If you’re wondering what to do in Nazaré for a day, you’re in the right place.
If a few years ago, nobody really knew where Nazaré was located, today that’s no longer the case. It was the giant waves of Nazaré that put this Portuguese town on the map. More specifically, Nazaré gained worldwide attention when surfer Garrett McNamara surfed one of the biggest waves ever recorded here.
Visiting Nazaré is all about feeling free… free from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and the chaos of big cities.
Even if you’re not a surf lover (I’m not, trust me!), there’s always a good reason to visit. From relaxing by the sea to discovering the best things to do in Nazaré, this charming coastal town has something for everyone.
But there’s much more to Nazaré than just its famous giant waves. In this post, you’ll find a complete 1-day itinerary covering what to do in Nazaré, along with a map, accommodation suggestions, restaurant tips, and everything you need to plan your visit.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed coastal getaway or a quick Nazaré day trip, this guide will help you make the most of your time.
Is Nazaré worth visiting?
Nazaré may be a small town, but it certainly is cute.
You get to visit viewpoints with breathtaking views, admire one of the biggest waves in the world and, on top, the food is also delicious. So, visiting Nazaré is quite the perfect idea if you want to chill out for a bit and have a cool day by the sea.
Even if you visit Nazaré as a day trip from Lisbon, it’s still worth it. Of course, you’ll have less time available to visit it, but you can pretty much visit all the points of interest I mention in this itinerary.
How to get to Nazaré?
Traveling by car is, without a doubt, the most convenient way to reach Nazaré. It not only makes the journey easier but also gives you the flexibility to get around town and explore nearby destinations like São Martinho do Porto, Alcobaça, or Óbidos at your own pace.
That said, if you don’t have a car, there are still good public transport options available, especially buses from cities like Lisbon and Porto, making Nazaré easily accessible even without your own vehicle.
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How to get to Nazaré from Lisbon
Lisbon is the largest Portuguese city closest to Nazaré. The distance from Lisbon to Nazaré is only 122 km /76 mi (about 1h30 drive). Thus, Nazaré is often an excellent day trip option from Lisbon.
Besides the option of renting a car, you can also get a bus from Lisbon to Nazaré. Rede Expressos has a route that connects Lisbon Sete Rios to Nazaré. The trip takes about 1h50.
How to get to Nazaré from Porto
Although the distance between Nazaré and Porto is longer (214 km/ 133 mi, 2h10), the trip by car is also quite quick and comfortable.
However, the public transport option is no longer so practical. Rede Expressos also has a route that operates between Porto and Nazaré. The trips can take between 2h45 to 4h, depending on the option chosen.
Flixbus also has deals on the route from Porto to Nazaré.
🎫 If you prefer a more convenient, hassle-free option, you can also book this Lisbon to Nazaré day trip. In addition to Nazaré, it includes stops at iconic places like Fátima, Batalha, and Óbidos, allowing you to discover some of the region’s highlights all in one day. It’s a great alternative if you don’t want to drive and are looking for a well-planned, comprehensive experience.
Accommodation in Nazaré
When I was in Nazaré, I didn’t have the opportunity to stay there, since I chose to stay in Caldas da Rainha, which is relatively close.
However, there are several accommodation offers in Nazaré. In fact, it is quite common to see even locals luring tourists to local accommodations on the sidewalk, for example.
Since I always like to know what to expect, I prefer to check with my old friend Booking and see the several options available online:
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Activities & tours in Nazaré
🎫 Don’t leave your activities until the last minute. Some of the most popular tours sell out quickly, especially during peak season. I personally use GetYourGuide to book activities because it’s easy to compare options and most tours offer free cancellation. Use code ATICKETTOTAKEOFF5 for 5% off your first booking in the app. Download here!
Map of Nazaré, Portugal: Main points of interest
Before I show you my suggested itinerary in Nazaré, I’ll share a map of Nazaré with the best things to do in Nazaré to help you plan your visit!
📌HOW TO USE THE MAP: Click on the top left corner to access the various layers of the map. You can select the layers you’re interested in and also find out more about each point of interest by clicking on it in the left-hand sidebar or on the pin on the map. Add the map to your Google Maps by clicking on the star next to the title. To access the map, simply go to Google Maps ‘Saved’ and click on ‘Maps’!
What to visit in Nazaré for a day
Although Nazaré is a relatively small town, it’s divided into three main areas, which are a bit spread out from each other. Luckily, there’s an easy way to tackle one of the steep climbs… but more on that in a moment.
Nazaré is divided into the following areas:
- Marginal by the Nazaré Beach
- Sítio da Nazaré
- Pederneira
So, below you’ll find a list of what to see in Nazaré, organized by these three areas — covering some of the best things to do in Nazaré and helping you build the perfect itinerary in Nazaré.
