Discover Nazaré. Nazaré beach, with its mild climate and natural beauty, has one of the most ancient traditions connected to fishing in Portugal. The long sandy half-moon-shaped beach, which is also the town’s sea front, is known for its grandeur and for the brightly-coloured awnings that decorate the white sandy beaches, contrasting with the blue of the water.
All fishing villages have Marian devotion and Nazareth is no exception. From its religious monuments to its seafront promenade, we invite you to enjoy one of the most typical beaches in central Portugal and its charms, breathing in the sea air.
This is the beach in Portugal that retains the more colourful fishing traditions, and it’s not uncommon to encounter fishmongers who still wear the traditional seven skirts. At the end of the afternoon on Saturdays during the summer months, don’t miss sitting on the seawall to watch the fascinating “Arte Xávega” (Drag Nets) spectacle, in which nets laden with fish arrive from the sea and the women scream out their wares for sale. If you don’t understand the words, don’t worry – they use codes that often only they know.
Facing the sea on the right, you will see an impressive headland. This is Sítio, which provides one of the most famous views of the Portuguese coast. It is a 318 metre rock face with a sheer drop to the sea, and is reached on foot by the bravest, or by going up the funicular.
If you have the time, walk from Sítio across Pedralva Park, to Pederneira, a natural viewpoint with an unmissable view over the Nazaré coast.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré is a Marian shrine that memorializes an ancient miracle that occurred under the intercession of the Virgin Mary. It is located on the hilltop called O Sítio, overlooking Nazaré, in Portugal, and was founded in the 14th century.
These days, Nazare’s major attractions are the waves and surfing, thanks to the “Nazaré Canyon”, a submarine geomorphological phenomenon that allows the formation of perfect giant waves. It is the largest underwater canyon in Europe, about 200 kilometers along the coast, reaching a depth of 5,000 metres at the starting point and ending close to shore at the 20 metres.
At the top sits the Ermida da Memória chapel, famous for the legend of the miracle that Our Lady made to prevent the horse of the nobleman, D. Fuas Roupinho, leaping over the precipice. True or not, the Suberco Belvedere shows the imprint left in the rock by one of the horse’s hooves that foggy morning in 1182. Sítio also houses the Shrine to Our Lady of Nazaré and not far away, the Dr. Joaquim Manso Museum for more details about the traditions of Nazaré.
Nazaré big waves
The Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara received worldwide publicity when, in 2011, rode the biggest beach-breaking wave in the world at that time, 23.77 m (78 ft) at Praia do Norte, recently the Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa set a new one of 24.38 m (80 ft) entered the Guinness Book of World Records but the new world record is from the German surfer Sebastian Steudtner with a wave of 26.21 m (86 ft). The Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira owns the record for the women’s with a wave of 22.40 m (73 ft).
Surfers from around the world visit Nazaré every year from October to March to venture into the sea looking for the next big wave world record. This show also attracts locals and tourists to see the surfers and jet skis ridding the big waves.
Fort São Miguel Arcanjo
In the Mannerist style, construction began in 1577 by D. Sebastião. In 1644, King John IV, the Restorer, ordered its remodeling and expansion. With a privileged location, it is currently considered the main observation post for the giant waves at Praia do Norte, which have made Nazaré a reference in world surfing. The Fort currently houses the Nazaré Canyon Interpretation Centre, the Surfer Wall and various periodic exhibitions.
Take the opportunity of a casual stroll through the narrow streets perpendicular to the beach to get to know Nazaré better. Take a break in one of the restaurants to enjoy a plate of fresh seafood, grilled fish or an appetizing bouillabaisse. There’s nothing like enjoying the setting sun on any terrace overlooking the sea, while the lights come on and night falls. Come discover Nazaré!
