Nazaré is one of the most scenic coastal towns. The town center is jammed with seafood restaurants and in the summer time the beach is full of umbrellas. It is most known for its festivals and monster waves (even 30 meters) that surfers just love to ride.

---

My Experience

Liked: Spectacular views, refreshing ocean water, picturesque beaches – and best of all take a trip up the funicular up to Promotorio do Sitio where picture-perfect coastal views unfold from the cliffs.

Not so much: Some of the beaches can get rather wavy at times, which is perfect for surfing but not so much for swimming. Do some research on the beaches that you want to visit.

---

What to do & see:

1. Promotorio do Sitio: The higher part of town which offers spectacular views and great restaurants. Until the 18th century, the sea covered the present-day site of Nazare and locals lived on the clifftop area 110 m above the beach.
2. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazare (church): Decorate with traditional Dutch azulejos (painted tiles) holds a sculpture of the Virgin said to have been made by Joseph himself in Nazareth when Jesus was a baby; hence the name of the town.
3. Carnaval: one of Portugal’s brashest Mardi Gras celebrations, with lots of costumed parades and bustling night life.

---

See more on Portugal from Cris2Travel:

• Algarve
• Country overview: Portugal
• Lisbon & Sintra
• Porto
• Top 10 Portugal

---

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•