LOCAL GUIDE

Nazaré · what to see, where to eat and what to do

I'm Kamila, a photographer who has lived in Nazaré for years. This is my honest local guide: places, restaurants and experiences I recommend to families, couples and travellers exploring the Atlantic coast. I live here full time, so if you're visiting Nazaré with your family, partner or kids and would love beautiful, natural photos of your trip, just reach out.
Nazaré travel photography kamila weder
Kamila Weder, photographer in Nazaré, Portugal
KAMILA WEDER

A photo session in Nazaré with a local photographer

I've lived in Nazaré since 2016 and love capturing the time families and couples spend here, including proposals. Check my prices and write to me with your travel dates.
GET IN TOUCH
01

What to see in Nazaré

Nazaré is one of the most photogenic towns on the Portuguese coast. Cliffs, a lighthouse and ocean views where the world's biggest waves break.

Sítio and Farol da Nazaré

The upper town with the lighthouse on the cliff. The famous Praia do Norte waves seen from here. Come at sunset.

Praia do Norte

The beach where world records in big wave surfing are set. Best swells: October to March.

Miradouro do Suberco

The viewpoint over town. One of the most beautiful panoramas in Portugal.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré

14th century church on Sítio, the heart of local religious tradition.

Funicular do Sítio

Historic funicular linking the lower town to Sítio. Running since 1889.

Praia da Nazaré

The main town beach with colourful umbrellas and the famous seven layered fishermen's skirts.

Cultural Center

Free entrance, exhibitions change every few weeks. Right next to the dried-fish stalls on the beach.

Sun-Dried Fish Museum

Open-air display on the beach showing the traditional way locals dry fish on wooden racks.
02

Where to eat in Nazaré

Nazaré is all about fresh fish and seafood straight from the harbour. These are the spots I keep coming back to.

Restaurante Esmeralda

Classic Portuguese, fresh fish, warm service. My favourite, and a brand client of mine.

A Tasquinha

Tiny family bistro in the centre. Caldeirada and arroz de marisco at their best.

O Casalinho

Seafood specialist on the edge of town. Order the arroz de marisco com lagosta. Gets busy in summer, worth booking ahead.

Nomad Nazaré

Great pizza and one of the best sunset views in town. Worth the drive, only reachable by car.
See all restaurants in Nazaré →
03

What to do in Nazaré

From watching the world's biggest waves to learning to surf and quiet photo sessions on the cliffs.

Big wave watching

Season: October to March. Best from the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo lighthouse. Entrance around €2. Swimming at Praia do Norte is discouraged in this season, watch from the cliffs instead.

Surf lesson

Praia da Nazaré has gentle beginner waves. Local schools offer 2h lessons from around €35.

Beach walk

The main beach is long and wide. Perfect for morning or evening strolls.

Mercado Municipal

Daily mornings. Fresh fish, seafood, local produce.

Golden hour photo session

The most beautiful light in Nazaré is one hour before sunset, on the cliffs or the southern beach.

Festas de Nossa Senhora (September)

Traditional festivities with processions, concerts and fireworks.

Ladeira Panoramic Swing

A scenic swing on the path up to Sítio. A fun, photogenic alternative to the funicular if you don't mind the stairs.

Miradouro da Pederneira

A quieter viewpoint than Suberco, next to the small Igreja da Misericórdia da Pederneira.
04

What to do in Nazaré with kids

Nazaré is exceptionally family friendly. Gentle beach, funicular ride, playgrounds and plenty of ice cream.

Praia da Nazaré

Shallow, soft sand, lifeguards. Great for small kids. Umbrella rental around €12/day.

The funicular as an attraction

Short but thrilling ride up the cliff. Kids love it.

Playground at Sítio

Large, shaded playground with ocean views. Great picnic spot.

Beach paddling pool

In summer, a kids' pool is set up along the promenade.

Gelados Santini

Portugal's most famous ice cream. Also in Nazaré.

