Nazaré as we know it.

Beachon foot

The beach

A wide crescent of sand right below town. Early in the morning you may still see fish drying on wooden racks.

Sítiofunicular

The Sítio & the funicular

Since 1889 the Ascensor da Nazaré has carried visitors up the cliff to the Sítio. At the top: the sanctuary, the miradouro and the finest view.

Praia do NorteOct–Mar

The giant waves

From the fort and lighthouse you can watch surfers ride waves of twenty metres and more. Come early, it gets busy.

Foodbeach

Dried fish & the market

Try carapau seco, sun-dried horse mackerel, still made on racks on the beach. At the covered market you’ll find fish, fruit and regional cheese.

Eveningwest terrace

Sunset

The best spot? Your own terrace. Feel like going out? The miradouro at the Sítio.

Fortlighthouse

Fort & lighthouse

The Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo and its red lighthouse sit on the headland above Praia do Norte. Inside is a small exhibition about the waves. Opening hours vary by season.

Surfall levels

Surfing & surf schools

Nazaré is not only for big-wave pros. Several licensed surf schools give lessons and rent boards. Let them pick the beach and the day: conditions here change fast.

Sítiochurch

Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré

The baroque sanctuary on the Sítio square, home to the venerated image of Our Lady of Nazaré. Step inside for the tiles and the gilded woodwork.

Sítiolandmark

Praça de Touros da Nazaré

The round bullring on the Sítio, a short walk from the funicular. Today it also hosts concerts and other events. Check what is on during your stay.

Photos: funicular: Vitor Oliveira, CC BY-SA 2.0; dried fish: Carstor, CC BY-SA 4.0; lighthouse: Addshore, CC BY-SA 3.0; surf: Luis Ascenso, CC BY 2.0; sanctuary: ほっきー, CC0. Via Wikimedia Commons.