Giant waves in Nazare, Portugal. The biggest waves in the world. City of Nazaré. Portugal. Bus station in Nazaré

The pretty seaside resort town of Nazare is located on the west coast of Portugal. During the summer it is always crowded with tourists who flock to the long sandy beaches to relax, swim and sunbathe. But when winter comes, only the most serious thrill seekers stay here. At this time, the beaches of Nazaré are dangerous. Large waves up to 30 meters high regularly roll along the rocky coastline.

Nazaré's monster waves attract surfers from all over the world, but until recently the surfing potential of the area was little known outside of Europe. Nazaré only made headlines in November 2011 when Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara conquered a record-breaking giant wave measuring 24 meters from base to crest. In January 2013, McNamara returned to Nazaré and broke his own record by surfing a wave 30 meters high. In October of that year, Brazilian hero Carlos Berl rode a wave that seemed even bigger. Nazaré on the Atlantic coast has become a legendary destination in the world of big-time surfing.


Where do colossal waves appear here with such regularity? The answer lies in Nazaré's rare underwater geography. Near the coast is the largest underwater gorge in Europe - Nazaré Canyon. This huge canyon stretches for 200 kilometers from the deep plain of the Atlantic Ocean almost to the very coastline, pointing towards the city like an arrow. At its deepest point, the canyon floor extends almost 5 kilometers below the surface, rising sharply next to the coast of Praia, where the largest waves have been recorded.


Giant winter North Atlantic storms focus all their strength on Nazaré. Their energy is channeled into a narrow canyon in the same way that a magnifying glass focuses the energy of the sun into a small point on paper. Near the coastline, the seabed rises sharply, so large waves arise completely suddenly. Directly offshore, the sea becomes shallow enough to stop the giant waves. All other favorite surf spots have similar underwater geography.

When thinking about surfing and waves, the image of Australia involuntarily comes to mind. But, as it turned out, even the inhabitants of this country enviously go in search of the biggest ones, not even - huge waves to a small town in Portugal - At dawn .

My husband and I are avid travelers, and when planning a trip to Portugal, we couldn’t deprive this place of attention, despite the fact that we have nothing to do with surfing, except, perhaps, to look at it with admiration;)

So, in November 2011. American Garrett McNamara conquered a wave of 30 meters here, thereby beating Guinness record.

Giant waves form right in front of Lighthouse Forte de são Miguel Arcanjo, located in the northern part of the city.

Right behind it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country and the world - North Beach Nazaré.

It offers inspiring views from the path leading to the lighthouse.

A visit to the Lighthouse is worth it 1€ . For this amount you will get amazing views of the ocean, surfing from various competitions, as well as a hall with explanations of such a natural element.

It's all about the ocean bottom - Canyon Nazare , extending perpendicularly 170 km from the coast. The deepest point of this gorge is 5 km, but towards the shore it rapidly decreases, forming a kind of springboard for giant waves. In addition, there is a strong undercurrent that enhances the effect of rogue waves, as the locals call them.

The waves reach their maximum power in the autumn-winter period. If you have a goal to witness this riot of nature with a person, then you need to look at the schedule of competitions on surf sites and go here on these dates.

In one of the halls of the Lighthouse you can see Video of conquering the wave and interviews with surfers.

But the most dangerous species and at the same time the ocean breeze, even in calm weather they open from a steep cliff before lighthouse .

You can get to the Lighthouse using Lift , connecting both parts of the city.

or by bus or car. By the way, car rental in Portugal is relatively cheap compared to the rest of Europe. The roads are mostly of decent quality, and there is also a toll highway.

The beginning of the pedestrian path to the Natural Element is marked by an arch.

Myself town of Nazaré, as I noted earlier, is located on two levels: upper - the first settlements in these places Sitio where the attraction is located - Black Madonna.

AND lower - with a beautiful promenade, beach and cozy hotels right along the coastline.

View from the top

Located right on the beach Museum drying-drying ocean inhabitants. You can buy them right there.

The southern part of the beach is also equipped with Lighthouses and walking here is a pleasure

While in Nazaré you just need to enjoy the ocean! In the off-season, there is a feeling of solitude, only seagulls and albatrosses occasionally add sound to the ocean...

