Nazaré, Portugal

We greatly enjoyed our visit to Nazaré, a charming and traditional town along Portugal’s beautiful Silver Coast. Historically a fishing center, Nazaré is now world-renowned for its colossal 30-metre waves that attract daredevil surfers from around the globe. Walking through the town, we were captivated by the Portuguese pavement, known as ‘calçada portuguesa,’ with its intricate patterns of white and black stones adorning every street, sidewalk, and square – these are found everywhere in Portugal!

We passed by the Estindarte, where the fish wives were busy with the ancestral tradition of sun-drying fish—a fascinating glimpse into the town’s rich heritage. A funicular ride took us to the top of the cliffs to see the iconic lighthouse of Nazaré, perched on the Forte de São Miguel. The panoramic views from the fort were spectacular, and the surfing museum was a highlight. It celebrated the high waves that have made Nazaré famous, with geological exhibits explaining the unique conditions that create such huge surf and thrilling photos of surfers riding these monstrous waves. On 24 February, 2024, a German man surfed the biggest wave ever measured in the World at 93.7 ft (28.6 m) here in Nazaré! As the day drew to a close, we were treated to an amazing sunset, casting a golden glow over this picturesque town.