» Marginal by the Nazaré Beach
I suggest you start this Nazaré itinerary at the Nazaré beach area. This is one of the most popular areas and where we find some of the main accommodations and restaurants.
Nazaré beach (Praia da Nazaré)
Whether cold or hot, the Nazaré beach is a must-do in Nazaré. It is the beach that tourists and locals usually choose when the weather is warm for some good sunbathing.
However, even if the weather does not allow it, it is always a good idea to stop here, because the walk along the waterfront near Nazaré beach is quite pleasant.
Along the short sidewalk, you will find several restaurants and cafés, many of them with terraces with privileged views.
Dried fish displays (“Estindarte”)
While walking along on the sidewalk near Nazaré beach, it is very usual to find small stands selling dried fish (Seca do Peixe). Drying fish is a tradition with a strong presence in Nazaré.
The main species used are octopus, horse mackerel, sardines, shark, and batfish. There are different drying processes, but the drying process usually takes 2 to 3 days.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: No one really knows how the tradition of drying fish in Nazaré began, but many believe it is related to scarcity back then since this is one of the best ways to preserve fish.
Cultural Center of Nazaré
The Cultural Center of Nazaré is located in the place where the first fish auction was created to sell fish in Nazaré. This centre has been open since 1995 and currently hosts some exhibitions.
Right in front of the Cultural Center, you can find the statue in honour of the Nazarene Mother, as well as the Monument to the Shipwrecked.
Traditional boats on the beach
On the sand of Nazaré Beach, we can find traditional restored boats. All have different colours and make us quickly understand the connection of the people who live in Nazaré with the sea.
Saint Anthony Chapel (Capela de Santo António)
St. Anthony Chapel is a small chapel that was built with contributions from the fishermen of 1% of the fish they sold. It is quite a simple chapel where the highlight is the blue and white exterior tiles, with a small tile dedicated to St. Anthony.
Municipal Market of Nazaré
Another interesting spot in Nazaré is the Municipal Market, where you’ll find some of the freshest fish in town for sale. Alongside seafood, there are also plenty of other local products available, including fresh fruit and vegetables.
» Sítio da Nazaré
Sítio da Nazaré is a neighbourhood in Nazaré and is located at the highest point in town. It is from here that you can watch the giant waves show in Nazaré.
Don’t know what I am talking about? You can watch the video below.
Nazaré’s Funicular (Ascensor da Nazaré)
Although Sítio da Nazaré is located on a much higher level than Nazaré beach, there is a simple way to get there. I’m talking about the Nazaré’s Funicular that connects the Nazaré beach to Sítio da Nazaré.
This funicular was first opened at the end of the 19th century and its construction was intended to help settle the population in this part of the town and, consequently, promote its development.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Ascensor da Nazaré runs from 7.15 am to 8 pm (every 15 min) and 8 pm until 12 am (every 30 min). A one-way adult ticket costs 2.5€/ 3 USD (4€/4.7 USD for a return ticket). Check the most up-to-date information.
Ladeira do Sítio
If you prefer not to spend money on the funicular ride or simply prefer to get moving, you can always walk up through Ladeira do Sítio. This is the path that was formerly used to get from Nazaré beach to Sítio.
Ladeira Swing (Baloiço da Ladeira)
Along Ladeira do Sítio, you’ll find the Ladeira Swing, a fun spot that’s definitely worth a quick stop.
Beyond the experience itself, it’s perfectly positioned to offer beautiful views over Nazaré — one of those simple moments that make visiting this town even more special.
On the swing, you can read “It was love at first sight” (originally written in Portuguese) and you can easily understand why!
💡 EXTRA TIP: If you prefer to ascend to Sítio da Nazaré by funicular, you can do so and then descend only a small part of Ladeira do Sítio to the swing and return to Sítio. The route is only 150 meters/492 ft long.
Ermida da Memória
Ermida da Memória is a small religious monument in Sítio da Nazaré, alluding to the miracle in which D. Fuas Roupinho was saved through the intercession of Our Lady of Nazaré.
Suberco Viewpoint
We continue towards the Suberco Viewpoint – one of the best viewpoints in Nazaré. The framing over Nazaré Beach is truly breathtaking.
Our Lady of Nazaré Sanctuary (Santuário Nossa Senhora da Nazaré)
This sanctuary was built in the 14th century and aimed to improve the place of worship of Our Lady of Nazaré, since, at the time, only Ermida da Memória existed.
I also recommend a walk along the square in front of the Our Lady of Nazaré Sanctuary, where we find a bandstand.
Nearby, it’s common to see Nazaré women dressed in their traditional seven skirts, often selling snacks or souvenirs.
