowds; it’s when the surfers from all around the world arrive in town to surf the huge waves.

Springtime is a fantastic time to explore Portugal’s fishing villages. The weather is comfortably warm, hotel prices are reasonable, and the hillside is covered in beautiful flowers.

For the big waves on Praia do Norte, Nazaré, again, it’s hard to tell when to go or for how long, as this is due to the direction of the winter swells and wind, so you have to be patient to see the big waves. By now, we have travelled to Nazaré three times and were out of luck.

#1. Wander around Sitio Village

Start your visit with a funicular ride to the Sitio Village.

With its panoramic views and village ambience, visiting the Sítio district is one of the top things to do in Nazaré.

The fastest way to reach the old part of Nazaré is to take the funicular. The Funicular dates back to a steam-powered version from the late 19th century, and since then it’s been modernised.

The ride is a short but scenic one, and it runs from top to bottom and vice versa every 15 minutes and costs EUR 4 for a round trip.

Once at the top, you’ll be greeted by truly spectacular views from various viewpoints over orange-roofed buildings. It’s also where you’ll find many souvenir shops that are worth a look because many products are handmade by local people.

There is also the chapel of Ermida da Memoria, the church of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, and the Dr Joaquim Manso museum.

*Top Tip – it can get busy; therefore, it pays off to go early or prepare to walk the steep path and steps of the Ladeira do Sítio.

#2. Admire The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth

After exploring the wonderful village, pop into the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth, which dominates the main square.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth, a stunning testament to history and faith, traces its roots back to the 14th century as the church stands on the site of an earlier church.

The impressive church, with its two bell towers and a sweeping semi-circular staircase, leads visitors to the entrance and hides a staggering beauty within.

Once inside, you’ll be captivated by the blue-and-white tile panels covering the walls, the impressive gold-toned altarpiece, and the church’s beautiful dome, which will leave you awestruck.

Make sure you stop by the sacristy as well, as it’s where captivating panels and paintings colourfully depict the legends of Our Lady of Nazareth.

How to get there: From the centre of Nazaré, take the funicular to Sítio. The church is just a few feet behind the funicular station.

#2. Visit Nazaré Lighthouse

From the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth, make your way to Nazaré Lighthouse, which is situated right on the cliff edge above the thundering Atlantic waves and take in the views of Nazare beach to the left and Praia do Norte to the right.

You’ll find that the lighthouse and the cliffs are fascinating places, as they are located on top of the rooftop of a sixteenth-century fort and stand unbreakable against the howling winds, turbulent waters and huge swells.

The ocean was glassy on our visit, and it’s relatively calm during the summer, yet the immense power of nature can be felt with every step.

Inside the fort, you’ll find the Nazaré Canyon Interpretive Center, with many interesting oceanographic and meteorological exhibits explaining how activity in the Nazaré Canyon creates all the giant waves.

There is also a hall of fame dedicated to surfers who have successfully surfed the giant waves at Norte Beach.

#3. See the Big Waves

Some places leave a long-lasting impression, and if you wish to visit one, then make your way to North Beach, where the largest submarine canyon in Europe, the Nazare North Canyon, produces enormous waves.

Every winter from October to March, Nazaré attracts big wave surfers from all around the world, turning this little fishing village into a bustling surf town with the bravest waterman trying to do the impossible task – ride up to 100ft high waves.

If you wish to witness this phenomenon, you have to keep an eye on the forecast. You can check here because waves are not always there; they form due to a combination of several elements of nature, including the direction of the stream, the wind, the North Atlantic storms and the wave period.

There is also an Annual Big Wave surfing event that lasts for a day and has no fixed date; it’s usually confirmed 3 days in advance.

The mighty waves pondering North Beach in Nazare

#4. Explore Forno de Orca Cave

Once you finish exploring the lighthouse, make your way down to the beach.

One of the best off-grid experiences near the beach is visiting the lesser-known natural phenomenon, Forno de Orca Cave.

Located at the foot of a hill adjacent to Praia do Norte Beach, Forno de Orca is a natural cave shaped by the erosive activity of time that has a circular hole in the ceiling.

The striking cave, however, can only be reached at low tide. The short trail that leads to the cave starts near São Miguel Arcanjo Fort. The trail is short but very steep and ends with a rocky and rough walk.

*Top Tip – keep your eyes on the tide as during the high tide, the waves bash against the cliff and water floods the cave.

#6. Sample Top-Quality Cuisine

After all the walking and exploring, catch the funicular back to the main town for something to eat.

Nazaré offers a wide variety of mouth-watering local dishes that you simply must try during your visit.

You can find traditional Portuguese cuisines such as caldeirada, a delicious fish stew, and bacalhau à brás, which is a classic dish of salt cod, potatoes, and onions.

You also won’t want to miss out on all the wonderful seafood dishes, which can be found in abundance here. You can savour octopus salad, plates of grilled sardines, and much more at one of the town’s street stalls or many waterfront restaurants.

For a more memorable taste, you can also try salted fish dried on nets in the sun.

