Description Nazaré

Nazaré beach, with a mild climate and natural beauty, has one of the oldest traditions in Portugal linked to the fishing arts.

The long crescent-shaped sandy beach, which is also the city's seafront, is known for its grandeur and the brightly colored awnings that decorate the white sand beach in contrast to the blue water.

This is the beach in Portugal where the fishing traditions are more colorful and it is not uncommon to meet the fishmongers who still wear the seven skirts, as tradition dictates. On a Saturday afternoon in the summer months, it is essential to sit on the wall and watch the interesting show of "Arte Xávega" in which the nets laden with fish come from the sea and the women shout their trading sessions.

Facing the sea, on the right side, we see an impressive promontory. This is Sítio, where we have one of the best known panoramic views of the Portuguese coast. There are 318 meters of rock falling to the sea, which is reached on foot, for the bravest, or climbing by elevator. At the top, we find the small Hermitage of Memory, which tells the legend of the miracle that Our Lady did by preventing the horse of a nobleman, D. Fuas Roupinho, from jumping on the precipice. True or not, at the Suberco Viewpoint the sign left on the rock by the horseshoe is shown, on this foggy morning of 1182. At the Site, we can also visit the Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Sanctuary and not far, the Dr. Joaquim Manso Museum to find out more details about Nazarene traditions.

From Sítio and with time for a walk, crossing Parque da Pedralva, you arrive at Pederneira, a natural viewpoint with an unmissable view over the coast of Nazaré.

Currently, the great attraction of this city are the waves and the surf, thanks to the “Canhão da Nazaré”, an underwater geomorphological phenomenon that allows the formation of giant and perfect waves. It is the largest submerged gorge in Europe, with about 170 kilometers along the coast, which reaches 5000 meters in depth.

Surfers from all over the world visit Nazaré every year to venture into the sea, especially during the winter. Between November and March, the biggest waves are patiently awaited, during a long stage of the world championship of giant waves, the Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge. On the beach, sunbathing is also appreciated and an excellent audience to appreciate the achievements of these young people.

In order to get to know Nazaré, a relaxed stroll through the narrow streets, perpendicular to the beach, and a break at one of the restaurants to enjoy a dish of fresh seafood, grilled fish or an appetizing stew. And in the evening, there is nothing like enjoying the setting sun on any terrace overlooking the sea, while the lights come on and it gets dark.

                                                                           

                                                                           

Nazaré | Promocional from Município da Nazaré on Vimeo.