We rented an apartment for 4 days ( Apartamentos 7 Saias Marginal) on the first line with a kitchen and a terrace with a grill (there is a store in the upper town Continente with a huge selection of oceanic inhabitants, which allows you to arrange an excellent home-cooked dinner) - all this is quite inexpensive during off-peak season!

When planning a stay at these hotels during the cooler months of the year, I advise you to take warm clothes with myself! The heating cannot cope with the night ocean breeze. The rooms are often very cold.

About the weather in general, in December-January the southern and central parts of the country are quite warm, +17 during the day, the northern part is cooler. It gets cold at night. The Atlantic is quite changeable: 2 weeks of cloudless skies with warm sunshine can be replaced in a couple of minutes by torrential rain and hail! And after a couple of minutes it’s warm again... Therefore, an umbrella is a must! But not simple! And fortified! Broken knitting needles and even handles are not uncommon here! The wind is such that the story of Mary Poppins takes on a new meaning;)

Despite the high readings of the wind thermometer, the wind is quite chilly, on cloudy days the humidity is too noticeable. A waterproof jacket and warm sweaters underneath are required.

For 2 weeks, the Atlantic showed us all types of the ocean - the complete absence of waves and the summer sun, storm, hail, torrential rain like a wall, sandstorms that even overwhelmed cafes, a hurricane on the tops of mountains blocking the entrance to Castles, broken trees on the roads... and that's it it's in December!

Immediately after our departure, the temperature reigned at +20 for a week!

That's why talking about the season - it’s difficult to advise a month! The coast of Portugal is always wonderful for Tuzim!

Of course, these are only the summer months for a beach holiday, but they can also bring surprises with storms or heavy rains.

The main thing is to follow safety measures! The elements are felt here to the maximum. It is here that you feel like a grain of sand and all thoughts and problems fade away!

A great place to reboot and reset!

As for restaurants that open twice a day in this country - at lunchtime and at 19:00, here we found an absolute gem - Restaurant Aki del Mar, and part-time also a company for the extraction of oceanic delicacies. Minimum prices, excellent service! There are no fish or deep-sea inhabitants here, but the huge selection of all kinds of reptiles is impressive.

Everyone knows that Portugal is the birthplace Port wine ! But besides this, they also produce Wine Verde - green wine, light, slightly sparkling - I recommend it to all lovers of light drinks.

Port wine tasting is usually carried out in Porto, but in regular stores you can also find sets of mini bottles and understand which one is closer to your taste.

In addition to ocean products, desserts are popular in Portugal - Pastiche - Lisbon, Gignat - cherry liqueur in a chocolate glass, Francenzinha - a huge sandwich. And this is a small part of what is required for testing;)

Regarding souvenirs, gifts- be sure to take a closer look cork products ! What are they making of it! You can dress completely in it! Pens, caps, shoes, bags and even umbrellas!

And in the capital Lisbon, real masterpieces are painted on it - paintings by Frida, Adele...

Well-made cork costs on par with leather, but it's worth it! The sneakers I purchased there went through all the weather adversities with me and fully justified their price and expectations;)

If you plan to visit the central part of the country, then you cannot pass by the Ceramic Factory in the city. Caldas da Rainha. Dishes It just changes your perception!

To summarize, I can note that the location of this town allows you to make trips from it to MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN Portugal, such as:

Temple of Alcobaça - the sad and terrifying story of Pedro and Ines - the coronation of a queen with a severed head,

City of Brides - Obidos,

The last refuge of the Templars - Tomar

Batalha - a huge cathedral in honor of victories

Village Bairro- and dinosaur tracks

Mira de Aire and Cave of the 7 Wonders of Portugal

Religious Center Fatima,

University Coimbra city,

city ​​of delightfully unusual dishes Caldas da Rainha

I also recommend Lock Ourem in the town of the same name.

Not close but a must visit Porto And Aveiro- small Venice and the center of ocean salt production.

Moving towards the capital to visit Cape Rock - the westernmost point of Europe, Azenhas do Mar- natural ocean pool.

Will we come back again? Definitely!!! The Atlantic Ocean is an unforgettable attraction, a pearl and simply an inspiration of Portugal! The history of this once powerful country, great discoveries and courageous people still excites our hearts!

