Nazaré: Portugal’s Surf Paradise
At first glance Nazaré is a quaint seaside town, with authentic Portuguese culture and food ready to welcome you in. But there is one thing this place has over all others like it; this is the land of giants. Giant waves that is. Nazaré is home to the biggest waves on earth, and the largest one ever surfed was right off its coast at 86 feet. We tell in love with surfing in Portugal, and while you won't be able to just paddle out and ride a big one (unless you're already a pro) this is the mecca of water-sports, something Portugal is well known for, and we had to make a place for it on our travels.
WHERE TO STAY
THE LUXURY PICK
This apartment is right near the beach, has access to a stunning modern pool, outdoor terrace and offers incredible ocean views.
THE MODEST PICK
Located right in the centre of Nazaré, Hotel Praia is an upscale hotel with a stunning indoor pool, free breakfast and cozy rooms that have everything you'll need. Plus, it's only a 3 minute walk to the beach!
THE BUDGET PICK
If your priority is getting to the beach as quickly as possible, you can't really beat this place. It's a bright apartment with a full fledged kitchen, a spacious dining room and an ideal location only 1 minute walk from the main beach.
WHAT TO DO
While you might not be riding giants, Nazaré is a great place to practice catching some waves. It can be a little rough for beginners depending on the day, but if you have some experience then you are going to love surfing off the main beach, just make sure to get some lessons with the pros at Nazaré Surf School!
If you've ever heard about Nazaré before then you've probably seen pictures of this lighthouse. This is where people watch the big wave surfing competitions, and inside there is a museum of surfboards honouring those who have conquered them. There is a small fee to get inside, but it's so worth it, even just to get on top and have an unobstructed view of the massive waves crashing before you. Windy, stormy days produce some of the biggest ones!
This is a hilly town, and it can be tough to see everything it you are going by foot. Taking this e-bike tour will allow you to see the different beaches in town, get different views of the lighthouse and see other landscapes in the area.
WHAT TO EAT
Delicious burgers and sides served right near the lighthouse is easy to say yes to, and this spot delivers on tasty comfort food.
This is a classic Portuguese seafood place near Praia Do Norté, serving fresh fish in a relaxed setting, with a nice patio on the town square.
This place is great for getting lunch, coffee, or anything you need to make food at your accommodation. The staff are friendly and speak english.
Seafood in a town like Nazaré is always top notch, and Restaurante Arimar offers classic meals with an amazing view of the sea.
This Indian restaurant offers favourites of our like Lamb Tikka Skewers, Saag Chicken, and Paneer. Served in a homey setting, this is a great choice if you are looking for something other than Portuguese food.
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Nazaré check out the tours below!
If you’re dreaming of a trip to Portugal we have a free guide to help you plan the perfect vacation. Sign up below and get access today!
Some recommendations in this blog contain affiliate links. Buying anything though our links helps support Roamantics and allows us to bring you guides to even more destinations. Thank you!