For a delicious meal, we recommend going to Tabernassa – a wonderful restaurant located in the heart of town with outdoor seating that offers stunning views of the glistening sea.

This popular local restaurant serves up traditional Portuguese dishes with a unique twist, such as clams cooked in white wine, codfish with pork crackling, and seared octopus.

Nazare offers many traditional Portuguese dishes

#7. Explore Nearby Attractions

Sure, Nazaré is small, and you can quickly get the gist of everything in one day, but as I mentioned earlier, it can also be used as a base to explore nearby attractions such as:

Nearby Sao Martinho do Porto, located just 13 kilometres from Nazaré, is a typical Portuguese holiday resort with beautiful sandy beaches, perfect if you are travelling with small children. Here you’ll find great restaurants, a playground, a chance to rent a bike and a local market.

The beautiful Alcobaça Monastery is located just a 15-minute drive away in the town of Alcobaça. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for those travellers who love history and architecture.

Another impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Monastery of Batalha, with its prickly spires located just a 30-minute drive from Nazaré.

Historic Óbidos Town, aptly dubbed the “Town of the Queens”, with many sites and attractions, including the castle and plentiful imposing churches, is only a 30-minute drive away from Nazaré.

How to get to Nazaré

Nazaré is located in the subregion Oeste and Leiria districts, which are 75 miles | 120 kilometres north of Lisbon and only a 2-hour drive from Porto.

Driving and public transport are relatively easy in Portugal, thanks to the good roads and public transport in the country.

Public Transport | Rede Expressos offers a direct bus service from Lisbon to Nazaré for only €8-12 one way per person. This is the cheapest way to travel to get to Nazaré. Buses depart from Sete Rios terminal, and the trip is around 2 hours long each way.

By train | The nearest train station to Naazre is Valado dos Frades train station, located about 6 km to the east. From the train station, you have to get a bus or a taxi into town.

Driving | If you are planning on driving, the trip from Lisbon to Nazaré via A8 shouldn’t take longer than 1.5 hours. Because A8 is a motorway, expect to pay around EUR 7 in toll fares. By driving, you get an option to see more of the Silver Coast, and if you take exit 14 on the A8, it will bring you to Peniche, yet another beautiful fishing village where Quicksilver Championships are held.

Day Trips | You can join a full-day tour from Lisbon for a chance to visit Nazaré. Day tours are brilliant because they are informative, and you get to see quite a lot in one day, usually, a combination of historical monuments and stunning beaches. Most of the tours stop at several towns and villages like Óbidos, Fátima and even at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Batalha Monastery.

Where to stay in Nazaré

Nazaré offers a diverse selection of accommodations to suit all travel styles and budgets.

Whether you’re a family looking for a comfortable apartment, a solo surfer seeking a budget-friendly hostel or a couple wanting a luxurious hotel experience, Nazaré has something for you.

Villas Mare Residence | The fully equipped and beautifully decorated apartments are just a 10-minute walk away from the beach. Vilas Mare residence guests can relax by the outdoor pool and rent bicycles to explore the town. Address: Rua Drº António Duarte Pimpão, Nº 6, 2450-901

The Quinta do Campo | Located in Valado dos Frades and originally built by monks in the 19th century, this rural hotel has 8 rooms, 6 apartments and beautiful gardens. Address: Rua Carlos O´Neill 20 Apartado 48, Valado dos Frades, 2450-344 Valado dos Frades

Hotel Magic | Located just a few minutes from the beach, Hotel Magic is a super cool hotel with bright and spacious rooms that are stylishly decorated with murals and artwork. Address: Rua Mouzinho de Albuquerque, n 58, 2450-253

Vale Paraíso Camping | Situated in the beautiful pine forest, Vale Paraíso Nature Park is a family-friendly site with a pool, comfortable chalets, a picnic area and free parking. Address: Estrada Nacional 242, 2450-138

Conclusion: Is Nazaré Worth Visiting?

By now, I’ve been to Nazare on four different occasions.

We visited Nazare on a day trip from Ericeira, stayed for a long weekend, spent a night in a campsite and slept on a North Beach while touring Portugal’s coast in a campervan.

I can honestly say that Nazaré is absolutely worth visiting, as this charming coastal town offers something for every traveller.

Whether you wanna relax on its picturesque beaches, be captivated by the awe-inspiring waves, savour the vibrant culture, or simply connect with nature, Nazaré provides an unforgettable experience for visitors of all interests.

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to Nazaré? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are planning a visit to Nazaré and have travel-related questions!

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Discovering The Best of Nazaré In A Day – OUR CROSSINGS

How Many Days do You Need For Nazaré

Best Time To Visit Nazaré

#1. Wander around Sitio Village

#2. Admire The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth

#2. Visit Nazaré Lighthouse

#3. See the Big Waves

#4. Explore Forno de Orca Cave

#6. Sample Top-Quality Cuisine

#7. Explore Nearby Attractions

How to get to Nazaré

Where to stay in Nazaré

Conclusion: Is Nazaré Worth Visiting?

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