Waves blown by the wind and breaking at the shore are one of those things that you can look at forever. Especially if their height is so record high that the water can cover you to your full height. There is a special place on our planet where you can regularly observe the highest waves.

Nazaré - a fishing village with giant waves

In Portugal, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, there is a small village called Nazaré. This is a real fishing village, founded in the 16th century, where about 10 thousand inhabitants live.

The village is colorful, with beautiful sandy beaches (according to some sources, the best in Portugal), with good-natured residents, who can still be found in colorful traditional outfits. There is even a fisherman's museum, and in addition, other attractions: the Church of Our Lady, the Sitiou quarter with a stunning panorama, a 900-year-old chapel and a lighthouse. But this is not what travelers come here for. The fact is that here the waves are of gigantic height, on which surfers set world records.

Therefore, everyone who loves surfing simply needs to visit here. And also for those who want to look at the raging elements, because nothing fascinates as much as the ocean, its strength and power.

Waves that set records

In the summer, Nazare looks like a classic resort: heat, sea, beach with many tourists. But the fun doesn’t stop here even in winter: real extreme sports enthusiasts and lovers of gawking come here, and swimming here at this time is a real murder. It is in winter that the surfing season begins: the waves off the coast reach 25-30 meters in height.

Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara first brought popularity to the town. He came to Nazaré to ride a board. It was here that he conquered the world's largest wave on a sandy bottom. Its height was 24 meters. A couple of years later, the surfer returned and broke his own record, this time the wave reached 30 meters. After this, the lighthouse in Nazaré was turned into a museum named after Garrett McNamara. The main exhibit here is the same board produced by Mercedes Benz on which the world record was set.

Where do such big waves come from?

In fact, such waves are quite rare (of course, if we are not talking about tsunamis or rogue waves). However, in reality everything is explained quite easily. The fact is that the village is located next to the largest underwater gorge in Europe - the Nazaré Canyon. And this gorge is actually huge: it stretches about 170 kilometers in length, and the deepest point of the canyon is 5 thousand meters from the surface.

For fans of big waves and surfing enthusiasts, Nazaré (Portugal) is a well-known resort located an hour's drive from the country's capital. The town was founded at the beginning of the 16th century.

It is here that, due to the peculiarities of the sea landscape, there are waves up to 30 meters high. Only the most courageous athletes can tame the roaring and raging elements. Every year, the best surfers from all over the world come to Nazaré. Otherwise, Nazaré is a small fishing town, there are many cafes and restaurants, and souvenir shops.

Photo: waves in Nazaré (Portugal).

general information

Tourists call Lisbon the heart of the country, and Nazaré its soul. And this soul is passionate, beautiful and noble. You can fall in love with the town endlessly and also endlessly admire the big waves of Nazaré in Portugal.

The population of the city is slightly more than 10 thousand inhabitants. It is located in the Leiria region, which is famous for its centuries-old fishing traditions and the legend of the miraculous rescue of the monarch by Our Lady. For many decades, pilgrims from all over the world have come to Nazaré, but the town gives an incredible feeling of unity with nature and allows you to enjoy beautiful landscapes.

Local residents honor ancient traditions, prefer to wear ancient clothes, and folk songs can often be heard on the streets. Women in Nazar today wear seven skirts and, in the old fashioned way, mend nets and dry fish, sitting on the shore. Many tourists have the feeling that time has stopped here, but this has not stopped the city from becoming one of the most visited resorts in the country. All conditions for a comfortable stay have been created here.

The town is divided into two parts. The upper one is ancient; the main attractions of Nazare in Portugal are concentrated here. In the lower town there is a beach, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, shops and all the tourist infrastructure.

On a note! It is better to buy souvenirs in the lower part of Nazaré, as they are cheaper here.

Features of the holiday

If you love the ocean, then Nazare will be beautiful for you, regardless of the season. The high season begins in the second half of May and lasts until the beginning of autumn; during the rest of the year, elderly people and surfers come here.

Resort in summer

If your main goal is a beach holiday, summer is best for this. However, it should be taken into account that the Atlantic coast is quite cool; the water here does not warm up above +18 degrees. In addition, the ocean is often stormy. On weekends, the beach is filled not only with tourists, but also with the local population.

