Free walking tours in Nazaré and what to see

Must-sees

Nazaré has two parts. Below is the Praia, the fishing village with a long crescent-shaped beach, where you still see women in the traditional seven skirts and fish drying in the sun. Above, on a cliff, is the Sítio, with the sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré and a viewpoint over the beach. A funicular links the two.

North of the Sítio, the São Miguel Arcanjo fort watches over Praia do Norte, where in winter some of the biggest waves in the world form, drawing surfers from all over the planet. Inside the fort there is an exhibition about them and the underwater canyon that creates them.

Free tours and guided visits

In Nazaré there are guided walks through the village that explain the history of the Sítio, the fishing traditions and the giant waves. For surfing and bodyboarding there are courses on the beach.

Day trips leave from here to the monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça, both World Heritage Sites, and to Óbidos and São Martinho do Porto, whose almost enclosed bay is ideal for swimming. There are also paragliding flights over the coast.

How long to spend

One day lets you go down to the beach, ride the funicular up to the Sítio and walk to the fort. As a base, Nazaré works well for two or three days to visit Alcobaça, a quarter of an hour away, Batalha, Óbidos and Fátima. To see the giant waves you need to come between October and March and follow the swell forecasts.

Where to stay

The Praia, along the promenade, is the most convenient: beach, restaurants and summer life. In the streets behind there are small guesthouses and apartments. The Sítio, up top, is quieter and has views over the bay, with the funicular to go down. In summer it is wise to book early.