Beyond the Waves
Discovering the Charm of Nazaré, Portugal
Join us as we go to the Nazaré, to see the ocean, eat tasty fresh fish, and walk around this lovely old town.
Adventures for One: A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Nazaré
Nazaré, where tradition meets the mighty forces of nature!
Nazaré is known for its surfing scene, attracting thrill-seekers from all over to see the legendary giant waves crashing on its shores. But there is more to Nazaré and it’s surrounding.
The Seven Skirts
I found myself captivated by the enchanting tales surrounding the iconic seven skirts worn by the fishermen’s wives. Each skirt seemed to tell its story.
One theory is that the underskirt are a homage to the rainbow.
The other theory is that the underskirts are to keep the women warm.
And people from the village told me that they represent the days of the week.
I don’t know which theory or story is the real one but I can say that they are fun and pretty.
In the “old” days these skirts were much longer and down to the ankle. Now the skirts are short and the ladies where knee-high socks.
Some skirts have beautiful hand embroidered designs and other are simple or have strips of different fabrics sewn on to them.
How to get to Nazaré from Lisbon
Car Rental
Public Transportation from Lisbon
There are no direct trains to Nazaré.
When is the best time to visit Nazaré?
Summer in Nazaré
July and August are the peak months for Nazaré, attracting crowds of visitors seeking warm weather, the beach and good food.
Nazaré is a popular summer vacation destination, booking accommodations and restaurants in advance is a must!
Autumn
Do you want to see the big waves? Visit in October through November and, you may still see them through March.
Winter
However, if you prefer cooler temperatures and a quieter ambiance, the winter months from February to April offer a serene escape. Swimming is a bit chilly- unless you wear a wet suit.
I like visiting the coast in winter. Nazaré can be sunny and breezy during the winter months and perfect for walkiing or hiking.
The city is is very quiet and you will see more locals – it’s a great time to be in Nazaré.
Is Nazaré a safe place for an over 50 solo traveler?
Yes!
Nazaré is a safe destination for solo travelers over 50.
I’ve visited multiple times and walked around town at various hours without worries.
People from Nazaré are friendly and always willing to help if you lose your way.
You’ll feel completely at ease exploring this charming town on your own.
Is it safe to swim in Nazaré?
Absolutely! Just be sure to look for the flags on the beach indicating any safety warnings. This is one instance where it’s crucial not to take any risks with your safety.
If the waters are calm, dive right in and enjoy yourself!
How long should I stay in Nazaré?
Consider staying 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.
Where to stay in Nazaré
Rent a charming beach apartment
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! Enjoy the cleanliness and charm of this quiet retreat, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep during your visit. I loved it!
Hotels in the Town Centre
I had a fantastic experience at this hotel! The staff were incredibly friendly and always went the extra mile to help me.
My room had a lovely view of the rooftops and was very peaceful! Additionally, they offer parking facilities, but it’s essential to notify them in advance as parking can be challenging to find in Nazaré. Please note that pets are not allowed.
More hotels in Nazaré
I did not stay in any of these hotels, but some of my pickiest acquaintances and friends recommended them! 🙂
- Hotel e Restaurante Mar Bravo (pet friendly)
- Hotel Praia
- Hotel Maré
Where to eat in Nazaré
- Tosca Gastrobar. I loved this family-run restaurant. Reserve your table because it’s quite popular!
- The Restaurant Alelulia faces the beach, where I went for a gorgeous sunset and tapas!
- Restaurante a Tasquinha serves lots of fresh fish and it’s a busy place. Reserve early, and it may be a good idea to plan an earlyish dinner so you can eat peacefully!
Phone +351 262 551 945 R. Adrião Batalha 54, 2450-162 Nazaré
They do not have a web site
- Restaurante O Veleiro. Arrive early! No reservations.Address: R. António Carvalho Laranjo 30, 2450-169 NazaréI did not go to the Veleiro, but it was highly recommended
- O Tonico is in Vale de Paredes, about 15 minutes from Nazaré. This is a fantastic restaurant and is considered more high-end. I have been there twice and plan to go there more times! Yes, it’s that good.
Reservations: +351 965 542 533 O Tonico on Facebook
Always check the Michelin guide for restaurant options.
Things to do in Nazaré
Walk, swim, surf, bike, and have fun!
- Let’s divide up Nazaré! The town center is called the Praia, and that is where the Praia da Nazaré is, along with many hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
- Sítio is just up the hill. You can walk up the short but steep hill, take the funicular if it is working, drive up or take the bus.
- Perdeneira is more of a residential area and doesn’t have a busy cafe life – it’s more relaxed.
Walk around the fishing village, wander through the lovely narrow streets, perhaps stopping by a café to enjoy a coffee or treat yourself to an ice cream.
Go to the town market. Check out the shops before walking along the beachfront for a relaxing end to your day.
How about a few hours at the spa? A quick visit to the museum? Maybe the Atlantic Ocean is calm, and you feel like a boat ride! There are many things to do.
Spa: Thalasso Nazaré
The Outdoor dry fish museum is along the Praia de Nazaré.
Sítio
Go on a gorgeous walk up the steep hill in the late afternoon to catch the sunset from a stunning vantage point.
Take your time going up to fully appreciate the breathtaking views, and don’t forget to make a pit stop at the swing along the way! It offers a welcome respite from the steep incline, plus there’s nothing quite like swinging with such a view.
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 the famous head of a deer on a human body and he/she is holding a surfboard. You can’t miss it!
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.
Surf and more activities
Check out Viator to see if there are things to do in and around town; something new is constantly popping up!
Visit Alcobaça, Portugal!
Alcobaça is about fifteen to twenty minutes (by car) from Nazaré.
I spent the day there and I loved this town. I think that I will spend the night next time I go on a road trip up the coast.
Directions: Nazaré to Alcobaça
Alcobaça Monastery
The town is famous for it’s beautiful monastery, romance and royal drama that seem like a plot straight out of a medieval soap opera!
Future King D. Pedro had an arranged marriage with D. Constança but fell in love with Inês de Castro. D. Pedro and D The queen, D. Constança 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 Ines de Castro death.
D. Pedro declares Inês the Queen of Portugal posthumously.
Talk about a love that defies even death!
Fast-forward to today, and you can visit the star-crossed lovers as they rest near each other in the halls of the Alcobaça monastery.
Who needs Netflix when history serves up drama like this?
The Alcobaça monastery is a Unesco Heritage site! You can take a proper paid tour or a short free visit.
Things to do in Alcobaça
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.
Try the Convent Sweets by the Pastelaria Alcoa
In Portugal, convent sweets are not just delectable treats; they’re an integral part of the nation’s cultural and culinary heritage.
Dating back to the 15th century, nuns have crafted these pastries in the convents. Portugal was known as one of the largest egg producers in Europe.
People would donate chickens to these institutions, resulting in surplus egg yolks after the whites were used for other purposes, such as starch and glue.
The nuns were very creative and transformed these surplus yolks into an all sorts of mouthwatering pastries, using sugar and almonds to create delightful variations.
These sweets helped fund the upkeep of the convents and monasteries.
Where to eat in Alcobaça
- Antonio Padeiro: Facebook
R. Dom Maur Cocheril 27, 2460-032 Alcobaça, Portugal - Pratu:Facebook
R. Dom Maur Cocheril 6, 2460-032 Alcobaça, Portugal
Traveling around Portugal? Visit the coastal village Ericeira. It’s a gorgeous fishing village, great for surfing and lovely restaurants.
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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