In Nazaré, there is a municipal parking lot located in the center of the lower town, near the old, now-closed fish market. While convenient in terms of location, it has a significant drawback: a ticket machine dispenses time-limited parking permits. This setup can be frustrating for visitors who want to explore the town without the hassle of constantly renewing their tickets. Unfortunately, this system benefits local inspectors, who are quick to issue fines as soon as the time expires. We, too, experienced this firsthand, receiving a fine when our time ran out.
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.