Nazare attracts a huge target group of local and international tourists, especially surfers and those who like to watch the biggest shore waves in the world, up to 30 meters (100 ft), break close to the beach of Praia do Norte.

Of note, in 2011 Garrett McNamara surfed a 23.8 meter (78 ft) wave, a record that was broken in 2017 by Rodrigo Koxa, who surfed a 24.4 meter (80 ft) wave. In 2020, Atonio Laureano broke the 30 meters limit by surfing a giant 20.9 meter (101 ft) wave.

To combine the legendary origins of Nazare and its world class surfing destination Agostinho Pires and Adalia Alberto collaborated to create the statue know as Veado. It was placed in 2016 and stands tall on the road to the Forte.

These jutting cliffs are beyond breathtaking

Nazare is famous for its traditionally clad women who wear skirts with seven petticoats. Long ago women would wait on the beach for fishermen to sail home. To keep warm in the face of a cold sea wind they would wear several petticoats so they could fold layers over their head, backs and legs. Older and more traditional women still wear skirts made bulky by several petticoats. The ensemble is completed with house slippers, an apron (hand embroidered by the wearer), a woolen cape, head scarf and flamboyant jewelry.

This imposing Marian shrine memorializes an ancient miracle that occurred under the intercession of the Virgin Mary. It is on the hilltop called O Sitio, overlooking Nazare, and was founded in the 14th century.

I first heard him at some distance and the sound was mesmerizing. He soon made his way up the street by my room and continued his meander. These vessel flutes were used in ancient cultures to charm the birds, please the gods and lift people into a higher state of consciousness. The sound held my attention.

Local artisanal boats for fishing with trammel nets, seines and buckets

The tradition of sun-drying fish continues to take place on the beach, day after day, throughout the year.

The sun drying of fish was essential for its conservation and preservation, especially in times of scarcity, or when the sea would stop men going out fishing.

For sale daily

Famous and best Nazare Beach soccer stadium named ‘Estadio do Viveiro – Jordan Santos’