Nazaré, Portugal: Beyond the Giant Waves — Complete Travel Guide
Nazaré is famous for producing the world’s biggest surfed waves, but this traditional fishing town on Portugal’s Silver Coast has far more to offer than XXL surf. Whether or not the big swell is running, Nazaré is worth a visit for its dramatic coastline, authentic culture, and some of the best seafood in the country.
The Giant Waves
The Praia do Norte, just below the Forte de São Miguel lighthouse, is where big-wave surfers ride 20+ metre walls of water between October and March. The underwater Nazaré Canyon — one of the deepest in Europe — funnels Atlantic swell into these record-breaking waves. Even on small days, the viewpoint from the fort is impressive. In big-wave season, it’s one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on Earth.
The Town
Below the clifftop Sítio district lies the old fishing quarter: narrow streets, colourful houses, and women still occasionally drying fish on racks along the beach. The main Praia da Nazaré is a wide, beautiful crescent of sand backed by restaurants and cafés. The vibe is authentically Portuguese — far from the resort feel of the Algarve.
The Funicular
The Elevador da Nazaré connects the beach-level town to the clifftop Sítio neighbourhood. Built in 1889, it’s one of the oldest funiculars in Portugal. The ride takes one minute and the views from the top are outstanding.
Seafood
Nazaré is a working fishing port, and the seafood shows it. Caldeirada (fish stew), grilled sardines, arroz de marisco, and the local speciality — peixinhos da horta (battered green beans, the original tempura that Portuguese traders brought to Japan). Restaurants near the fish market offer the freshest catch.
Day Trip Combinations
Nazaré sits at the northern end of the Silver Coast, making it easy to combine with:
Óbidos (25 min): medieval walled town.
Óbidos Lagoon / Foz do Arelho (30 min): flat-water kitesurfing, SUP, sunset cliffs. We Are Salty People offers kitesurf lessons at the lagoon if you want to add a water sport to your Nazaré trip.
Peniche & Baleal (40 min): surfing, Berlengas Islands, seafood harbour.
Alcobaça (15 min): UNESCO-listed monastery, one of the finest Gothic buildings in Portugal.
Getting There
From Lisbon: about 90 minutes by car (A8 then IC9). Direct buses from Lisbon (Rede Expressos). From Óbidos Lagoon: 30 minutes. From Peniche: 40 minutes.
Add kitesurfing to your trip?
📲 Message Federico on WhatsApp
🌍 Learn more at wearesaltypeople.com
— We Are Salty People