Nazaré

The Basics

Nazaré is famous among surfers for its towering waves and tow-surfing, but the laid-back town is also a popular escape from Lisbon and offers lots of sights. Visit Nazaré highlights, such as the baroque church of Nossa Senhora and the cliff-top Promontório do Sítio, on a walking tour, or visit in the winter to catch a glimpse of the town’s famously tall waves, which can top 100 feet (30 meters).

Guided day trips from Lisbon typically visit Nazaré along with several nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the town of Fátima, which attracts pilgrims from across the world; the white-washed, medieval town of Óbidos; and Batalha, home to one of the country’s most-famous monasteries.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Nazaré hosts surfing competitions at various points throughout the winter, and the town fills with spectators.

• There are plenty of places to stay in town, but make sure to book in advance during peak season.

• Nazaré’s beach is fully accessible, however the cobblestones on the main streets can be difficult to navigate for people in wheelchairs.

How to Get There

Nazaré is a 1.5-hour drive from Lisbon via the A8 and N8-5; parking in the beachside old town can be difficult, but there are usually spaces south of the marina. To skip the hassle of driving and renting a car, opt to visit on a day trip from Lisbon.

When to Get There

If you’re heading to the beachside town to surf (or just admire the waves), you’ll find the biggest waves in winter, generally October–March. If you simply want to soak up the sun on the beach, visit in June– August to enjoy the best weather.

Surfing in Nazaré

Nazaré leapt to international attention when Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara surfed a record-breaking, 78-foot (23-meter) wave here on May 11, 2012. The town’s enormous waves are generated by the Nazare North Canyon, one of the largest submarine canyons in Europe, which sits just off the coast. While impressive, these tall waves occur infrequently, and surfers hoping to catch one might have to stay in town for two weeks or longer waiting for the right conditions.

Ways to explore

Nazaré highlights include the baroque church of Nossa Senhora and the cliff-top Promontório do Sítio. You can also ride the Nazaré Funicular to the clifftop for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Day trips from Lisbon typically combine Nazaré with several nearby highlights of central Portugal, including the town of Fátima, which attracts pilgrims from across the world; the white-washed, medieval town of Óbidos; and Batalha, home to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed monastery.

Accessibility

Nazaré features many inclines, though the flat and paved streets of its historical center are typically easy to navigate.

Age limits

None, though sea conditions are typically too rough for little ones to swim.

What to pack

A wetsuit if you plan on surfing, as the Atlantic waters of Nazaré tend to be cold year-round.

What to wear

Comfortable shoes to help navigate Nazaré's steep streets.

Not allowed

Pets on the beach, surfing in adverse conditions

Amenities

Hotels, restaurants, ATMs, bars, museums

Address

Nazaré is perched on Portugal's Atlantic coast, around 75 miles (121 kilometers) north of Lisbon. It's an easy day trip from the capital as the journey typically takes 1.5 hours each way.

Driving

Depart Lisbon on CRIL (the 2ª Circular), heading north toward the A8. Merge onto the A8 (Auto‑Estrada do Oeste). Stay on A8, and take exit 22 onto N8‑5 toward Valado dos Frades / Nazaré.

Public transportation

The easiest way to reach Nazaré from Lisbon is by bus. Several companies, such as the lime green FlixBus, depart from Oriente station daily, and the journey takes around 1.5 hours.

Best times to visit

Most daytrippers arrive in Nazaré around lunchtime on the way to Fatima, so visit in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

Fewer travelers visit from Lisbon from Tuesday–Thursday, so the fishing village feels sleepier then.

Best months to visit

Visit in the winter (November–February) to catch a glimpse of the town’s famously tall waves, which can top 100 feet (30 meters).

Special events

At the end of August or the start of September, the town celebrates the Nossa Senhora da Nazare festival, which features a wealth of activities.