The small fishing village of Nazare (Portugal) is located between the beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto. Among the other Portuguese suburbs, two important circumstances stand out: the first - locals consider Virgin Mary as the patroness of the village, the second - the largest waves in the world are in Nazar. There is no winter, so this place can be visited all year round.
Resort Nazare
This old fishing village is the main in Portugal. Its inhabitants sacredly keep ancient traditions: they dress in the old fashion and sing folk songs. On this coast of the ocean you can witness how fishing families lived many years ago. Nazare women still wear seven skirts, and the main occupation of fishermen and fish on the shore is fixing nets and drying fish on special wire grids.
At the same time, Nazare is considered the most famous among the sea resorts of Portugal. Incredibly beautiful and clean beach stretches for a distance of 1 km. Along it is equipped with a promenade. There are all conditions for a comfortable and memorable vacation.
The town of Nazare (Portugal) is divided into two parts: upper and lower. The lower part is a picturesque promenade, a beach and many cozy restaurants where guests are offered dishes of national cuisine. There is also an abundance of souvenir shops where tourists can buy gifts for their loved ones. By the way, souvenirs here are much cheaper than in the upper part of the city. The main attractions are located at the top of the village.
What to see?
So, what are the sights in Nazar (Portugal)? There are not as many of them as lovers of excursions would like, but still there is something to see. The main chapel of architecture here is the small chapel Capela da Memória. It was built in honor of the Virgin Mary, which locals consider their patroness. Pilgrims from all over Europe visit the chapel year-round. Opposite the chapel is the Church of Our Lady, built at the end of the 14th century.
There are several museums in the town where you can get acquainted with the history of Nazare, the history of fishing and national costume. In the museum dedicated to religion, you can see paintings, statues and some historical documents. The main museum of the town is the Fisherman's House. There are all the attributes of fishing and household life of fishermen.
Tourists are also interested in Sau Miguel Arkanju Fort. It was erected at the end of the 16th century in order to protect the city from attacks by Algerians and pirates. You can enjoy scenic views from the cliff of Citiu. For this, a spacious observation deck is equipped here. Tourists can reach the cliffs on a modernized funicular; this means of transportation in Nazar is considered the most famous. The height of the cliff is 318 meters, it offers an amazing view of the lower part of Nazare .
Surfing
Along the coast, a unique canyon Nazare (Portugal) stretches for 170 km. The waves here can reach a height of 30 meters. Surfers from all over the world come to this small village to take part in annual world competitions. Waves that burst from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean can easily absorb a surfer at the slightest error. But this does not stop the athletes. In 2013, Garrett McNamara (a Hawaiian surfer) set a world record: he conquered a wave of over 30 meters.
How to get there
Nazare (Portugal) is located in the district of Leiria. You can get here from Lisbon or Porto by regular bus. A bus ticket costs about 12 euros - this is the cheapest option to get to the fishing village. The bus stops at Nazare Station, which is a short walk from the city's main promenade and from the Atlantic Ocean.