Hidden Gems of Nazare You Might Have Not Know About

Discover the unknown side of Nazare, exploring the city and surroundings hidden gems.

Intro

Nazare is a must-visit place to get acquainted with the country’s culture and sights. The city combines rich cultural heritage with modern values, and ancient buildings and modern architecture coexist perfectly here. 

 

Nazare is considered to be the main fishing village of Portugal, where visitors can experience all the attributes of the fishing industry. Walking along the beach and marina, you can see traditional boats and modern yachts, fishing gear, and sun-dried fish. 

 

In the warm season, Nazare is a modern resort with a beautiful beach, promenade, and many restaurants that serve local delicacies. The conditions for both short-term and long-term rest here for tourists are perfect. Nazare provides access to a magnificent beach, breathtaking waves, architectural monuments with museums, and a wide range of local delicacies in restaurants and cafes, mostly seafood.

 

The list of attractions in tour to Nazare is not as obvious as it may seem at first glance. For a Nazare day trip, most tourists see the same locations. However, if you have more time, there are many other places in the city that can be visited.

Escultura Veado Surfista

 

The Portuguese are crazy about surfing, which is not surprising since they have access to a beautiful ocean with the best waves.

 

Escultura Veado Surfista symbolizes the surfer with the human body and head of the deer. The monument was created as an anthropomorphic work by Agostinho Pires and carried out by the sculptor Adalia Alberto. The total height is 6 meters, and the weight is 10 tons. Visitors may go to Farol Road and see it with their own eyes.

 

The statue symbolizes surfing culture and the courage of the surfers who challenge the giant waves of Praia do Norte. 

 

Location: Estr. do Farol 2450, Nazare, Portugal

Salgado Beach and Viewpoint / Dino Footprints

Praia do Salgado, a stunning sandy beach, is located only 15 minutes away from Nazare. It’s suitable for many travelers as visitors have access to a well-developed infrastructure. This idyllic spot to relax on the sand is especially popular in the warm season.

 

While you’re here, don’t miss an opportunity to visit the viewpoint and nearby Mount Manges. This spot is perfect for observing the surrounding landscape and also trying different activities, such as paragliding or hang gliding. Paragliders who fly gracefully over the mountain create spectacular views.

 

One more attraction to see in trip to Nazare nearby, especially if you come with small kids, is an area with well-kept Dinosaur Footprints. You may reach the area on a trekking tour, as it is an 8 km walk (2+ hrs) on the cliff slopes to the south of the beach, or come there by car.

 

Location: Praia do Salgado, R. do Turista 1, 2450-027 Salgado, Portugal

Gralha Beach

This pristine beach is in Alcobaca, perfectly fitted between the cliffs. The atmosphere of this secluded place with breathtaking views is tranquil.

 

If you’re tired of the crowds, don’t miss this spot. Here, you’ll find a perfect opportunity to maintain a connection with nature. The beach is especially a popular destination for fishers and paragliders. 

 

Praia da Gralha is a unique destination that is calm and serene. However, it may not be comfortable to rest here with a family and small kids as there is no infrastructure. If you come for the Nazare day trip, you have to bring umbrellas and food for the picnic with you. 

 

The steel road to the beach should be considered, as it may be challenging to get down. But the view from this untouched natural gem is breathtaking and worth the effort.

 

Location: Praia da Gralha, Sao Martinho do Porto, Portugal

Sao Martinho do Porto

Sao Martinho do Porto is located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. This cute resort town is trendy among locals in the warm season. It has a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

 

The town is located in a small, closed bay surrounded by picturesque cliffs. The bay is shallow, so the water warms up well here. There is also a beautiful sandy beach nearby.

 

Cliffs protect the bay from the ocean, making Sao Martinho do Porto a pleasant place to relax, with no strong wind or high waves.

 

If you travel to Nazare, Portugal, it’s highly recommended to visit Facho viewpoint nearby to enjoy breathtaking views of the area. The area is interesting because yachts can be anchored in the bay, which is a rarity for the Atlantic coast of Portugal.

 

Remember to have a snack on the Sao Martinho do Porto embankment. In the old city center, you will find many excellent restaurants.

