Nazaré has the best fish, friendly people, beautiful beach walks and a beautiful view when you hike up the hill to Sitio.
Nazaré is a great place for the solo traveler. I am almost 70 and I love spending time off season when the weather is cooler.
There are several theories about the Nazaré fishermen’s wives and their skirts.
One saying is that the skirts are a homage to the rainbow. They are all very colourful.
The other theory is that the underskirts are to keep the women warm.
Another theory is that they represent the days of the week.
I don’t know which theory or story is the real one but I love all the stories.
In the “old” days these skirts were much longer and went down to their ankles. Now the skirts are short and the women where knee-high socks.
There are no direct trains to Nazaré.
July and August are the peak months for Nazaré. The city gets packed.
Nazaré is a popular summer vacation destination, book your accommodations and restaurants way in advance.
The weather is friendlier in the autumn but the water gets colder.
Do you want to see the big waves? Visit in October through November.
Big Waves with McNamara:
However, if you prefer cooler temperatures and a quieter ambiance, the winter months from February to April are perfect months to visit.
Swimming is a challenge, unless you wear a wet suit.
Autumn and winter are my favorite times to visit Nazaré.
Yes.
Nazaré is a safe beach town for solo travelers over 50, 60 and 70.
People from Nazaré are friendly and always willing to help if you lose your way.
Absolutely. Just be sure to look for the warning flags on the beach. This is one instance where it’s crucial not to take any risks with your safety.
If the waters are calm, the right flag is up, dive right in and enjoy yourself!
Stay for a minimum of two nights.
You will want to explore the town’s hidden spots and beaches nearby and add a half-day excursion to the delightful town of Alcobaça.
Nautico apartment is rented by a Super Host on Airbnb. It is located just steps from the beach on picturesque narrow streets and welcomes pets!
Hotels in the Town Centre
I stayed at the Hotel Magic and was impressed with their friendliness, help and my room.
My room had a lovely view of the rooftops and was very peaceful.
Please note that pets are not allowed in this hotel.
I did not stay in any of these hotels, but some of my pickiest acquaintances and friends recommended them. 🙂
Phone +351 262 551 945 R. Adrião Batalha 54, 2450-162 Nazaré
They do not have a web site
Reservations: +351 965 542 533 O Tonico on Facebook
Check the Michelin guide for more restaurant options.
Walk, swim, surf, bike, and have fun!
Walk around the fishing village, wander through the narrow streets, perhaps stopping by a café to enjoy a coffee or treat yourself to an ice cream.
Don’t forget to stop by the town market.
Perhaps a spa visit: Thalasso Nazaré
The Outdoor dry fish museum is along the Praia de Nazaré.
Sítio
Go on a memorable walk up the steep hill in the late afternoon to catch the sunset from a cafe.
Visit the beautiful church, Igreja Nossa Senhora da Nazare.
Walk around the main square and enjoy all the different views. There are few stores and don’t miss out on the nut stalls. (Providing you are not allergic to nuts.)
Walk to the Forte São Miguel Arcanjo and the lighthouse (and museum) right on the tip of the hill. This is one of the best spots to see the big waves.
On the way to the Forte, stop by the surfer statue. It has a deer’s head and a human body and he/she is holding a surfboard.
Praia do Norte is on the other side of Sitio, which is known for surfing competitions.
Look at this cool video about surfing in this fishing village.
Check out Viator to see if there are things to do in and around town; something new is constantly popping up!
Alcobaça is about fifteen to twenty minutes (by car) from Nazaré.
It’s a good day trip.
Directions: Nazaré to Alcobaça
The town is famous for it’s beautiful monastery, and the most romantic and dramatic love story.
Future King D. Pedro had an arranged marriage with D. Constança but fell in love with Inês de Castro. D. Pedro and D. Constança married. She died during child birth and D. Pedro announced that he was going to marry Ines de Castro with whom he was having an affair.
D. Pedro’s father would not hear of it and the lovers moved to Coimbra and had four kids.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. King Afonso IV, D. Pedro’s dad, decides he’s had enough of this scandalous affair orders his men to kill Ines de Castro.
D. Pedro declares Inês the Queen of Portugal posthumously.
Fast-forward to today, and you can visit the star-crossed lovers as they rest near each other in the Alcobaça monastery.
The Alcobaça monastery is a Unesco Heritage site.
Walk around the old town, visit the Garden of Love, and check out the ceramic exhibit about D. Pedro and Inês de Castro’s love story by the Alcoa River.
In Portugal, convent sweets are not just delectable treats; they’re a part of the nation’s cultural and culinary heritage.
These pastries have been made in the convents since the 15th century.
Did you know Portugal was known as one of the largest egg producers in Europe?
The nuns used the egg whites for ironing and found themselves with tons of egg yolks so they started baking with them.
These sweets helped fund the upkeep of the convents and monasteries.
Traveling around Portugal? Visit the coastal village Ericeira. It’s a gorgeous fishing village, great for surfing and lovely restaurants.
Updated May 2026
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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