If you’re looking for a charming and off-the-beaten-path destination to explore in Portugal, look no further than the coastal town of Nazaré. This picturesque city is home to winding streets, stunning ocean views, and plenty of things to do and see. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, Nazaré has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll provide all the information you need to make the most of your time in this enchanting city.
Things to do in Nazaré
Here are the 10 things to do in Nazaré that are worth doing when you travel to Nazaré.
Tip: use the map of Nazaré below to see where the best things in Nazaré can be found. Click on the top right corner to enlarge the map. If you click on the star symbol next to the title you can save this map in your Google Maps account. In the folder, you can show or hide different categories. You can then use this map to navigate when you are at your destination.
Enjoying the boulevard of Nazaré
The boulevard of Nazaré is full of things to do and see. Here, you can admire the traditional whitewashed buildings that line the street as well as enjoy some delicious local cuisine. There are plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that takes your fancy. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a more energetic night out, the boulevard of Nazaré offers something for everyone. In addition, there are plenty of shops to explore and souvenirs to buy so you can take a bit of Nazaré home with you.
Tip: great place to visit in the morning for coffee is Cervejaria Berlim.
Miradouro do Suberco
A visit to Miradouro do Suberco is a must when in you are Nazaré, for us this was the surprising thing about Nazaré. This scenic spot offers stunning views over the coastline and is the perfect place for taking memorable photos. The mirador (lookout point) is located on top of a hill, making it easy to appreciate the sweeping ocean views below. Sit on the bench and take in the stunning view around you.
The mirador is easily accessible with parking available nearby. After Miradouro do Suberco you can walk to Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, here you can spot the highest waves in Nazaré.
Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo
Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo is a beautiful fort located atop the cliff of Nazaré. From this spot, you can admire stunning views over the ocean and coastline below. This breathtaking view will make your visit to Nazaré an unforgettable one. The fort has been around since 1617, so it’s worth exploring if you’re a history buff. Inside, there’s a museum which can be visited. We did not visit it because we came to Nazaré to explore nature.
The walk from Miradouro do Suberco is 10 minutes, and it can be quite windy. Make sure to hold onto your belongings tightly so you don’t lose anything.
Canhão da Nazaré
The Canhão da Nazaré, located behind Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, is an essential stop on any visit to the city. The views of the Atlantic Ocean from this spot are simply breathtaking. The cannon itself dates back to 1783 and was originally placed there as a way to protect the city from incoming ships. Nowadays, it’s become something of a tourist attraction in its own right and visitors flock here to get photographs of the sea.
The only way to see Canhão da Nazaré is to stand behind Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo; you cannot get there any other way. The best time to visit this place is during sunset. You can see the sky changing colors from miles away. It’s truly amazing to see!
Praia da Nazare
The Praia da Nazare is a world-famous beach and one of the top things to do in Nazaré. This stunning beach is known for its dramatic cliffs and towering waves. It’s a popular spot for surfing and swimming, and the views are simply amazing. If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to relax on during your visit to Nazaré, the Praia da Nazare is worth checking out.
It is easy to reach because the beach is next to the boulevard. Our tip is to walk a little bit to the south till you reach Farol Nazaré Pontão Norte and take a seat here. This area is quieter and therefore you can enjoy it more.
Praia do Norte
Praia do Norte is a spectacular beach located in the northern part of Nazaré. This stunning beach is known for its strong waves, making it one of the top surfing spots in the world. It’s also an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing, with plenty of space to stretch out on the golden sand. The dramatic cliffs provide an amazing backdrop and the ocean view from here is simply breathtaking. If you’re looking for a beach with plenty of action and stunning scenery, Praia do Norte is worth checking out during your time in Nazaré.
Getting to Praia do Norte is quite easy. The beach is located just a short drive from the center of town, and there are plenty of parking spots available at the entrance. You can also take a bus from the city center, which will drop you off right at the beach. Once you arrive, there’s plenty to do. You can enjoy the stunning views, relax on the sand, or try your hand at surfing – depending on how adventurous you’re feeling! The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the ocean is perfect for swimming and surfing.
