NAZARÈ
Home to Record-Breaking Surf
Nazaré is a charming coastal town on Portugal’s Silver Coast. Here, old traditions blend with the wild beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Once a quiet fishing village, it has grown into an exciting destination known for its rich maritime heritage, cultural festivals, and beautiful landscapes.
At the heart of Nazaré lies its historic center, where narrow streets wind through whitewashed houses, and locals still wear the traditional seven-layered skirts—a custom passed down through generations. The town’s bustling harbor and fish market remain central to daily life. A visit to one of the many seaside restaurants is a must, where you can enjoy dishes like grilled sardines, caldeirada (fish stew), or the famous dried fish sold along the beachfront.
One of Nazaré’s most iconic spots is the Sítio da Nazaré, a clifftop viewpoint offering panoramic views over the town and ocean. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, an important pilgrimage site, sits here, linked to a legend of a miraculous intervention by the Virgin Mary that saved a knight from falling off the cliffs. Nearby, the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, dating back to the 16th century, stands as a symbol of Nazaré’s history and serves as a museum showcasing the town’s fishing and surfing heritage.
Of course, Nazaré is also famous for its giant waves. Thanks to the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater geological feature that amplifies the size and power of the waves, the best surfers from all over the world flock here to ride the biggest waves on the planet.
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