The Very Best Guide To Nazaré, Portugal (Updated 2025)
Known for the largest and most powerful waves in the world, Nazare is a must visit while in Portugal. Not only is the science behind the waves fascinating, but the village itself is a lovely place to explore. Nazare is located just an hour and a half north of Lisbon so it makes an easy day trip, overnight, or stop on the way to Porto from Lisbon or to Lisbon from Porto. This quick guide to Nazare has everything you need for the best trip ever!
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About Nazare
Language - Portuguese is spoken throughout Nazare. You will find less English speakers in Nazare than in Lisbon or Porto. However I don't speak Portuguese and I got around just fine.
Safety - Nazare and Portugal in general is super safe. Just take normal precautions (beware of pickpockets, be vigilant alone at night, ect.)
Currency - Euro. Cash is necessary in Nazare.
Plugs - Type C and F
History - Before surfers discovered Nazare in the 1960s it was a humble fishing village. However, Nazare's first claim to fame was the discovery of a statue of the Virgin Mary by a fishermen in the 14th century. It is said that this statue performed miracles . The statue is now called the Statue of Our Lady Nazare. You can find The Statue of Our Lady Nazare perched on O Sítio hilltop.
Where To Stay In Nazare
It is hard to find a hotel over one hundred dollars in Nazare. Everything is pretty inexpensive, so Nazare is a perfect destination for nomads and budget travelers. I have thoughtfully organized Nazare Hotels into Middle Range Nazare Hotels and Budget Nazare Hotels. Unfortunately there are no luxury hotels in Nazare.
Middle Range Nazare Hotels
Rental - This home is best for a group. The rental offers stunning views of the Nazare waves and is within walking distance to the North Canyon (best viewpoint for the waves). The two bed two bath house has everything you need for a surf trip in Nazare.
By The Sea - Located right on the water, the By The Sea apartment offers everything you need for a spectacular holiday. You can find a terrace with sea views, fully equipped kitchen, flat screen TV, and more at the By The Sea in Nazare.
Hotel Praia - Enjoy an entire apartment, sea views, private parking, and more at Hotel Praia. Hotel Praia is a lovely option for groups in Nazare because of the space you get.
Budget Nazare Hotels
Villa Beach - Villa Beach is a budget friendly option. At Villa Beach you will find an outdoor terrace, views of the ocean, stylish decor, and more. Located in the center of the village, everything you need is easily accessible from Villa Beach.
What To Do In Nazare
Hike Up To Miradouro do Suberco
Hiking up Miradouro do Suberco was the highlight of our stop in Nazare. You have to do this hike. The views are absolutely amazing from the top of the hill. It is a bit of a workout but it is so worth it.
Do not do this hike if it is raining! The path is made of cobblestone which becomes very slippery when it is wet.
Find the swing on your hike up to Miradouro do Suberco you will find this swing overlooking Nazare. You will have to stop and take some photos! The swing is not hard to find at all so don’t worry.
The Fort of San Miguel Arcanjo
The Fort of San Miguel is where the famous Nazare lighthouse is. You have probably seen the red lighthouse all over instagram. Take a picture in front of the famous lighthouse and enjoy the spectacular view of the massive waves. The Fort of San Miguel is the best viewpoint to see the Nazare waves.
Inside The Fort of San Miguel Arcanjo is now a surf museum with boards from famous surfers who have conquered the biggest waves in the world at Nazare. Some of the famous surfers include Garrett McNamara, Maya Gabeira, Andrew Cotton, Carlos Burle, and more.
You will also learn the reason why the waves are so huge at Nazare in the surf museum.
North Beach
Right next to the surf museum is the more secluded North Beach. You can hike down from the surf museum to discover caves and insane views. Bring a bathing suit and hop in the ocean, but make sure you are far enough away from the cliff and rocks because the waves can be huge.
You will also find the Forno de Orca Cave on North Beach.
Take a Surf Lesson
Take a surf lesson in Nazare! I would only do a surf lesson in the summer months as the waves are not as big. I did mine with Nazare Surf School. Nazare Surf School will provide you with surf boards, wetsuits, and a knowledgeable instructor.
I wouldn't try to surf at Nazare without an instructor if you are a beginner, for obvious reasons.
Do a Tour of Caves and Salt Pans
Do a tour of caves and salt pans. Portugal is known for their salt pans and salt flats. While in Portugal you need to see them and learn about them. I did a salt flats tour out of Aveiro, but Nazare also offers tours! And honestly this one looks even better than Aveiro’s.
⭐Read Next - A Quick Guide To Aveiro, Portugal
What To Dine in Nazare
This guide to Nazare wouldn't be complete without our food recs! When you get to Nazare you will get a total culture shock. Nazare was the smallest town we went to. So we really got to see the Portuguese culture here, especially through the food. During my morning walk I saw old women pushing wheelbarrows of cod fish. I saw cod in bags of salt in restaurants. You will get an authentic culinary experience in Nazare. Here is everywhere I went and what I thought about it.
