Narazé

Nazaré is one of Portugal’s most distinctive coastal towns, with a population of around 15,000 people. It combines raw Atlantic power with a deeply local, traditional atmosphere.

The town is split into two parts: the lower town by the ocean, full of beach life, restaurants, and a lively market, and the upper part — Sítio — perched on the cliffs. The two are connected by the Ascensor (Elevador) — Elevador da Nazaré — a steep, historic lift that has become part of the town’s identity. From the top, you get sweeping views over the coastline.

Walking through town, you’ll notice colorful street art and graffiti mixed with old buildings.

Evenings are about sunsets over the Atlantic — wide, dramatic, and unobstructed.

The climate is mild year-round: summers average around 25°C (77°F) with cooling ocean winds, while winters stay around 10–15°C (50–59°F), often windy and humid but rarely cold.

How to get there (without a car)

Nazaré does not have a train station, so you’ll rely on buses:

• From Lisbon:
  Direct buses (e.g., Rede Expressos or FlixBus) take about 1.5–2 hours

• From Porto:
  Around 2.5–3 hours by direct bus

• Alternative route:
  Train to Valado dos Frades + short taxi or local bus (less convenient than direct buses)

Within Nazaré itself, everything is walkable, and the Ascensor (Elevador) makes moving between the beach and the cliffs easy.

Nazaré works best if you slow down a bit — it’s not just about the waves. It’s about the contrast: wild ocean above, everyday Portuguese life below.

Nazaré is world-famous for its giant waves at Praia do Norte, where some of the largest waves ever surfed have been recorded. 

Wave height: The largest recorded waves have reached around 30 meters (≈100 feet). For example, American surfer Garrett McNamara rode a roughly 30-meter wave in 2011 — one of the world records. Typically, waves for professional surfers range 15–25 meters, while even “smaller” waves here can be 6–10 meters.

Season: The giant waves usually occur in winter, from November to February, when the Atlantic storm systems generate strong north and northwest swells. In summer, the ocean is calmer, the waves are smaller, but still suitable for regular surfing.

The market in the lower town is lively and colorful. Local vendors sell fresh fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and traditional crafts. Here, you’ll also see the iconic elderly women in layered skirts, adding authenticity to the scene. The market is not just a place for shopping but a window into local daily life.

Yet despite this global attention, the town still feels authentic. You’ll see elderly women in traditional layered skirts (“the grandmothers”), especially near the market and older streets, preserving a way of life that hasn’t disappeared.

Nazaré is full of small family-run restaurants serving simple but delicious Portuguese cuisine — grilled fish, fresh seafood, and traditional dishes. Here are some tips to get the best experience:

• Dinner starts late: like almost everywhere in Portugal, most restaurants open for dinner around 19:30–20:00, so plan accordingly.

• Book ahead in small places: In family-run restaurants, it’s wise to reserve a table in advance. You can say:
  
  “Pedimos uma reserva para duas pessoas às 19:00, por favor.”
  (We would like a table for two at 19:00, please.)

• Avoid aggressive street invites: If you see restaurants on the street actively trying to lure you inside, just walk past — the best spots are often quiet and tucked away.
  
  Following these tips ensures you enjoy authentic food and atmosphere without the tourist rush.

My personal recommendation is a small family-run restaurant, Maria do Mar (+351 919 444 711). If you go there, say "Hi" to Maria from Anna Konde.

• São Miguel Arcanjo Fort — a clifftop fort overlooking the famous waves; a must for understanding Nazaré’s surf culture

• Sítio da Nazaré — the historic upper town with viewpoints and a more traditional feel

• Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré — an important pilgrimage site tied to local legends

• Alcobaça (≈15 min) — home to the impressive Alcobaça Monastery

• Óbidos (≈40 min) — a walled medieval town, very atmospheric

• Batalha (≈30 min) — known for the stunning Batalha Monastery