We left Coimbra heading toward Tomar, but along the way we planned a stop in the famous coastal town of Nazaré, a place known worldwide for its legendary waves and raw Atlantic power. Our visit was brief, one day trip, yet filled with inspiring moments. We drove through the charming town, pausing to admire its quaint streets before making our way toward the iconic lighthouse. The road leading there is narrow and one-way, hugging the coastline so closely that glimpses of sparkling blue ocean appear and disappear between curves, creating a sense of excitement to reach to coast.
Nazaré is home to some of the largest waves ever recorded, waves so massive they seem almost unreal. Under the right conditions, they can reach up to 30 meters heights , and sometimes even more. This natural phenomenon is caused by the Nazaré Canyon, a vast underwater trench stretching nearly 230 kilometers long and plunging to depths of around 5,000 meters, making it one of the deepest submarine canyons in Europe. As powerful Atlantic swells travel toward the coast, the canyon channels and amplifies the ocean’s energy, forcing the waves to rise dramatically just before crashing near shore.
Standing above the cliffs near the lighthouse, it’s difficult to truly comprehend the scale of what lies below. Even when the sea looks calm, there’s an unshakable awareness of its strength, a reminder that here, nature is always in control. It’s this overwhelming power that has turned Nazaré into a sacred destination for big-wave surfers, where courage, respect, and the untamed force of the Atlantic meet.
I remember watching videos of those enormous waves crashing against the lighthouse, water rising so high it felt unreal. People were standing there, cameras in hand, waiting for the perfect shot. I was honestly shocked, who would risk their life for a photo? they have to be either incredibly courageous or slightly crazy. Just watching those videos from behind a screen made me feel scared.
Sunset At The Lighthouse
Standing atop the cliffs, admiring the vast ocean, and knowing that below lay the site of the world’s highest waves filled me with amazement. Even though we didn’t witness the waves crashing against the shore that day, we were gifted something just as powerful, a sunset so breathtaking it left us completely hypnotized. The golden sun slowly melted into the ocean, painting the horizon with colors so beautiful that we found ourselves unable to look away, despite the late hour and the road calling us onward.
That moment was like no other, pure magic. My husband was in the distance, having fun with his drone, my son was playing nearby, and I stood there quietly, watching the sun disappear, whispering a simple thank you to God for gifting us such a stunning landscape and such a meaningful moment to witness together. We were already late for our check-in, and I kept reminding my husband that we had to leave, until he said something that stayed with me: “Just relax. Enjoy it. How many times in life will you witness something like this?” He was right. In that instant, time lost its importance. All that mattered was being present, realizing that moments like these are rare, precious, and truly irreplaceable.
Veado Statue
As you walk toward the lighthouse, you’ll come across one of Nazaré’s most unusual landmarks, a large statue of a surfer with the head of a deer (veado means “deer” in Portuguese). At first, I had no idea what it represented, but we later learned that it pays tribute to Nazaré’s famous legend. According to the story, a nobleman named Dom Fuas Roupinho was chasing a deer through the thick fog when he nearly rode his horse over the cliff. He was miraculously saved, and the event became one of the town’s best-known legends.
The statue stands proudly overlooking the coastline and has become a favorite spot for visitors to stop for photos. But what really caught my attention was the view. From there, you can see the red rooftops of Nazaré, the long crescent-shaped beach below, the Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly into the distance, and, on a clear day, some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in central Portugal. It’s one of those viewpoints where you naturally end up staying longer than you planned.
Nice Surprise
While driving around the city, we noticed three old cars, identical, vintage, and driving one behind the other in the same direction. Intrigued, we decided to follow them, curious to see where they were headed. The little convoy led us straight to the marina, where we discovered a small classic car gathering featuring Ford Anglia 105E models.
It quickly became clear that this was likely a meet-up of a Ford Anglia owners’ club, or part of a classic car rally. Portugal, especially coastal towns like Nazaré, often hosts vintage and classic car events throughout the year, sometimes as organized club gatherings, sometimes as part of regional rallies celebrating automotive heritage.
We parked the car and joined the scene, taking photos, walking around the marina, and admiring these beautifully preserved vehicles. The atmosphere was full of nostalgia and quiet excitement, enthusiasts chatting, visitors smiling, and the marina setting adding a relaxed coastal charm. It felt like one of those unexpected travel moments you can’t plan for, where curiosity leads you somewhere special and leaves you with memories you didn’t know you were about to make.
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré
One of our favorite stops in Nazaré was the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, perched high on the cliffs in the Sítio district overlooking the town and the Atlantic Ocean. For centuries, this has been one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage sites and is home to the revered statue of Our Lady of Nazaré, whom many local fishermen have long considered their protector before heading out to sea.
From the outside, the church is quite simple. Its white façade doesn’t hint at what awaits inside. The interior is richly decorated with colorful azulejos, gilded altars, intricate carvings, and beautiful religious artwork. We spent a while quietly looking around, admiring the craftsmanship and imagining how many generations of pilgrims had passed through these same doors.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in religious sites, it’s worth visiting for its location alone. Standing outside the sanctuary, you get one of the best views over Nazaré, with the red rooftops below, the long sandy beach stretching along the coastline, and the Atlantic Ocean disappearing into the horizon. It was the perfect place to slow down for a few minutes before continuing our walk through the town.
Funicular Rides & Coastal Walks
Even though our time in Nazaré was short, we managed to enjoy it and see what truly matters. Nazaré isn’t a city packed with landmarks, and that’s exactly part of its charm. It’s best known as a surfing destination, where life revolves around the ocean. People come here to spend time on the beach, hike along the cliffs, and simply be close to nature.
One of the best things to do is ride the funicular, which takes you from the lower town up to Sitio de Nazaré.
The lower station is located right in the center of town, just a short walk from the beach. The upper station brings you directly to Sitio, near the main plaza where the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré is located.
The ride is short but scenic, taking only a few minutes as it climbs up the cliff. As you ascend, you’ll get beautiful views over the red rooftops, the long sandy beach, and the Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly beyond. Tickets are affordable and can be purchased on the spot at the station.
Nazaré also offers beautiful coastal walks, both along the cliffs and by the sea, perfect for slow strolls, photography, or just breathing in the fresh ocean air. It’s the kind of place where you don’t rush from attraction to attraction, you walk, you stop, you look, and you let the view do the rest.
My tips for your trip
- If you only have a few hours, head straight to Sitio de Nazaré, the cliff-top district. Start at the main plaza, where the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré sits, after visiting the sanctuary take a short walk to the Veado Surfer statue, a fun photo spot with amazing views of the town and beach below, take some photos then, make your way down to the lighthouse at the bottom, completing the must-see highlights of Nazaré in one easy, scenic route.
- If you’re driving from Coimbra or any other northern location to Nazaré, make sure to savor the journey. Along the way, you can stop anywhere that catches your eye for a leisurely walk or nice photographs. With numerous viewpoints, walkways, and boardwalks along the route, there’s plenty to see and explore.
- I recommend making a stop at Farol Penedo da Saudade. The lighthouse itself is a picturesque spot, perfect for capturing beautiful photos. Moreover, the panoramic view of the ocean from there is absolutely stunning.
- For a delightful spot to savor delicious seafood right on the beach, consider stopping at Praia do Pedrógão. Here, you’ll discover a charming restaurant named Esplanada Quebra Mar, offering fresh and flavorful seafood dishes like grilled fish, succulent prawns, and other traditional Portuguese specialties among a tranquil seaside ambiance.
To Visit Nearby