These iconic skirts are said to symbolize different things… from the seven virtues to the seven days of the week or even the seven waves of the sea. There are several interpretations, which only adds to the mystery of this local tradition.
Although there is no agreement on the origin of this tradition, something that several researchers agree on is that the skirts were worn by women who waited for hours while their husbands and sons went to the sea to fish. It was, therefore, a way for them to protect themselves from the cold that was felt near the sea.
São Miguel Arcanjo Fortress
São Miguel Arcanjo Fort is one of the most popular places in Nazaré, as it appears in almost every filming of Nazaré’s big waves. It is a symbol of the resilience of the people from Nazaré, having even survived the French invasions.
Currently, inside the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort, we find a small exhibition of surfboards and other surf equipment of the adventurers who have faced the giant waves resulting from the famous Nazaré canyon.
The exhibition also includes a brief explanation about the phenomenon of Nazaré’s underwater canyon, namely how it is formed.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: São Miguel Arcanjo Fort can be visited daily from 10 am to 8.30 pm and the visit costs 2€/2.3 USD.
North Beach (Praia do Norte)
It is in Praia do Norte that the giant waves that made Nazaré so famous are surfed. The best views over this beach are precisely from São Miguel Arcanjo Fort.
» Pederneira
The Pederneira district is one of the least known places in Nazaré, often neglected by those who visit Nazaré.
Although, in my opinion, it is not as interesting as the other points of interest in Nazaré mentioned above, there are two or three places that deserve our attention.
Pederneira Viewpoint
The Pederneira Viewpoint offers us another fantastic perspective of Nazaré Beach as well as the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo in the distance.
Misericórdia da Pederneira Church
Right next to the Pederneira Viewpoint, we find the Misericórdia Church, whose construction date nobody knows for sure, but it was built to house the Irmandade da Misericórdia da Pederneira.
Nossa Senhora das Areias Church
Built between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Church of Nossa Senhora das Areias is the mother church of Nazaré. It is a bit hidden, but worth the visit for its tile-covered interior walls.
Restaurants in Nazaré
I only had one meal in Nazaré, but I can highly recommend the restaurant I tried. Rosa dos Ventos, despite its very small size, sells amazing fresh fish.
As it is dependent on what is caught in the sea, the fish that is available daily is not always the same.
Although the price is slightly high (it is a fresh fish restaurant, after all), this restaurant has good value for money. In addition, the service was very friendly.
What is the best time to visit Nazaré?
Like most of the Northern Portuguese Coast, the weather in Nazaré is a bit uncertain. This is true at any time of the year, even in summer. It would not be surprising if it were cold and foggy on a summer day.
Despite all this, Nazaré is a very popular destination, especially in the summer. When the weather in Nazaré is good, the beaches get quite crowded. Although summer is the best time to visit Nazaré, it is also the season with the most tourists.
Thus, I recommend visiting Nazaré from June to September to ensure a higher probability of good weather. Anyway, I remind you that the weather is always a bit uncertain in Nazaré😄.
💡 EXTRA TIP: If your main goal is to enjoy Nazaré’s big waves, then you will have to book your trip at short notice since this phenomenon is a bit uncertain. This natural event usually takes place from October to March. In fact, the WSL Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge is only confirmed a few weeks in advance.
How many days in Nazaré?
Thanks to its compact size, Nazaré can easily be explored in a single day. That said, if you’re keen to make the most of its beaches and soak up the laid-back atmosphere, it’s well worth staying an extra day.
Day trips from Nazaré
Nazaré enjoys a prime location in Central Portugal, with several incredible destinations just a short distance away, such as:
- Beaches like Foz do Arelho or Rei Cortiço)
- São Martinho do Porto (18 min drive)
- Caldas da Rainha (30 min drive)
- Peniche (48 min drive)
- Óbidos (36 min drive)
» Alcobaça (17 min drive)
Alcobaça has little to visit other than its incredible Monastery, which is one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal. The ticket to visit costs 15€/ 18 USD.
» Batalha (30 min drive)
Similar to Alcobaça, Batalha is mostly known for its Monastery, also one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal. The price of the tickets is also 15€/ 18 USD.
Final thoughts
Nazaré is so much more than its world-famous waves. From stunning viewpoints and local traditions to relaxing beach moments, there are plenty of things to do in Nazaré for every type of traveler.
If you were looking for ideas on what to do in Nazaré for a day, I hope this guide helped you plan your visit and make the most of your time in this beautiful coastal town.
If you have any questions or need help planning your trip, feel free to leave a comment below — I’ll be happy to help!
Disclaimer: this post may contain some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy something through my links. This doesn’t represent any additional cost to you and you’ll be supporting my work here on the blog😊
