Best Things To Do In Nazaré For The Day

Wondering what to do in Nazaré? Most people know this Portuguese coastal gem for its record-breaking waves, but there’s so much more to discover beyond the surf.

From golden sands and fresh seafood to breathtaking cliffside views, Nazaré is a must-visit destination for any traveler in Portugal.

We’ve been lucky enough to call Nazaré home, and after spending months exploring every corner, we’re sharing the absolute best things to do here.

Whether you’re looking for incredible restaurants, the best places to stay, or unforgettable day trips, this guide has you covered – plus, plenty of local tips to help you experience Nazaré like a true insider!

Where is Nazaré?

Let’s start with the most important point. Where is Nazaré? Conveniently 1.5 hours (122 km) from Lisbon, and 2 hours (214 km) from Porto, Nazaré is located in the Leiria region of the beautiful Silver Coast. Despite being so close to the two main cities, Nazaré will still delight with its small town feel and local charm so don’t let that (or the crowds) put you off!

How To Get To Nazaré + Tips For Portugal Toll Roads

Nomatter how you’re travelling Portugal, adding Nazaré to your Portugal road trip itinerary is easy peasy, thanks to how accessible it is by public transport for travellers, and by road.

• In your own car from Lisbon you can follow the N/A 8 toll road (roughly €7 for a standard car) for 1.5 hours, or the N/A 1 toll free road.
• In your own car from Porto you can follow the A17 toll road (roughly €15 for a standard car) for 2 hours, or the N1 for 3.h hours.

Wait – toll roads? There are toll roads in Portugal??

Ahh, yes and they can easily sneak up on you if you don’t know about them – after 6 years in Australia/New Zealand, we’d completely forgotten that they were a thing – and while they do make your trip a bit quicker, they can cost you quite a bit more.

For us, we try to go toll-free and enjoy the scenery along the way but here’s some tips about the toll roads in Portugal:

The most common way tourists use the toll roads in Portugal is with pay as you go, stopping in each lane and paying at the gate.

These are mostly unmanned now and have card or cash options. With this, you have to make sure you avoid the ‘V’ lanes, as they’re for holders of the Via Verde monitor.

Which leads me to another Portuguese toll roll road option for tourists; The Via Verde automated payment monitor.

This is a little box that sits in the car’s windscreen and is connected to your chosen bank account.

It’s available for tourists with hire cars and residents, and makes toll road trips even easier.

Each time you pass through a V lane on a toll road it will automatically take payment, meaning you don’t have to stop at each gate – and there can be a lot of them, depending on where you’re going!

You get toll discounts by having the device, so if you’re travelling Portugal by car for an extended time, a Via Verde might save you some money!

If you’re flying into either city, and want to visit Nazaré without a car, there’s still plenty of options. Many of the main coach services run Lisbon – Porto via Nazaré throughout the day.

Whichever direction you’re travelling, the coach takes 2.5 to 4 hours and costs between €9 and €20 depending on the company and time of day. (Prices as of January ‘25) You can check Nazaré coach prices here.

Things to do in Nazaré

Nazaré, Portugal is a nice mix of touristy hot spots (thanks to the famous big waves – but I’ll talk about those more in a mo) and a quaint old fishing town, holding on to its age-old traditions.

This makes for a really nice mix of things to do in Nazaré, and there’s something for everyone!

Nazare Big Waves Photos By Our Own Declan Officer

1. Experience Nazaré Giant Waves & Praia do Norte

Let’s talk about the most famous things to do in Nazaré first, shall we: watch the Nazaré Giant Waves.

This is the reason why Nazaré is so famous. I’d be surprised if you haven’t seen at least one clip of the giant wave surfing that happens in Nazaré.

Every year, between October and March, Nazaré experiences its annual big wave season at its famous beach: Praia do Norte.

This is when the ocean really comes alive and produces waves that pass 30m/100ft tall… and that’s no exaggeration.

Surfers from all over the world flock to Nazaré and Praia do Norte during this time to compete in giant wave surfing and to try and break world records.

It truly is a sight to see and because of this, while other parts of coastal Portugal are experiencing a winter quiet season Nazaré has a boom of tourists who want to watch this dangerous sport unfold.

Why Does Nazaré Have Big Waves?

The answer is ‘simple’, just off the coast lies a huge ocean canyon – the biggest in Europe, at least 5,000 metres (16,000 ft) and is about 230 kilometres long.