At the height of the high season, temperatures vary from +17 to +30 degrees, but in the sun it feels like +50 degrees. There is almost no rain, the vegetation becomes sparse and faded, and fires often occur.

Nazaré in autumn

As the temperature drops, the waves become stronger, the weather is quite windy, it rains, but in sunny weather the locals wear T-shirts.

Helpful information! An umbrella in Nazar will not save you from the rain, as strong gusts of wind simply turn it over. It is best to stock up on a waterproof jacket with a hood.

The most comfortable months for relaxation are September and the first half of October. At this time, the temperature remains at +20...+25 degrees, there is little precipitation.

Nazaré in spring

Early spring here is quite cool, the temperature does not rise above +10 degrees, and it rains regularly. The weather becomes comfortable for relaxation only in May.

Nazaré in winter

The average temperature varies from +8 to +15, this is the ideal time for extreme surfing and just to watch brave athletes. It is during the cold season that Nazare in Portugal has the biggest waves in the world.

Surfing

This amazing surfer's paradise was found by Hawaiian athlete Garrett McNamara. He holds the world record - Garrett was able to conquer a huge wave of 24 meters (although some who like to exaggerate say that the height was 34 m). Since then, surfers from many countries have come to Nazaré to test their courage and bravery.

Interesting fact! The secret of the constant big waves in Nazar is that opposite the town at the bottom of the ocean there is a canyon, the flow of water entering it pushes a huge amount of water to the surface in the form of high waves.

If you just want to watch the athletes, go up to the cape, where you can enjoy a beautiful view and take a deep breath of iodine-filled air.

When traveling along the Portuguese Golden Circle, Nazaré is a frequent stop to eat, as it serves delicious fish and seafood dishes.

What else to do in Nazaré:

• take the ancient tram to Sitiou;
• eat in one of the restaurants;
• admire the surfers;
• watch the sunset on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and drink port wine - the famous drink of Portugal.

What to watch and where to go

The beach is a strip of sand 150 meters wide and about 1.7 km long, which is located between the harbor and the cliff. On the rock there is the São Miguel Arcanjo fort, built in the 17th century, a lighthouse and an observation deck where tourists come to see the city from a bird's eye view.

The beach has a developed infrastructure, soft, clean sand and many cafes and taverns. There is no natural shade on the beach, but in the summer, canopies are installed here to protect from the heat. During the cold season, there are practically no vacationers on Nazaré beach and you can admire the beauty of nature almost alone.

On a note! Not far from the beach there is a fishing market where locals bring their catch.

Sitiou District

This is the historical district of the city, where all the sights are collected, and offers panoramic views of Nazaré.

What to visit in Sitiou:

• Church of Our Lady;
• Fort of Archangel Michael;
• lighthouse;
• chapel where the Black Madonna was previously kept.

The area is located on a hill and sells delicious nuts and dried fruits. The souvenir shops contain many beautiful handicrafts and shells from the depths of the ocean. The place is atmospheric; in the evenings people come here to relax and sit in a cozy cafe. There is a toilet on the square, clean and tidy.

If you want to give yourself a little thrill, take a walk along the path that runs right over the cliff. Walk to the lighthouse while the bells ring and listen to the sound of the ocean waves. You can always use the funicular; it operates until 23-00.

Miradore do Suberco viewpoint

The observation deck is located at an altitude of 110 meters, offering views of the city of Nazare, the beach and the ocean with its big waves.

A beautiful legend is associated with this place, according to which the Madonna appeared here to the residents of Nazaré. The saint saved the knight Fuas Rupinho from death, who lost his way in the fog and without the help of the Virgin Mary would have fallen off a cliff.

The observation deck is a place visited by tourists, so it is quite crowded. From here the beach looks like a large anthill with people scurrying around and colorful awnings. Just behind the beach you can see a port with boats of local fishermen.

The two parts of the city - upper and lower - are connected by a path, which is better to walk along at night with a flashlight, since it is not illuminated. If you don’t want to walk, use the funicular, which operates from 6-00 to 23-00. The lower part of Nazare is a labyrinth of streets that are intertwined in a bizarre way.

Most of them are for walking only. Mount San Bras rises in the southeast direction. You can also consider a new microdistrict under construction.

