Nazaré is two towns in one. Up on the cliff, it's a traditional Portuguese fishing village where women in seven-layered skirts sell dried fish by the harbour. Down at the beach, it's the home of the biggest waves ever surfed — monstrous 30-metre walls of water that have made this small town a global surfing legend. Whether you come for the waves, the traditions, or the dramatic cliffs, Nazaré is one of Portugal's most unforgettable experiences.
Getting to Nazaré
From Lisbon: Buses from Sete Rios station run several times daily (1 hour 50 minutes, €11). By car, it's 120 km north on the A8/IC9 (1 hour 20 minutes). Nazaré makes an easy stop between Lisbon and Porto, or combine with Óbidos (30 min), Batalha (35 min), or Alcobaça (15 min).
Praia do Norte — The Monster Waves
In 2011, Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara rode a 24-metre wave at Praia do Norte, putting Nazaré on the world map. Since then, records have been broken repeatedly — the current record stands at over 26 metres (86 feet). The secret is the Nazaré Canyon — a 5-km deep underwater canyon that funnels and amplifies Atlantic swells into the biggest waves on the planet.
The best viewing spot is the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo (now a surf museum) on the North Beach cliff. During big wave season (October-March), thousands gather here to watch surfers ride waves the height of 8-storey buildings. Even in summer, the waves at Praia do Norte are impressive.
Sítio — The Clifftop Village
The upper town of Sítio sits 110 metres above the beach, reached by the charming Ascensor da Nazaré — a funicular railway built in 1889. At the top, the panoramic views are breathtaking: the entire crescent beach stretches below, the fishing harbour curves to the south, and the Atlantic extends to infinity.
The Ermida da Memória (Chapel of Memory) on the cliff edge commemorates a medieval miracle, and the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré houses a venerated statue of the Virgin Mary.
The Fishing Traditions
Despite its surfing fame, Nazaré remains a deeply traditional fishing town. The beach is still lined with colourful wooden fishing boats. Women in traditional seven-layered skirts (sete saias) sell dried fish from racks on the waterfront. The daily fish auction at the harbour is a colourful spectacle. And the grilled sardines at beachfront restaurants are among the best in Portugal.
Practical Tips
- Big wave season: October-March (biggest waves in November-February). Check Nazaré wave forecasts online
- Summer visit: The main beach (Praia da Nazaré) is one of the best in central Portugal for families — warm, sheltered, with full facilities
- Funicular: €1.20 each way, runs every 15 minutes. The views alone are worth the trip
- Try: Grilled sardines, caldeirada de peixe (fish stew), and arroz de marisco (seafood rice)
Bring Nazaré Home
The giant waves, the dramatic cliffs, the colourful fishing boats — Nazaré is where the raw power of the ocean meets centuries of tradition. Our MemBoards souvenir cutting boards capture the drama of this extraordinary town.