Things to do in Nazaré, Portugal: Big Waves Capital of the World
Yep, in Nazaré, the waves can reach this height!!!
It all started with a HBO documentary: 100 Foot Wave. We watched it during lockdown and promised ourselves that we would visit Nazaré as soon as travel resumes. What a great motivation!
So, combining a visit to our friends Sarah and Adam in Ericeira, we headed to Portugal in October, hoping to catch the Big Waves. Prices are incredibly affordable off-season, so it was also a great country for a workation. Car rental was cheap, too!
We loved every single town and site we visited in Portugal, but we particularly fell in love with low-key, unpretentious Nazaré — apaixonámo-nos pela Nazaré! — this small, off-the-beaten-path town that became famous through surf legend Garrett McNamara.
Explore the Big Wave Capital of the World with us and discover the best things to do in Nazaré, Portugal!
Experience the Big Waves
Most people who visit Nazaré go for the waves. And, let us tell you, they don’t disappoint. We didn’t get the big, big waves, but they had a decent 7-8 meter swell — some go up to 30 meters!!! — with fog and rain. The perfect ambiance, and rocky enough for the surfers and wave runners to be out!
Penguin Trampoline tip:
It might be difficult to plan your trip according to the big waves as they come… in waves, but you can check the swell forecast once in Portugal!
The waves at Praia do Norte are the stuff of legends, drawing surfers from around the world to test their limits. We live on the Mediterranean, so we we were definitely not up to the challenge. But even if you’re not ready to hop on a board yourself, the spectacle from the cliffs and lighthouse is nothing short of mesmerizing.
We also walked down to the beach to see them from our tiny human height! Pay attention to the warning signs to get an idea of the height they can reach.
The best time to see these giants is between October and March, when the winter swells hit their peak. Bring a camera — you’re going to want to capture this!
100 Foot Wave
Make sure to watch the ‘100 Foot Wave’. This awesome HBO series captures the scale and intensity of the waves at Nazaré, as well as the personal stories of the surfers who chase them — including Garrett McNamara, who lives in Nazaré part of the year and helped putting the town on the map. After seeing it, you’ll never look at the ocean the same way again!
On the pic: Eli among legends!
Visit the surf museum at the lighthouse & the surfing deer
Walk through the cool Big Wave gate to reach the Farol da Nazaré lighthouse. You’ll see a surfing deer on your right.
A surfing deer? No, you didn’t have too much Porto! The Veado statue, a 6.3-meter tall figure with a deer’s head holding a surfboard, combines the town’s history with its modern identity as a surfing hotspot. The legend dates back to the 4th century when a monk fled to Nazaré with a sacred statuette. In 1182, a nobleman’s miraculous escape from death, aided by a deer. More on this here.
This place isn’t just a beacon for ships; it’s a lighthouse of surf culture, and a prime spot to watch these crazy big wave riders! Inside, the museum chronicles the incredible feats of surfers who’ve braved these monstrous waves.
Our geek selves were super excited to see boards used by legends like Garrett McNamara, who famously surfed a 78-foot wave here in 2011, breaking world records. The museum also dives into the science behind the waves — how the underwater canyon off the coast creates such epic conditions.
Feast on percebes
Percebes, or goose barnacles, are Nazaré’s most iconic seafood, and they’re as intriguing as they are delicious. In Spain (where we live), they’re extremely expensive, but in Portugal, incredibly cheap! We literally had some every single day. Ok, they seem a little off-putting at first, but they’re so good!
These crustaceans cling to the rocks along the Atlantic coast, making them a challenging catch for local fishermen, who risk their lives in pursuit of this delicacy. Served simply with a sprinkle of sea salt and lemon, percebes are best enjoyed with a cold glass of Vinho Verde while gazing out at the very ocean they came from. You’ll find plenty of bars serving them along the beach (Praia da Nazaré).
And if you’re a foodie, check out our Foodie corner!
Walk along the beach
Nazaré’s beaches, and actually, most beaches in Portugal, are like something out of a dream. The main beach, Praia da Nazaré, stretches for miles, offering a serene contrast to the pounding waves of Praia do Norte. Take a long stroll from the lively promenade to the quieter stretches of sand where you can lose yourself in the sound of the waves. The southern end of the beach is especially tranquil, perfect for a peaceful afternoon with a good book or just your thoughts. It’s even more beautiful in a storm, that we were lucky enough to watch from our rental accommodation!
Praia da Nazaré from the Old Town view point
On the other end of the hill, right after the old town, you’ll find the wild Praia do Norte, home of the Big Waves, nestled in a natural surrounding. Take a deep breath and smell the invigorating salty air!
Discover Nazaré’s fishing heritage
Nazaré’s roots run deep in the fishing industry, and it’s visible everywhere. Some women are still wearing the traditional seven-layered skirts, a nod to the days when they’d wait for their brave husbands to return from sea. Visit the Museu Dr. Joaquim Manso to get a deeper understanding of this history. The museum showcases everything from traditional fishing gear to historical photographs that tell the story of Nazaré’s seafaring past.
As you walk along the sand on Praia da Nazaré, you’ll notice the traditional fishing boats called “Xávega” pulled up on the shore, a nod to the town’s fishing past.
Eli loving Nazaré!
Get your workout in between “New Town” and Old town
Instead of taking the easy route on the funicular, we decided to hike up to Sítio, the old town perched on the cliffs. It’s a steep climb, but the views at the top? Worth every step. And the swing at Miradouro do Suberco? Total Instagram-worthy! Nazaré is just sooo picturesque from every direction!
Once in the Old Town, we perused the cute little shops and got some awesome souvenirs. We also found some interesting, local shops in the “newest” part of town, and bought some cool t-shirts near the Big Wave gate.
Meet the locals
Fancy a bite? At Padaria e Mercearia Emerlinda, you’ll find delicious pasteis de nata and other Portuguese delicacies — savory and sweet. Have a chat with the owner, she’s so lovely!
On the pic: Pasteis de nata — our drug while in Portugal!
Stay at an Alojamento Local with a sea view
Our trip wouldn’t have been complete without the perfect place to stay — Eli’s favorite part! When looking for an accommodation in Portugal, make sure to choose an Alojamento Local.
View from the bedroom of our awesome Alojamento Local!
Alojamento Local are short-term rental accommodations in Portugal, typically owned and managed by locals. These properties, which can include apartments, houses, or rooms, offer tourists a more personalized and authentic experience compared to traditional hotels. Staying in an Alojamento Local allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture, with hosts often providing insider tips and a home-like atmosphere. It's a great choice for those looking to experience Portugal from a local’s perspective while supporting the community's economy. Our kind of places!
We found a cozy little apartment in Nazare, right on the edge of the cliffs, for less than 60 €/night. The owner was super sweet, and the place was impeccable and so well decorated! Waking up to the sound of waves and stepping out onto a balcony overlooking the mighty Atlantic? Our definition of luxury!
Here is a playlist to set the mood:
Nazaré swept us off our feet like a roaring wave crashing against the cliffs, leaving us exhilarated and craving more! This endearing, unpretentious destination isn’t just like any fishing town.
The salty breeze, the gigantic waves, the legends that echo through its streets, the low key vibe and the welcoming locals — Nazaré gets under your skin and stays there like the tide that always returns. We’re already counting the days until we can go back for a longer workation and hopefully catch the Big Big Waves!