Since Nazare is so small most of these restaurants do not have websites.
Breakfast and Lunch In Nazare
Sabor’art Cafe – We went to this vegan lunch / breakfast place. I would recommend you try Sabor'art Cafe if you want something on the healthier side. I loved the smoothie bowls.
Lift Cafe – Great coffee, very cheap. Perfect for a coffee and pastry.
Mercado da Nazare – Food market in Nazare, very local. Mercado da Nazare is best for getting groceries and provisions for your time in Nazare. It is also just cool to see.
Dinner In Nazare
Sao Miguel – Sao Miguel has traditional Portuguese food. You will have a stunning view of the water and an authentic experience at Sao Miguel.
Maharaja indian Restaurant - I was staying right next to Maharaja indian Restaurant and the food was delicious. If you eat outside you will have sea views. Try the naan!
Tours To Take In Nazare
Since Nazare has become famous from their waves, it has become a tourist hub and now there are so many tours to choose from. I love tours because they are cost efficient and you learn much more than if you were by yourself, as most tour guides are local.
Day Trip From Lisbon - Doing a day trip to Nazare is a great way to see the village without the stress of transportation or planning. I also find that tours can be less expensive than just going yourself. This day trip from lisbon will book up in the summer months, so try to book ahead.
Bike Tour - You will learn so more by doing a tour with a local guide. In this bike tour I learned so much more than I would have about Nazare.
Salt Pans Tour From Nazare - I touched on this briefly in the what to do section of this article. Portugal has amazing salt pans and salt flats that is not talked about enough. This tour from Nazare is a great way to see and learn all about them.
Go Jet Skiing In Nazare - Going jet skiing in Nazare sounds both terrifying and exciting. If you are a fellow thrill seeker, than jet skiing in Nazare may be the best thing you ever do.
Explore Natural Caves - This tour exploring natural caves leaves from Lisbon, but has stops in Nazare and all of the most beautiful hidden caves in Northern Portugal. If you want to get off the beaten path in Portugal this Natural Caves Tour is for you!
One Way Transfer To Lisbon - This One Way Transfer To Lisbon from Porto has stops in Nazare, Aveiro, Alcobaca, and Obidos. This is the perfect tour to do if you are short on time and you need a lift to Lisbon from Porto.
When To Go To Nazare
You could go to Nazare anytime in the year! Portugal's summers tend to be quite hot. The winters in Portugal are mild.
The waves in Nazare are much bigger in the winter months. So if you want to see the surfers and the biggest waves in the world go in the winter. The winter also has less tourists, so if you are not a fan of crowds maybe go in the winter months.
The summers in Nazare are also very nice. If you want more of a beach vacation go in the summer. You can swim in Nazare in the summers! The waves are not as big and the water is warmer.
How Long To Stay In Nazare
Nazare is a perfect stop if you are on your way to Lisbon from Porto or Porto from Lisbon. I think that one night is enough time in Nazare. Many people will do day trips from Lisbon too.
Getting Around/To Nazare
Nazare is very walkable, you will not need a car.
To get to Nazare from Lisbon or Porto you can take a Flix Bus, train, or you can do a tour. I find tours to be much more organized and less stressful! This small group tour will take you to Nazare from Lisbon for a day trip.
How To Save Money In Nazare
Portugal itself is super cheap. Smaller cities like Nazare and Aveiro tend to be less expensive than bigger cities like Porto and Lisbon. You will not end up spending that much money in Nazare!
If you are really on a budget, buy food at the grocery stores. You could also just do a day trip or a tour. I find that I spend less money when I do tours. You could stay in hostels too! You could stay at Lab Hostel or Nazare Hostel.
Nazare FAQs
Why are Nazare waves so big? The Nazare Canyon is why the Nazare waves are so big. The canyon is 16,000 feet deep (5,000 meters). If you visit the Nazare surf museum they have a room dedicated to explaining the Nazare Canyon.
Why is Nazare famous? Nazare is famous because of the massive waves and it is the place where The Statue of Our Lady Nazare was discovered in the 14th century.
How far is Nazare from Lisbon? 120. 8 km. It is a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Nazare to Lisbon. You can take a train or bus for around $5 or drive.
A Quick Guide To Nazare Wrap Up
Nazare is a wonderful place to add to you Portugal itinerary. Weather it is a day trip of a week long surf trip. Seeing the Nazare waves is a once in a lifetime experience that should be on everyone's bucket list. I hope that this quick guide to Nazare helps you plan the perfect trip to this fishing village in Northern Portugal. If you think that I missed anything or have anything to add please leave a comment.
If you liked this guide to Narare you will love our other Portugal posts. These are some more articles on Portugal... A Quick Guide To Aveiro, Portugal, 7 Days In Portugal On a Budget, 17 Things You Must Add To Your Lisbon Itinerary, and The Ultimate Guide To Porto.
Happy Travels,
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I have been looking to find a guide to Nazare just like this! I loved this post. Thank you for all the recs I cant wait to visit nazare!!
Have fun!! So happy to help 🙂