Festivals in Nazaré
Nazaré is home to several exciting festivals throughout the year. One of the most popular festivals is Festa do Pescador, which takes place in June and celebrates the town’s fishing heritage. The festival features live music and traditional dancing, as well as plenty of delicious seafood dishes for you to sample.
We visited Nazaré in June and were lucky enough to watch FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. We saw international beach football teams play each other, which was new for us but enjoyed it. Be sure to check with the tourist information center about any local festivals or events that might be going on.
Local food in Nazaré
Nazaré boasts 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, an aromatic 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 the delicious seafood dishes which can be found in abundance here. Enjoy plates of grilled sardines, octopus salad, and much more at one of the town’s many waterfront restaurants or street stalls. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a full-blown feast, Nazaré will surprise you.
We recommend going to Tabernassa. This popular local restaurant serves up traditional Portuguese dishes with a unique twist. Enjoy of bacalhau com torresmos (codfish with pork crackling), seared octopus, and clams cooked in white wine. The restaurant is located in the heart of town and has outdoor seating that offers stunning views of the sea. Unwind and enjoy amazing food at Tabernassa when in Nazaré – just make sure to book a table in advance, as the restaurant is often busy. On average, it costs €20 / $20 per person to eat here. This includes drinks.
Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré
The Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré is a beautiful sanctuary located in the heart of Nazaré. This impressive church dates back to the 16th century and is dedicated to Our Lady of Nazareth. We were not able to visit it from the inside because there was a marriage progressing. Locals told us that the inside is covered with frescoes and various statues of the Virgin Mary, as well as other religious figures. Normally you can visit it every day from 9 am until 5 pm for free. It is easy to combine with the other activities because it is 4 minutes away from Miradouro do Suberco.
Sítio
We did not visit Sítio because we did not have enough time but when you have the time you should do it, at the tourist information center they explained that it is a beautiful village that is located just outside of the city of Nazaré. This charming town offers visitors plenty to do, from exploring its winding cobbled streets and discovering hidden historical gems to enjoying traditional Portuguese food.
The main attraction in Sítio is the Museu José Franco, which houses an impressive collection of artwork and artifacts from around Portugal. You can also take a scenic hike to the top of Sítio to get a view of the Atlantic Ocean. Sítio can easily be reached by car in 12 minutes or by walking in 40 minutes from Nazaré.
How many days do you need for Nazaré
When it comes to deciding how many days to spend in Nazaré, it really depends on what kind of activities and sights you wish to experience. If you’re looking to do the best things in Nazaré then we recommend spending at least one full day in Nazaré. We visited Nazaré as a day trip which was okay only with the knowledge we have now it was way too short.
When you have two days (2 nights) in Nazaré, you’ll have enough time to see the highlights of Nazaré and have enough time to relax and take things at your own pace.
Where to stay in Nazaré
When it comes to deciding where to stay in Nazaré, there are plenty of options available. From modern hotels with stunning views out over the ocean to traditional accommodations in the historic old town.
We recommended Hotel Praia which is a modern hotel located next to the beach and Hotel Mar Bravo which is located between the historic old town and the beach.
Plan your next adventure to Nazaré and stay in one of the most beautiful hotels on the coast of Portugal. Enjoy stunning views, world-class amenities, and a range of things to do all within walking distance. Click below for more information and to make a reservation.
Location, location, location
Hotel Praia
Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from your room at Hotel Praia in Nazaré! With spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and world-class amenities. From delicious breakfasts to local attractions just steps away, you’ll be in for a treat with this luxurious accommodation.
Great rooms & breakfast
Hotel Mar Bravo
Hotel Mar Bravo offers modern rooms with stunning ocean views, plus a variety of amenities for those looking for the ultimate seaside holiday. Enjoy delicious dining options, outdoor terraces, and an on-site spa – all just steps away from the beach. With cozy rooms, panoramic views, and activities like surfing, fishing or simply exploring the beach – this is sure to be an unforgettable holiday!
Where to eat in Nazaré
Nazaré is known for its delicious seafood, including freshly caught fish and shellfish. The town also has some excellent restaurants that offer traditional Portuguese dishes as well as international cuisine.
