Nazare became world famous when Garrett McNamara, a famous surfer rode a 100ft World Record Wave in Nazare, Portugal. Before this happened Nazare was already a very popular beach for surfers as its a beach that generally has the highest waves.
Nazare’s highest waves are actually mostly concentrated around the Northern part of the beach, close the large cliff and big rocks.
Before Nazare’s surf fame it was one of the most successful fishing villages on the west coast and this traditional fishing and fisherman’s character is still to be seen everywhere.
Most of the old people still wear traditional clothes which are unique to Nazare and you’ll find many, many traditional restaurants, fish restaurants, traditional shops, places to stay and people offering you all kind of things, gently.
Even though Nazare has become a favourite spot for surf and beach tourists and you’ll meet them there all year round, we found very little that reminds of ‘tourist trap’. The people are very friendly, the restaurants good and the beach magnificent.
Parking is best done on the car-parks close to the centre, for swimming make sure you take the safety flags into consideration!
Surfers all know this beach so no explanations necessary!
Just to quote some of the remarks given on tripadvisor and so that we can give some better advice the silver coast in very different to the Algarve. It’s less touristic, the sea is wilder (Atlantic ocean) and quite fresh. The towns are much more traditional, it’s not inhabited by high rise hotels or mass tourism and it’s a much more authentic place to be, close to many monumental, historical towns and cities, amazing landscapes and breathtaking views. A wonderful place just like the Algarve but different. We love it on Go Discover Portugal!
Nazare is fantastic but not a place to go and expect small children to play safely in the waves most of the time. The waves are strong and big on this beach!