The fort is a surfing museum and is used as a lighthouse, which was installed here in 1903. This is a traditional fortification that protected the settlement from enemy attacks.

The museum exhibition is dedicated to Garrett McNamara and the huge wave he conquered. The surfer managed to ride the entire length of the wave and stay on his feet.
It was after this event that Nazaré became famous and became a center for surfing and a favorite place for nature lovers. The museum exhibits include photographs of a surfer, colorful posters with views of Nazare, and detailed descriptions of the area.

The lighthouse is equipped with several observation platforms, they are installed at different heights. A shaky, unsecured staircase leads to one of them, so getting there is quite difficult and requires some courage. Not only tourists, but also local fishermen gather at the sites.

The lighthouse offers a picturesque view of the new Nazare district and the city beach. There is a staircase leading from the lighthouse to the ocean; you can go straight down to the water and feel the salty splashes on your face.

Located in Sitiou Square. This is a very beautiful, elegant building. The legend of the Madonna is associated with it, namely about a small sculpture of the Black Madonna. It is believed that the sculpture traveled around the world and came to the village from Nazareth; the city was named after this legend. The Black Madonna was brought to Portugal by a monk, and since then the sculpture of the saint has been kept in the town. Every year hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and believers from all over the world come to touch it.

The building of the landmark was reconstructed three times, the last reconstruction was carried out in the 17th century. A strangely shaped staircase leads to the entrance. Bells are installed under exquisite, beautifully shaped domes. Inside the temple looks very luxurious and solemn. The premises are decorated with arches, columns and gilding. There is an organ in the church, and opposite the musical instrument there is an altar with a sanctuary. In comparison with Catholic buildings in European countries, the local Church of Our Lady looks elegant and festive.

To the right of the main entrance is the Museum of Religious Arts, which can be visited completely free of charge. The exhibits include ancient church vestments, sculptures and paintings on biblical themes and household items of priests.

There is a souvenir shop near the exit. Is it possible to leave an attraction and not buy a souvenir as a souvenir?

How to get there

The town of Nazare is located in the Leiria region, approximately one hour by car from the capital of Portugal. If you are traveling from Porto, the journey will take two hours. You need to take the A8 highway. This is a toll road.

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By bus

For tourists who travel without personal transport, the best way to get to Nazaré is by bus. In Lisbon, flights depart from the Sete Rios bus station, you can get here by metro - Linhea Azul line, the necessary station is Jardim Zoologico. In the resort of Nazaré, public transport arrives at a bus station located near the center.

All buses are new and comfortable, equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The frequency of departure of flights is approximately once an hour. Please note that on weekends and holidays the number of flights is reduced.

You can also travel from Lisbon by train, but the journey will take longer as there is no train station in Nazaré. Trains arrive at the village of Valado de Frades (6 km from the resort). The final destination of the journey can be reached by taxi or bus (operated by Rodoviária do Tejo).

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Nazaré (Porugal) is a unique town, attractive and surprising at any time of the year. You can come here in winter, when Nazare has big waves, or in summer to relax on the beach. The resort offers a holiday for every taste - you can enjoy the soft sand on the beach, go shopping or taste local dishes, keep fit on the gym, do extreme sports or visit the sights.

How big the waves are in Nazaré can be seen in the video.

Related posts:

Just an hour from Lisbon lies a tiny village called Nazaré. This place is especially loved by fans of extreme water sports, namely surfers. On the beaches of this village there are giant waves that only the bravest can conquer. If you also love this way of spending time, go on holiday to Nazaré, Portugal. The village is warm even in winter, so you can relax here throughout the year. Holidays in Nazaré in 2019, Portugal is an excellent option, it has everything: entertainment and attractions, reasonable prices.

About the main attraction of Nazaré - the wave:

Apart from the giant waves, the village of Nazare is no different from other small settlements in Portugal. This is a very cozy place, there is a luxurious expansive beach surrounded by high cliffs, ancient sights and wonderful fish taverns and restaurants.

The holiday season here starts in May and lasts until September. Tourists come here thanks to the mild climate and healing sea air. In winter, the temperature does not drop below + 10º. At this time of year, storms, wind and rain are common here, but such weather does not deter tourists. In the summer season, the water temperature is + 19º. The highest value occurs in the month of July.

