Nazaré

A paradise for surfers and nature admirers. This coastal town, not far from Lisbon, encompasses natural beauty and stunning seaside views. Today is recognized as a top-notch world-class surfing destination due to its colossal waves that invite many worldwide visitors to either surf or observe them from afar.

The Praia do Norte is the most popular beach in Nazaré that attracts surfers due to its behemoth waves and the most important surfing event: The Big Wave Championship, where daredevils face an authentic force of nature waves and present the audience with unpaired skills and feats.

However, Nazaré is much more than a surfing town. The old fishing town boasts wonderful architecture, houses that are dotted with colorful tiles, and waterfront cafes and restaurants that invite anyone for a cold drink during summer. Atop the cliffs, there’s another trademark of this quaint town, one of the tallest lighthouses in Europe that welcomes the brave sailors from the Atlantic Ocean and offers fascinating views of the Atlantic Ocean. Apart from the lighthouse, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré is also located atop the hills facing the ocean, considered today a pilgrimage site for religious visitors.

Being a seaside town, fish holds an important role in Nazaré’s cuisine. The Caldeirada (a fish stew) combines a variety of fish with shellfish, potatoes, and vegetables, creating a savory dish. For seafood lovers, don’t forget to try out the famous Seafood Stew with clams, shrimp, shellfish, and rice. Another exquisite and traditional dish is Ameijoas à Bolhão Pato, which combines clams cooked with garlic, coriander, and white wine, resulting in an aromatic summer dish that could be paired with a green or a glass of white wine.

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