Nazaré

Travel Guide

Nazare showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach
Nazare which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Nazare Beach showing waves, rocky coastline and general coastal views
Nazare Beach showing a sandy beach and a coastal town
Nazare showing a beach, a coastal town and general coastal views

Immerse yourself in Portugal’s history in this picturesque fishing town, where colorful wooden boats bob in the water and the traditions of the past are kept alive. 

Get a sense of the history of Portugal’s close-knit fishing communities by spending a few days exploring the scenic town of Nazaré. With winding streets, traditional red-roofed buildings and waters filled with old-fashioned fishing boats, this town offers a nostalgic trip into the past. Wander its charming lanes, relax on its sandy beaches and see how many old customs still survive here. This is also a favorite destination with surfers and is a great place to take to the waves.

Visit the Casa Museu do Pescadorto learn about the town’s fishing history. This captivating little museum, housed within an authentic fishing cottage, is set up like the inside of a traditional fishing cottage from the early 20th century. Spot signs of the area’s earliest settlers, the Phoenicians, throughout the town. Painted symbols such as eyes featured heavily in Phoenician culture over 2,000 years ago.

Spot fisherwomen in traditional dress as you explore Nazaré’s waterfront Praia district. With seven colorful layers of skirts, this eye-catching costume is a delight to see. Encounter other nostalgic sights along the coast, including fish laid out to dry in the sun.

Relax on the golden sands of Nazaré BeachOpens in a new window, which is a great place to surf or simply to soak up the sun. See the giant waves crashing against the rocks at North Beach, a rugged spot loved by pro surfers for its wild waters.

Enjoy panoramic views of the town and ocean by taking the funicular railway up the steep hill to the Sitio district. Make the time to visit the Ermida da Memóriawhile you are up here. This tiny, perfect chapel is dramatically situated on the very edge of a cliff.

Reach Nazaré in around 1.5 hours by car from LisbonOpens in a new window. Although it is close enough for a daytrip, you might want to spend much longer in this magical historic town.

Where to stay in Nazaré

Default Image

Serra da Pescaria

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Serra da Pescaria and surrounding area, you can visit Nazaré Port and Nazaré Beach.

Serra da Pescaria
Parque de Campismo Orbitur Valado

Parque de Campismo Orbitur Valado

3 out of 5
Rua dos Combatentes do Ultramar 2, EN 8-5, Km 9, Nazaré, Leiria
Stay at this 3-star campground in Nazaré. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a bar/lounge. Popular attractions Nazaré Beach and Nazaré Lighthouse are located ...
Parque de Campismo Orbitur Valado
Alojamento Batata - Peixe Anjo

Alojamento Batata - Peixe Anjo

Nazaré
Stay at this apartment in Nazaré. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Nazaré Beach and Nazaré Lighthouse are located ...
Alojamento Batata - Peixe Anjo
Home Sweet Praia

Home Sweet Praia

Rua Gil Vicente, 31, Nazaré, Leiria
Stay at this apartment in Nazaré. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Nazaré Beach and Nazaré Lighthouse ...
Home Sweet Praia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Nazaré