Nazaré is a seaside town in the Oeste region of Portugal. It is famous for its picturesque beach, colourful fishing boats, traditional costumes and gigantic waves that attract surfers from all over the world. But Nazaré is more than just a surf spot. It has a rich history, a vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for anyone looking for a relaxing and inspiring getaway.
A Brief History of Nazaré
Nazaré comes from Nazareth, the biblical city in the Holy Land. According to legend, a monk named Romano brought a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary from Nazareth to Spain in the fourth century. Later, he moved to Portugal with Roderic, the last Visigoth king, and settled in a grotto on a cliff above the sea. He left the statue there and lived as a hermit until his death.
In 1182, another legend says that a knight named Dom Fuas Roupinho was hunting deer on a foggy morning when he saw one running towards the cliff’s edge. He followed it and was about to fall into the abyss when he invoked the Virgin Mary and was miraculously saved. He built a chapel in the grotto to honour her, naming it Our Lady of Nazaré.
The chapel became a sanctuary and a pilgrimage site over the centuries. The statue of the Black Madonna is still venerated there today. The sanctuary was expanded several times and became part of a larger complex that includes a church, a museum and a fort. The fort, built in the 16th century, offers a panoramic view of the beach and the ocean.
The town of Nazaré grew around the sanctuary and along the beach. It was initially divided into three neighbourhoods: Praia (the beach), Sítio (the cliff) and Pederneira (the hill). They were connected by roads and later by a funicular railway that still operates today.
The people of Nazaré lived mainly from fishing and agriculture. They developed a distinctive culture and identity reflected in their customs, crafts, music and cuisine. They also preserved their traditional costumes, especially among women. The most characteristic garment is the seven skirts (sete saias), which are layers of colourful skirts worn over each other.
The Top Attractions of Nazaré
Nazaré has something for everyone: history, culture, nature and adventure. Here are some of the top attractions that you should not miss when you visit this charming town:
- The Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo: This is the best place to witness the power and beauty of Nazaré’s waves. The fort was built in the 16th century to defend the coast from pirates and invaders. It was abandoned for many years until it was restored and reopened as a cultural centre in 2014. It hosts exhibitions, events and a surf museum that tells how Nazaré became one of the world’s most exciting big wave spots.
- The Beaches: Nazaré has two main beaches: Praia do Norte (North Beach) and Praia do Sul (South Beach). Praia do Norte is where you can see the colossal waves that break near the fort during winter storms. This is where Garrett McNamara set a world record by surfing a 78-foot wave in 2011. Praia do Sul is more sheltered and calm, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing.
- The Funicular: This is a fun way to travel between Praia and Sítio without climbing up or down hundreds of steps. The funicular railway was inaugurated in 1889 and has been operating ever since. It offers scenic views of the town and the sea along its 1-kilometre route.
- The Market: This is where you can find fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, cheese, bread and other local products. The market is open every day except Mondays from 7 am to 1 pm. You can also buy souvenirs such as ceramics, baskets, embroidery and wooden toys.
Some Fun Facts about Nazaré
Nazaré is not only famous for its waves but also for some curious facts that make it even more interesting:
- Nazaré has been visited by celebrities such as Queen Elizabeth II in 1957, Barack Obama in 2010 and Mick Jagger in 2014.
- Nazaré has its own dialect called nazareno or nazarino, which is influenced by French words brought by fishermen who worked in France.
- Nazaré has a folklore group called Rancho Folclórico da Nazaré, which performs traditional dances and songs wearing colourful costumes.
- Nazaré has its own carnival parade called Entrudo da Pederneira, which dates back to medieval times and features masked characters such as Zés Pereiras (drummers), Cabeçudos (big heads) and Mascarados (masked men).
- Nazaré has its own pastry called beijinhos da Pederneira (little kisses from Pederneira), made with eggs, sugar and almonds.
Conclusion
Nazaré is a town that combines tradition and modernity, culture and nature, tranquillity and excitement. It is where you can enjoy historical monuments and thrilling waves, delicious food and friendly people, stunning views and a cosy atmosphere. It is a place that will make you fall in love with Portugal.
