Nazare is a coastal resort town in the Portuguese region of Leiria. The name Nazare means “victory” in Amazigh. It is the only place in Europe where you can find sand dunes 100 meters high (328 ft) and up to 2 km long (1.24 miles). There are some really fantastic things to do in Nazere and it is a popular destination for beaches and water sports.
This article will give you tips on what to do while staying in this beautiful seaside town. These include popular activities such as beach, walking, surfing, water sports and others. So, without further ado, let’s start!
Beach
There are three main beaches in Nazare: Praia do Sul (sometimes referred to as Praia da Nazaré), Praia da Galé and a smaller beach on the northern side of town. The last one is only accessible by boat or by walking the cliff path from the centre of town. There are two main surfing spots, namely Supertubos and Boi Morto. Supertubos offers 7 km of beach break waves and is home to some of the best surfers in Europe. Boi Morto is a long beach break that ends up in a river mouth and offers some very challenging waves when it gets big.
Walking
There are many walking paths around the town that lead to the local beaches or the cliffs above. People also enjoy walking to Nazaré itself, which is approximately 2 km away from Praia do Sul beach, and is connected by a cliff path.
Surfing
Nazare is one of Europe’s most famous surfing destinations, with Supertubos being consistently ranked as one of the top spots in Europe. One good thing about this place is that it can get waves any time during the year, even in winter! However, bear in mind that it tends to be less crowded during summertime (June-August).
Local fishermen are used to tourists coming over and surfing, so they will not be offended if you ask them for tips or even try to negotiate a price for surfing. One thing to note is that since there is a lot of money involved in the sport, it is not uncommon for tourists to get ripped off. You will hear stories of people paying up to €200 for a day out surf! The other problem is that some people use drugs or alcohol while at the beach and so beware of this incase fights to break out!
Water sports
Nazare is a small fishing town and it’s not uncommon for local fishermen to offer their services as boat drivers. They will take you out on their small boats and show you the underwater world of Nazare, which includes sponges, corals, anemones and sometimes even dolphins! A boat trip may cost between €10-€30 per person depending on the length of the trip. Or if you want to do some water sports yourself there are several surf schools that are also able to provide equipment (windsurfers, kayaks) for a small fee.
Food & drink
The main restaurants in Nazaré are mainly located in Praia da Nazaré. It’s a good idea to check out the restaurant reviews before going to a place. There are also several food stands and small restaurants in Praia da Galé, although they tend to be more expensive than those located on the main beach. One of the most famous dishes you can find in Praia da Nazaré is mariscada, a seafood stew consisting of large portions of mussels, prawns, crab legs and sometimes octopus and squid.
Other things to do in Nazere
If you get bored of sunbathing there are several interesting things you can do around town. There is a lighthouse at the north end of Praia do Sul beach, which offers great views of Supertubos and Boi Morto from up close. You can also visit the local museum and get to know more about the town’s history, Nazaré’s folklore and of course, the legend of Sr. Pereira!
There are many other things to do in Nazare besides what I have listed above. However, these are the main activities that bring tourists to this town. If you love nature, water sports or surfing then this is a place you will surely enjoy!
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