It’s positioned in such a way that the current is pushed down and up to form the huge waves everyone loves. You can get a more in depth explanation to why Nazaré waves are so big, here

If you want to visit for the big wave season, you’ll want to keep your eye on the Nazaré wave forecast to avoid being disappointed. 

Mother nature isn’t guaranteed to be putting on a show everyday, so use this website to keep track of giant swells.

While the lighthouse overlooking Praia do Norte is the most popular spot to watch the surging, we think the best place to see the Nazaré big waves is from Praia do Norte itself – providing you keep a safe enough distance from the surf.

2. Explore Forno De Orca Cave

At low tide you can explore Forno De Orca Cave from Praia do Norte. This is similar to the famous benagil caves in the algarve, this is a large cave with an open roof that makes for some great photos.

It isn’t accessible at high tide, or when the ocean is particularly rough so you’ll need to plan your visit right.

3. Discover São Miguel Arcanjo Fort

If you’re already heading to see the Nazaré big waves, this 16th Century fort will likely already be on your radar.

Originally built to guide ships, it now acts as a viewing platform for the Nazaré big wave competitions & museum to the world famous sport.

Entry is just €1, inside you’ll also find an art gallery dedicated to the epic waves, a scientific display about what causes the Nazaré big waves and a cultural display about the world of surfing, including boards donated by world famous surfers.

Once you’ve soaked it all up, you can head to the top to take in the views and, seasons depending, watch some highly skilled surf taking place.

4. Travel On The Nazaré Funicular

The Nazaré Funicular is a must.

Essentially a tram that scales the cliff from the centre of Nazaré to Sitio square, where you can then walk to the fort.

It departs every 15 minutes, gives spectacular views across town and saves you walking in the summer heat to the view points at the top. 

Prices as of March 2025 are €2.50 one way and a return ticket is €4 per person.

Can dogs go on the Nazaré Funicular?

Yes, but they must be put inside the crate provided at the front of the Funicular.

If your dog isn’t crate trained, and you don’t fancy the 30 minute steep uphill walk, it might be better to take a taxi/bus or drive to the top instead.

Things To Do In Nazare, Views From The Fanicular

5. Visit The Baloico de Ladeira Overlooking Nazaré (Scenic Swing)

Who doesn’t love a scenic insta-swing? Well, did you know there’s one in Nazare!

Not many people go to it, because it’s on the long, steep, walk from Nazare to Sitio (instead of taking the funicular) which isn’t an easy walk so not many people do it.

If you want a cheat way to get to the swing; catch the funicular up to Sitio, explore the lighthouse etc. and then walk down the track. 

6. Admire The Views At Miradouro do Suberco

For the best bird’s eye view of Nazaré, you’ll want to head to this cliff top view point once you’ve reached the top of Nazaré Funicular.

While you’re there, why not grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants with the most incredible views?

7. Explore Sitio Square

The funicular will get you to the small district of Sitio. As the town’s highest point, it’s a great place to explore with some incredible views.

In Sitio square, you’ll find market stalls selling local crafts as well as tourist souvenir shops and small cafes. If you wander away from the square, you can get lost in a network of narrow cobbled streets to get a real sense of life in Nazare.

8. Marvel At Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Sanctuary

If you’re a fan of European architecture, don’t forget to stop and see Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Sanctuary on your walk from the Funicular to São Miguel Arcanjo Fort.

Located in Sitio square, this beautiful building was built in 1377 as a pilgrimage site.

People would travel here to see an image of The Virgin Mary that is said to have been originally carved in Nazareth, present-day Israel (where Nazaré gets its name).

9. See The Traditional Boats & Sun Dried Fish Museum 

Nazaré is an old fishing town, so it should be no surprise to hear that the fishing traditions are so proudly displayed here.

In an open-air museum along the shorefront, alongside the classic Portuguese wave-pattern tiles –  you’ll find a beautiful display of traditional colourful boats that once brought home the catch of the day.

Some even have old photos of them out at sea (in English and Portuguese) as well as a little bit of the boat’s history, so be sure to stop and have a read as you pass by!

Next to the traditional boats, you’ll see (and smell) the display of sun-drying fish, accompanied by what I fondly call the fishing nanna’s: older women in traditional Nazaré clothing.

You can learn more about this centuries old preservation method in the Museum opposite where the nanana’s sit, and if you really want you can purchase some from them too – we’ve never been brave enough to try it.

Things To Do In Nazare, Traditional Boat Photo Courtesy Of Hans

10. Walk To Monte De Sao Bartolomeu

This is probably one of our favourite things to do in Nazare that we don’t see talked about often!