How to get there?

This village is located an hour's travel from the state capital. Getting here is very easy - just take the A8 highway. If you do not have your own car, you can go by public transport. An express bus will take you from the capital to the village bus station, located in the very center of Nazaré. Another option is the railway. Trains depart from the capital several times a day.

You can move around the village on foot or by cable car. The fact is that the central part of the village is much higher compared to the beach. The length of the cable car is over three hundred meters. It was built in 1889, later electrified and became completely safe. The length of the route is 318 m. The funicular ride will take you no more than three minutes and will cost 1.5 euros.

Where to stay

You can stay in Nazar in one of the hotels. The average cost of living is about 3,000 rubles per night. At the same time, the hotels are completely ordinary; their star rating is no higher than 3, but there are also several fours.

Miramar Hotel & SPA

The Miramar Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the beach. The complex has a Turkish bath and a relaxation area. Those who lead a healthy lifestyle can visit the gym. The apartments, thanks to large windows, can enjoy picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean. The rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay. You can have a snack in the cozy restaurant, which serves national cuisine. In particular, seafood dishes and other Portuguese delicacies are in demand. Here you can have fun in the billiards room or go to the spa. The price category of the holiday ranges from 4,300 rubles. per person.

Hotel Ancora Mar

This hotel is located in the city center. Beaches nearby. Despite the fact that the hotel is awarded two stars, it is very comfortable here. An option for a budget tourist. The rooms have simple interiors with wooden furniture. The price includes a buffet. You can relax in the rooftop pool, which offers picturesque views. Holiday price category - from 2800 rubles. per person.

Hotel Praia

Excellent apartments equipped with everything you need. You can have a snack at the hotel bar, which serves delicious cocktails. For sports enthusiasts, a gym is available. This is an excellent option for couples with children, as the restaurant offers dishes from the children's menu. There is also a children's playground on site. Price category from 5500 rub.

Shopping

It is better to purchase goods in designer stores, workshops and antique shops. Thus, you can buy a quality item for little money.

• An excellent option would be a beautiful fringed scarf in the national style, products made from cork oak, or ceramic souvenirs.
• If you want to buy a more sophisticated gift, you should pay attention to jewelry and handmade leather shoes.
• Tourists should pay attention to strong alcoholic drinks, in particular port and wine. A bottle of quality wine would be an excellent option, as Portugal is famous for its wine regions.

The wine here is very tasty, regardless of the variety. The price of a bottle ranges from 200 rubles. If you want to try something more delicious and exclusive, you should go in search of an old wine store that has a wide range of collectible wines. Green wine is popular among the local population and goes well with seafood and fish.

Cork souvenirs

What is there from this material? Craftsmen know how to make beautiful wallets, bags, and jewelry. This is an excellent material that is pleasant to work with, it is hypoallergenic and practical. Tourists are very fond of products made from it. The price category of such products ranges from 700 rubles. up to several thousand (exclusive designer items).

Soap

The town has a popular soap brand named Klaus Porto, the production of which began back in 1887. At the same time, it contains only natural ingredients, and each bar is very beautifully packaged. The price of pleasure is from 1500 rubles.

Local entertainment and places of interest

Chapel

Nazaré is one of the country's calling cards; its central part is located on Cape Sitiou, which is often depicted on souvenir postcards. Here, on a steep cliff, the Hermida da Memoria chapel was built. It was erected in honor of one of the miracles that the Virgin Mary performed. Of course, this is a legend, but to believe it or not is a purely personal opinion.

If you wish, you can book a tour in SUVs and all-terrain vehicles around the outskirts of the town. In a few hours it is convenient to see most of the historical places of Nazaré, understand its culture, and touch history. The price of the tour includes lunch in a restaurant after a great time.

Sanctuary

Other interesting and noteworthy places in Nazare are the sanctuary called Nossa Senhora da Nazare, built in the 17th century, and the museum dedicated to Joaquim Manso. On the far outskirts of the cape there is another attraction, which is five hundred years old. It is called Fort Sau Miguel Arcanjo. This fort was built at the end of the 16th century. King Sebastian ordered the construction of the fortress to protect the area from pirate attacks and encroachments by the Algerians. Much later, peasants in this place drove away Napoleon's imperial army with pitchforks.