 

Location: Sao Martinho do Porto, Portugal

Cruzeiro Viewpoint

 

In ancient times, Sao Martinho was located in an ancient gulf that occupied an area with an important port. But as time passed in the region, many transformations took place, both naturally and under human influence, and today, the region is presented in the form in which we can see it.

 

The main natural attraction of the town is the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean that are open from its observation decks. Besides the well-known ones, there are also quite secluded ones, where you will not meet tourists but can still enjoy the breathtaking views.

 

One viewpoint that deserves attention is Cruzeiro. From the deck, you may see the entire bay of Sao Martinho. The gulf is shaped like a shell, a unique formation for the country and for the territory of Europe. The beach line stretches for 3 kilometers of sand and is 250 meters wide between Morros de Santana to the south and Farol to the north.

 

Location: R. de Santo Antonio, Sao Martinho do Porto, Portugal

Sao Martinho Lighthouse

 

Despite its small size, the town has several interesting locations, one of which is the dedication of an ancient lighthouse that once illuminated the path of sailors.

 

The lighthouse is located on the top of the hill, but the road is relatively easy. It’s highly recommended to walk here, enjoy the panoramic views, and see the pristine beauty of the place. The site is relatively easy to access, but it’s essential to be careful when walking the 400 meters along the cliff tops.

 

Ultimately, you’ll see a panoramic view of the bay, where every photo looks like a postcard. In this place, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views and take a great photo shoot against the backdrop of a bright lighthouse.

 

Location: Sao Martinho do Porto, Portugal

Santa Ana Chapel

This small chapel, located on the Sitio on a high cliff, is not a touristic place but cozy and beautiful. From here, panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean are open. Saint Ann is the protector of sailors, which has a great impact on Nazare because of the centuries-old sailors' tradition here. 

 

The chapel’s architecture is quite simple and modest, with an old altar. All the volunteers who travel to Nazare from Lisbon may come here and pray, as fishermen have for centuries. Traditional azulejos are in the decoration.

 

Nowadays, the chapel is still a spiritual and cultural landmark. While in Sitio, don’t miss your chance to come and touch eternity. 

 

Location: 2500, Salir do Porto, Portugal

Passadicos de Sao Martinho do Porto

The walkways are the bright highlight of the charming Sao Martinho do Porto. The paths are made of wood and constructed so that visitors can experience the area’s natural beauty safely.

 

The main walkway is parallel to the beach. It’s highly recommended that you take a leisurely walk here, enjoying breathtaking views of the bay at any time of the year. The most stunning views are opened up at sunset.

 

Beyond the beach are other walkways, no less picturesque with the panoramas of pine forests and dunes. The walk by the trail is an excellent idea to vary the experience of 1 day in Nazare, enjoying architectural and cultural landmarks and observing local flora and fauna. 

 

Location: 2460 Sao Martinho do Porto, Portugal

Salir Dune

Portugal is a unique country where you can find entertainment for every taste. The most amazing thing is that you can even find a real sand dune here.

 

This location deserves the most attention from visitors who come for a day trip to Nazare from Lisbon. The beach near Nazare is known for its untouched beauty and is a popular place for walks.

 

Here, the largest dune in Portugal is located. Visitors can climb to the top and even ride down on the surf.

 

There is also a recreation complex with a heated swimming pool. The beach itself is very picturesque. Having climbed up the dune, you can see it as if in the palm of your hand.

 

Location: R. Dom Fernando 50, 2500-685 Salir do Porto, Portugal

Summarize

At first glance, it may seem that the Nazare trip is average, as the place is very touristy, with its central locations quite banal and easily accessible. But if you come here on a one-day tour with a guide, then, of course, he will show you the most famous sights, information about which can be found in all the guidebooks. 

 

However, Nazare is a much more interesting place if you come here for a longer period or with a local guide who knows many hidden spots that the average tourist rarely gets to. 

 

Most hidden locations are near Nazare, but on the outskirts rather than the center. Therefore, as part of a one-day tour, these landmarks can be seen only if you go here in the format of a private excursion.

 

If you want to see unusual Portugal and deepen your knowledge of it, or if you have been here before, then these locations and unknown points will help you immerse yourself in the world of real Portugal in all its beauty and originality.