Family session with kids

Short, easy sessions on the beach, at the child's pace. Reach out and we'll plan something joyful.
Wedding Photography Nazaré Portugal
Wedding Photography
05

Around Nazaré (within 45 minutes)

Nazaré sits in the heart of the Silver Coast. Within 45 minutes you'll find medieval towns, UNESCO monasteries and wild beaches.

Leiria (30 min)

Hilltop medieval castle, riverside park, historic centre with cafés and shops.

Caldas da Rainha (30 min)

Town of ceramics and the famous fruit market. Parque D. Carlos I.

Óbidos (35 min)

Walled medieval town. Ginja in chocolate cups, cobbled streets, blue and white houses.
See all day trips within 45 minutes →
06

History and traditions of Nazaré

Nazaré has been a fishing village since the Middle Ages. Its legends, traditions and record breaking waves are part of what makes it worth visiting beyond the beach.

From fishing village to surf capital

For centuries Nazaré lived from the sea. Fishing families settled in Sítio and Pederneira for safety from pirate raids. The 20th century brought tourism, and since 2011 the giant waves of Praia do Norte have made Nazaré famous worldwide.

The legend of Our Lady of Nazaré

In 1182, knight Fuas Roupinho was hunting on the cliffs of Sítio when his horse nearly fell into the sea. He prayed to Our Lady of Nazaré and the horse stopped at the edge. The chapel built on that spot still stands today.

The seven skirts (sete saias)

Nazaré's traditional costume, worn by local women, has up to seven layered skirts. They once kept fishermen's wives warm while they waited on the beach, watching the waves for their husbands' return.

The Nazaré Canyon and its giant waves

Just offshore lies the Nazaré Canyon, one of the deepest in Europe, which funnels ocean swell into walls of water over 20 metres. The official Guinness World Record, set at Praia do Norte in October 2020, stands at 26.21 metres (86 feet).
07

Practical tips

A few notes I share with clients before they arrive.

Best time of year

May to June and September to October. Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, the most beautiful light for photos.

Parking

Free along Avenida Vieira Guimarães. Paid in the centre (around €1/h).

Getting here

1h 30min from Lisbon via the A8 motorway. 1h from Coimbra. There's a train station too, but it's a few km outside town, so a car or the Rede Expressos bus (station in the centre) is easier.

Time to spend

At least 2 days. Ideally 4 or 5 if you want to explore around.

Currency and cards

Euro. Cards accepted everywhere, cash useful at the market.

Languages

Portuguese. Most staff in town centre speak English, some French and Spanish. I speak Polish, English and Portuguese.

Booking a table

Book ahead, or aim for an early seating at 12:00 or 19:00. Arrive later and you may face a very long wait.
FROM THE JOURNAL

More stories from Nazaré

SEE YOU IN NAZARÉ
If you're coming to Nazaré on holiday with your family, partner or friends and want to remember it through beautiful, natural photos, just reach out. Family and couple sessions last about an hour and take place outdoors: on the beach, the cliffs or in the old town.
PLAN A SESSION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions about visiting Nazare

When can I see the big waves at Praia do Norte?

The biggest swells arrive between October and March, with the record breaking waves usually surfed November through February. In summer the water is calm and the beach is used for swimming instead.

How many days do I need to visit Nazare?

One full day covers the main sights: Sitio, Praia do Norte, the funicular and the old town. Two days lets you add a day trip to Obidos or Alcobaca without rushing.

Is Nazare good for a family trip with kids?

Yes. Praia da Nazare has shallow, gentle water, the funicular ride up to Sitio is an attraction in itself for children, and there is a play area near the Sitio viewpoint.

Do I need a car to visit Nazare?

Not for Nazare itself, it is small and walkable, helped by the funicular for the hill up to Sitio. A car is useful for the day trips and beaches further out, though local buses also reach most of them.

What is the best time of year to visit Nazare?

Late spring and early autumn, May to June and September, give warm weather without the August crowds. Winter is for the big wave season, not for swimming.

How do I get to the Sitio viewpoint above Nazare?

The Nazare funicular runs between the old town and Sitio in about a minute and is the easiest way up. It is also possible to drive or walk, but the funicular is the most popular option for the view alone.