Best of Nazaré
Nazaré
Home of the biggest waves ever surfed, a clifftop village that hasn't forgotten itself, and a harbour that still runs on fishing, not just tourism.
Home of the biggest waves ever surfed, a clifftop village that hasn't forgotten itself, and a harbour that still runs on fishing, not just tourism.
Nazaré is two towns in one: the beach village down at sea level, and Sítio, perched 110 metres above it on a clifftop, reached by a funicular that has run since 1889. Between the two sits Praia do Norte — the beach that produces the biggest waves ever surfed, thanks to an underwater canyon just offshore.
It's also still a real fishing town. The harbour works every morning regardless of who's watching, and the best food here has never needed a marketing budget.
Praia do Norte holds multiple big-wave surfing world records, best viewed Oct–Mar.
The Ascensor da Nazaré has linked the beach to Sítio for well over a century.
A real fishing town first — the tourism came later.
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A fishing-themed dining room open since 1992, decorated with maritime artefacts — known for fresh fish and attentive service.
One of the highest-ranked kitchens in the village — seafood and Portuguese classics, no shortcuts.
A seafront marisqueira with its own tanks — the garlic prawns come up again and again in reviews, with generous portions.
On the main square by the harbour master's office — cataplanas and seafood rice are the specialities.
A family restaurant up in Sítio with panoramic views over the beach — book ahead for Sundays.
Open since 2015 and built around octopus, with sea views from the Pederneira side of town.
One of the most traditional houses in town, running since the late 1980s, maritime decor and "promises" hanging from the ceiling — a Michelin Guide selection.
Nearly a century of grilled sardines over coals in Sítio, by the Sanctuary — also good for octopus rice.
Often described as the most refined kitchen in the village — fusion cooking and a serious Portuguese wine list, open since 2012.
Every listing here is free — being a real local business is the only requirement.
Suggest or list a place →The funicular linking the beach to Sítio since 1889, designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel — still a working public service, not a museum piece.
The main viewpoint in Sítio, 110m up, facing the Sanctuary — panoramic views over the village, the beach and the Atlantic. Free.
The beach behind the world's biggest-wave surfing records, created by an underwater canyon just offshore. Best watched, not swum, October–March.
A 1577 fort turned lighthouse, with a small exhibition since 2015 on the Nazaré canyon and big-wave surfing records — the best spot to watch the giants break.
Founded in 2012, the only school with its own building right on Praia da Vila — instructors born and raised in Nazaré, certified by the Portuguese Surf Federation.
One of Portugal's most important Marian shrines, tied to a 1179 legend, on the main square in Sítio. Free entry.
A small chapel in Sítio, a listed Public Interest building since 1993, tied to the legend that founded the Nazaré cult.
A panoramic swing installed in 2020 on the path between the village and Sítio — now one of the most photographed spots in Nazaré.
Around 55 traders selling fresh fish, produce and bread — now housed inside the Centro Cultural building.
Housed in the old fish market building, with temporary exhibitions and a collection of 38 traditional boat replicas preserving the fishing community's memory.
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