As the Nazaré seafront rises inland, it leads to the historic Pederneira district, an area named after the Portuguese word “pedra” (stone) or “pedernal” (flint), reflecting the stony landscape that once supported the area’s construction needs. Originally a separate municipality, Pederneira was later incorporated into Nazaré, but it retains its unique identity with narrow streets and traditional architecture.
At the heart of Pederneira stands the Igreja Paroquial de Nossa Senhora das Areias (Parish Church of Our Lady of the Sands), built in the late 16th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church’s interior is adorned with vibrant 17th-century azulejo tiles in green, blue, and yellow, arranged in the padrão style with intricate patterns, including panels in a “carpet” motif. A highlight is the chapel’s panel featuring the cross of Saint Anthony, also known as the Bulhões Cross, with an inscription reading, “Os devotos de Santo António mandaram azulejar esta capela. Ano de 1637” (“The devotees of Saint Anthony ordered this chapel to be tiled. Year 1637”), reflecting the enduring reverence of local parishioners.
Start your journey at Nazaré’s beach, where the scent of the sea and the bustle of fresh seafood restaurants set the tone. From here, make your way to the historic funicular, a 19th-century marvel connecting the lower town to Sítio, the cliffside district perched high above.
At the top, visit Ermida da Memória, the small chapel tied to the legend of Dom Fuas Roupinho. In 1182, while chasing a deer on horseback, he narrowly avoided plunging off the cliff when he prayed to the Virgin Mary, who miraculously stopped his horse. Nearby, the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, built in the 16th century, stands as a guardian over Praia do Norte, where the world’s largest waves draw surfers from across the globe.
On your descent, stroll through the nostalgic streets of Nazaré’s lower town, where tiled facades, narrow alleys, and the rhythm of local life immerse you in the town’s enduring spirit. This walk captures Nazaré’s dual essence: the raw power of the ocean and the intimate charm of its community.