A 5 minute drive from Nazare (30 minute walk) will get you to the car park of Monte De Sao Bartolomeu. From here it’s a 20 minute steep uphill walk to the lookout tower that will give you incredible views over Nazare and the surrounding pine forest.

11. Have A Surfing Lesson

Considering Nazares fame stemmed from its big waves, it’s no surprise that there’s a surf school here too!

Don’t worry though, they’re not going to be putting you onto 6m waves. In fact, Nazare’s main beach during summer is the perfect place to have a go at surfing with classes taking place at the sheltered part of the beach.

12. Visit The Deer Park

Love wildlife and nature? Parque de Merendas (the picnic park) is the perfect place to go for a casual wander or a picnic. With several different tracks, and wildlife (including deer) scattered throughout it’s a really good way to spend a couple of hours in Nazare away from the crowds.

13. Hire An eBike And Explore The Atlantic Road

Want to explore more of the roads and cycle paths that lead away from Nazare? Hiring an eBike with eMotion is a really fun way to do this!

We love to hire bikes when family comes to visit because it allows us to get to nearby beaches a little quicker than it would on foot, and removes the worry of finding parking!

If you head North from Nazare there’s loads of little beach coves, lighthouses and quiet towns to explore, while heading South will take you to Soa Martinho to Porto which is another of our favourite little beach towns in this part of Portugal.

Lilly at Forno De Orca Cave

Things to do in Nazaré with a dog

All of the previous things to do in Nazaré have been dog friendly, but another one of our favourite things to do specifically with dogs is to simply head onto Praia da Nazaré. The main beach in Nazaré is dog friendly for most of the year, with peak summer season having a few minor restrictions. You’ll often see locals and tourists playing with their dog on the beach here, and before we had Lilly it was great to see. Now, with Lilly, we’ve been able to join in on the shenanigans.

Another dog friendly thing to do in Nazaré is to follow the path right through the Marina and around to Farol Nazaré Pontão. From here you get an alternative view of the town, and might even meet some of the local cat colonies along the way.

Dog Friendly Things To Do In Nazare, Stroll Praia da Nazaré

Where To Camp In Nazaré

There are so many really nice paid and free places to camp in Nazare that you’ll be spoilt for choice but here are some of our favourites;

Woodland Free Parking

This free parking is a popular spot for van lifers travelling around Portugal.

There’s plenty of space for every size vehicle with easy access too. There are no facilities, but it’s a short walk from the beach making it ideal for visiting the giant waves and a short drive to town or the local supermarket.

There are no limitations to how often you can stay here, with many staying for weeks at a time.

However, if you’re travelling Portugal with a dog you’ll want to be aware of Processionary Caterpillars and their risks to dogs. This campsite is surrounded by nests throughout the season, so you’ll want to be on alert if you’re walking nearby.

Central Free Parking

For a free campsite in the centre of it all, this one is perfect.

A short 5 minute walk gets you to the beach, bars and cafes. It’s a little further to go for the lighthouse and big waves but the funicular is an inexpensive way of getting up there.

There’s a two night maximum stay here, but plenty of space and easy access for larger vehicles.

You can’t park here on a Thursday night/Friday morning due to the local market that runs until 3pm Friday lunch times.

Ohai The Outdoor Resorts

Tucked away in the pine forest, Ohai is one of the few paid campsites in Nazare.

It’s a little bit out of town, a 5 minute drive, but it has all of the facilities you need and more.

They do also have cabins and glamping if you’re not doing a road trip from Lisbon to Porto in a campervan but want to stay somewhere that isn’t a hotel.

Day Trips From Nazaré 

As I mentioned earlier Nazaré is in a great location close to the two main cities of Portugal making them both a great option for day trips from Nazaré if you’re restricted by public transport.

However, there’s a handful of really unique little Portuguese towns that we think deserve to be on your Portugal road trip itinerary and are perfect day trips from Nazaré for those with their own car.

Obidos

Just 40 minutes outside of Nazaré, you’ll find Obidos; a charming fortified village that is a day trip from Nazaré you can’t miss. Inside the ancient walls of Obidos, you’ll find traditionally painted houses in labyrinth-style streets guarded by a mediaeval castle.

Day Trips From Nazare; Obidos Wall Photo Courtesy Of Katia

Fatima

Fatima is a fairly modern pilgrim location in Portugal. In 1917, 3 young shepherds are said to have been visited by The Virgin Mary, since then the location has become intensely meaningful to Portuguese Catholics, with thousands of devotees congregating every year.

