Known for centuries as a famous fishing town in Portugal and more recently recognized for its world-renowned giant waves, Nazare is absolutely worth a visit.  Located approximately halfway between Lisbon and Porto, makes this sunny beach town an ideal place to spend some time while breaking up your drive. On our next trip to Portugal, we definitely plan to spend a couple of nights here to explore the entire region.

It was love at first sight when spending an afternoon in this beautiful seaside town.  It seems like time has stood still here walking through the town squares and noticing fisher women who still wear traditional clothing including seven skirts, wooden shoes and headscarves. On a hilltop overlooking the city and the sea, sits the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré.  This Marian shrine memorializes an ancient miracle of the Virgin Mary and is adorned with blue and white tiles and gilded ceilings.

The beach is dotted with small colorful wooden fishing boats begging to be photographed. Due to a deep-water canyon off the shore of Nazare, waves hitting the shore can reach 100 feet or 30 meters in height making Nazere a surfer’s paradise. Spending some time on the beach, promenade and if you are early enough to see the fishing boats arrive back with their daily haul, the port is essential before leaving Nazare.