Tabernassa is our favorite place to go as it is a popular local restaurant located in the heart of Nazaré. They serve up traditional Portuguese dishes with a unique twist, such as bacalhau com torresmos and seared octopus. Eating here costs €20 / $20 per person on average and drinks are included, but make sure to book a table in advance as it can get busy.
Cervejaria Berlim, located on Nazaré boulevard, is great for morning coffee. They also serve fresh fish and traditional Portuguese Dishes with a wide variety of beer flavors.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience then head to Restaurante O Pescador. Located on the beachfront promenade, this restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes and traditional Portuguese cuisine. It also has a great selection of wines to accompany your meal.
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Transportation in Nazaré
The best way to get around Nazaré is by foot or by car. The town has a well-developed public transportation system with buses, taxis, and even ferries connecting the different points of interest.
If you don’t have a car then we recommend taking advantage of the local bus service. There are frequent stops throughout the town and the bus is a great way to get around.
How to get to Nazaré
Although you can park your car at either of the two accommodations, it is not essential to have a vehicle. Instead, Nazaré is easily accessible by alternative means such as trains and buses.
The table below displays the amount of time it takes to travel from various popular spots in Portugal to Nazaré.
- Obidos to Nazaré: 35 minutes | 40 km / 24 miles
- Coimbra to Nazaré: 1 hour and 10 minutes | 110 km / 68 miles
- Aveiro to Nazaré: 1 hour 20 minutes | 145 km / 90 miles
- Lisbon to Nazaré: 1 hour 30 minutes | 122 km / 75 miles
- Porto to Nazaré: 2 hours | 210 km / 130 miles
Whenever we want to explore a new place by car, we book our rental through Rentalcars. They’re an easy company to use and book with, we simply chose our destination and dates, then pick up the keys when we land and are ready to explore Portugal.
Best time to visit Nazaré
The best time to visit Nazaré is in the warmer months of May through September. During this period, temperatures are mild and there are plenty of things to do outdoors like swimming and surfing. The beaches also come alive with sunbathers, making it the perfect time for beach activities.
If you’d like to visit Nazaré during the summer but avoid the crowds, then we suggest visiting in May or September when things are slightly quieter. This time of year also offers warm weather and beautiful sunsets, making it a great time to explore the city.
For those who prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, then consider visiting during the winter months of December through February. Although temperatures are colder, you’ll still find things that you can do like watching whales off the coast and visiting indoor markets.
Nazaré things to do FAQ
1. What are some things to do in the surrounding area of Nazaré?
There are lots of things to do in the surrounding area of Nazaré, including exploring the charming villages, visiting local wineries and vineyards, or taking a day trip to nearby cities like Coimbra or Porto. You can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or horseback riding. When you want to know more about these activities, we recommend visiting the tourist information center in Nazaré.
2. What are the best things to do on a budget in Nazaré?
There are plenty of things to do in Nazaré on a budget. Some of the best things include taking a stroll along the beachfront promenade, visiting Praia da Primavera, or exploring nearby towns and villages. You can also shop at local markets for souvenirs and watch whales in the ocean.
3. What are the best things to do in Nazaré with kids?
We saw that Nazaré is visited a lot by families with young children. Some of the best things to do in Nazaré with kids include visiting Praia da Primavera, taking a boat trip to the stunning Berlengas Islands, or exploring the local villages and markets. You can also visit the popular Nazaré Aquarium which has lots of sea creatures to admire.
Want to see more of Portugal?
After reading this article, you should have a clear idea of things to do in Nazaré. If you want to explore more of Portugal, we suggest taking a look at our 3-week Portugal itinerary for some ideas. You can journey north to Coimbra, South to Óbidos, Lisbon, and the Lagos area. Lisbon is the country’s capital with stunning architecture, Óbidos is an old walled town that will take you back in time, and Lagos is the best coastline of Portugal.
Let us know your thoughts on Nazaré in the comments!
Disclaimer: the prices mentioned in this article may differ from the current situation. We regularly update our articles. Would you like to help us to provide to best possible insights to help other travelers leave a comment with the latest information. Thanks!
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