Museums

If you have enough time, spend some time visiting your local ethnographic or religious art museum. You should also pay attention to the Fisherman's Museum. In these museums you can see objects that tell about the centuries-old history of Nazaré, the traditional national costume, and the usual life of a fisherman. In the religious museum you will find an exhibition of paintings, statues and some historical documents telling about the peculiarities of the religious life of this area over the centuries.

The Fisherman's Museum is recognized as the most significant cultural institution in the city. Here the life and everyday life of representatives of this dangerous and ancient profession are recreated in the smallest detail.

Kitchen

Nazaré can be mentally divided into upper and lower parts. Below you will find a large beach with a picturesque promenade. There are many fish restaurants there where you can taste national Portuguese dishes. There are also many small shops open here where you can buy souvenirs and gifts for friends and relatives. And in the upper part of the village there are the main historical attractions.

National cuisine in general can be called Mediterranean cuisine. Popular ingredients: wines, olive oil and bread. Regardless of the supermarket, these products will be of high quality.

Fish

The pride of the Portuguese is baked cod bacalau, which is a symbol of the country. The dish is served with sauce, cornbread, potatoes, and olives. The fish is also grilled. Fragrant smells spread throughout the entire area. The fish comes with rice and vegetables.

Feijoada

One of the popular Portuguese dishes is feijoada, which is stewed beans with a stew, to which smoked meat and sausage are added. It is worth understanding that each establishment prepares this dish differently, and it may taste slightly different.

Caldo Verde

Those who like first courses should opt for a delicious soup with paprika, olive oil and smoked Portuguese sausage.

Offal

For the Portuguese, dishes with offal, pig ears and even cow hoofs are considered very tasty. Despite its unique ingredients, this dish has its own history. In the fourteenth century, residents had to deny themselves in order to adequately provide food for sailors traveling to Africa. The meat had to be given to them, and only the offal was left, which made a tasty dish.

Pastel de nata

For those with a sweet tooth, you should pay attention to the cakes with creamy egg cream, sprinkled with cinnamon. They are very popular among locals and tourists.

The best establishments

Restaurante Maria Do Mar

This restaurant is ideal for visiting families with children. This cozy place will amaze you the first time. There is a huge selection of fish dishes here, the food is simple and homemade. At the same time, there is a very nice hostess who is attentive to her guests. The portions are huge, so it’s advisable to take one for two. Even on weekdays you have to make reservations in advance.

Restaurante A Tasquinha

This excellent restaurant is very popular among tourists. The food here is prepared from high-quality fresh ingredients, which is why there are always a lot of visitors here. Polite staff who can help you order main courses and desserts. You can visit with the whole family.

Beaches

As we have already noted, the beach in Nazaré is beautiful and convenient for water sports. It was here that Hawaiian surfer Harry McNamara set a world record by conquering a wave whose height was 34 meters. The highest waves here form in the winter months. Therefore, it is at this time that surfers from all over the world come here.

The reason for the formation of such high waves is very simple. Directly opposite the village, something resembling a canyon has formed in the ocean. Underwater currents reaching this canyon push the water out. At the same time, waves of gigantic sizes are formed.

The best and most convenient way to admire surfers is at Cape Sitiu. Even if you are not eager to go sailing on a board yourself, watching this riot of life is also a great pleasure. In addition, you will be able to breathe the air of the Atlantic Ocean filled with iodine.

Safety

In a small European town, you shouldn’t expect dirty tricks, robberies, or attacks. But it is worth remembering that people are different, and carefully monitor your valuables. Only waves on the beach can be unsafe. That’s why I’m going for a walk; I shouldn’t put my bags near the wave. To make swimming comfortable and safe, you need to familiarize yourself with the tide schedule on the beach in advance. But young children should always be kept in sight.

There is always a coast guard on the beaches that will come to the rescue in case of danger.

This resort will appeal to both active people and those who plan to take a break from civilization. Everything is beautiful here: sandy beaches with ideal topography for swimming and sunbathing, a warm welcome from residents, and delicious dishes. The warm coast of Nazaré is a great place to take a break from the noisy bustle and relax, stock up on positive emotions for a long time. And, of course, Nazaré is a great place for intrepid surfers.