Nazaré, Portugal, is a coastal gem that truly captured my heart with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural vibes. Nestled on the Atlantic coast, this charming fishing village is famous for its giant waves, making it a haven for surfers worldwide. Watching them ride those massive swells is an exhilarating experience in itself!
But Nazaré is more than just a surfing hotspot. The beaches are incredible, especially Praia do Norte, and the cliffs offer breathtaking views that make you feel like you're on the world's edge.
It's overcast today, but there's no rain until dinner time.
We walked around the town and through the little shops, then went to the funicular and the top ridge. It takes two minutes and has quiet views.
Walking through the town's narrow, cobblestone streets, you can't help but fall in love with the traditional whitewashed houses and the colourful fishing boats that line the shore. The local culture is vibrant and inviting. I loved exploring the markets, tasting the freshest seafood, and seeing the fish drying in the sun – a tradition that adds so much character to the place.
One of our favourite spots was the Sítio district, high above the town. The view from up there is spectacular, and visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré felt like stepping back in time.
We visited the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré. All the churches in Portugal are elaborate, often with a lot of gold filigree. Each and everyone is remarkable, and that’s the way it is.
We walked along the cliff and down towards the beach Praia de Norte, where the big surfing waves are.
This is usually the time of the year of the big waves, with the current conditions being treacherous.
We discovered that a boat with four onboard had gone missing. We had dinner at Casa Maria De Sol. The owner told us that her brother was out looking for them last night, and she was worried. It was here that we had fantastic seafood and bouillabaisse stew.
The missing boat was big news in the town, and the following day, we were informed that one of the bodies had been recovered.
