Before you go

Your trip to Nazaré.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Nazaré – Leiria Destination Óbidos, Nazaré and Alcobaça

How to get there

Aeroporto Humberto Delgado (LIS) Lisboa · 125 km
Terminal Rodoviário da Nazaré 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Lisbon, it’s about 120 km via the A8, or direct buses in roughly 1h45. The nearest train station is Valado dos Frades, about 6 km away. Confirm before purchasing.

How many days

One day is enough for the beach, the Sítio and the fort. With two days you’ll have time for a morning at the beach and a trip to Alcobaça, 13 km away.

When to go

June to September is the beach season, with the village crowded in August. Between October and March the big waves at Praia do Norte usually appear. Nazaré’s carnival is one of the liveliest in Portugal.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Not within the village: the beach and the Sítio are reached on foot via stairs and steep streets. For Praia do Norte you can walk from the Sítio or go by car.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Nazaré

Morning
Beach and promenade
Walk along the promenade and on the sand, where fish are often dried in the sun on nets.
Afternoon
Sítio da Nazaré
Climb up to the Sítio via the stairs, visit the Santuário and view the beach from the Miradouro do Suberco.
Late afternoon
Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo
Descend to the fort and the lighthouse, with views over the Praia do Norte.
Evening
Fish in Nazaré
Have grilled fish or caldeirada at a beachside restaurant.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get up to the Sítio da Nazaré?

On foot, via stairs and the slope from the beach, or by car and bus via the road.

Can you see the giant waves?

They usually appear between October and March, on stormy Atlantic days. The best place to see them is the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo.

What are the seven skirts of Nazaré?

The traditional dress of the village women, made of several layered skirts, which can still be seen on the streets and on the beach.

Is Praia da Nazaré good for swimming?

The beach by the village, sheltered, is usually calmer. Praia do Norte has strong waves and is not recommended for swimming.

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