Batalha

30 minutes from Nazaré is one of my favourite small towns in Portugal – Batalha (Pronounced Bat-al-yah).

Now, there isn’t much to do here so it really is best done as a day trip from Nazaré (or Lisbon) but it definitely deserves a place on your Central Portuguese road trip. Why? Purely for the monastery – Monsteiro Da Batalha – that sits central to the town. 

Day Trips From Nazare; Batalha or Hogwarts?

Aveiro

Aveiro deserves a full couple of days to itself, but if you’re running short on time it’s a great option for a day trip from Nazaré. Known as the Portuguese Venice, Aveiro is built around a network of old canals. 

Day Trip From Nazare, Aveiro Photo Courtesy of Ricardo.

Where to eat in Nazaré

Located on the seafront just around the corner from our old apartment, 3 Saboesr was our go-to lunch spot, mostly because it reminded us of the brunch culture we loved so much in New Zealand. 

Unlike other cafes in town, Tres Sabor (translates to three flavours) is open early, closes late and doesn’t stop serving food at points throughout the day. Besides common Portuguese lunch dishes, here you’ll also find pancakes, french toast, burgers and some really good baguettes!

3 Sabores

Located on the seafront just around the corner from our old apartment, 3 Saboesr was our go-to lunch spot, mostly because it reminded us of the brunch culture we loved so much in New Zealand.

Unlike other cafes in town, Tres Sabor (translates to three flavours) is open early, closes late and doesn’t stop serving food at points throughout the day. Besides common Portuguese lunch dishes, here you’ll also find pancakes, french toast, burgers and some really good baguettes!

Gelatomania

It wouldn’t be a beach-side destination without a good ice cream place. Gelatomania does the best pancakes & waffles in Nazaré and I challenge anyone who disagrees.

Sure, it’s a chain but there’s a reason this place has huge queues in the summer. Located on the main stretch of beach, it’s hard to miss so try one and let us know what you think!

Places To Eat In Nazare; Nutella &  Strawberry Pancakes

Taverna do 8 ó 80

Now, I’m going to preface this by saying it was closed when we visited in January but I really hope it was just for renovations or for seasonal holidays because this place is A-MAZING.

The food is great, but what really made us go back repeatedly was their main waiter Paulo. Speaking several languages fluently, you can really tell he loves his job and will welcome you like family.

Go there often enough, and he’ll have the wine on the table waiting for you. We haven’t had a dish here that we weren’t impressed with and it’s a great place to eat at sunset thanks to unobstructed views across the beach.

Tabernassa

This was the first place we ate at when we visited Nazaré on our accommodation scouting trip and we’ve been back countless times since but unlike 8 ’80, we haven’t strayed too far into the menu here.

Dec always goes for the T-bone steak (meant for sharing) and I’ll have either the veggie curry or the burger – both are delicious. We have occasionally had a meal that hasn’t been as good as others but we’d still recommend it – just try and go when it isn’t really really busy.

Places To Eat In Nazare; T-Bone Steak & Chips

These were just 5 places to eat in Nazaré but in reality, everywhere we tried was good but these really stand out!

Oh, and if you’re wondering can dogs go into restaurants in Nazaré, the answer is YES!

Most of the restaurants in Nazaré have outside/covered seating where dogs are more than welcome, as long as they’re well behaved. 

Just be sure to ask the staff before seating yourself.

How Much Time Do You Need In Nazaré

So how much time do you need in Nazaré? I’d say for a comfortable visit that allows for weather changes – especially if you’re wanting to see the Nazaré big waves – and a steady stroll around, you’ll want to plan at least 3 days.

That’s not including any day trips from Nazaré. Sightseeing set aside, 3 days also allows you time to try more of the amazing restaurants in Nazaré!

Quick FAQs:

Best time to see Nazaré waves: October – March
Nazaré wave forecast: Keep up to date here
How to pronounce Nazaré: Naz-a-ray (not Naz-aaa-ree
What is Nazaré famous for: Record breaking waves
Can you swim at Nazaré: Yes, in areas, but be mindful of the flags.

Ready to hit the road? If you’re planning a Portuguese road trip from Lisbon to Porto, make sure Nazaré is on your itinerary – you won’t want to miss its stunning beaches, delicious seafood, and welcoming atmosphere (for both travelers and their dogs!).

Which of these must-do activities in Nazaré are you most excited for? 

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