The highest waves in the world portugal. Giant waves in nazar, portugal. Beaches. Which is better

The beaches of the city of Nazare in Portugal are a favorite place for surfers. Photo

Seaside town and resort Nazare ( Nazare) on the west coast of Portugal during the summer is crowded with tourists who flock to it to relax, swim and surf. But when winter comes, only the most courageous and fearless of them remain, because at this time of the year all the beaches in Nazar become extremely dangerous. In winter, massive giant waves appear, 30 meters high, which crash with force onto the beaches along the entire rocky coast of the city. If you have seen photos of beautiful sea lighthouses on the Internet, behind which incredibly huge sea waves are raging, then most likely this photo was taken in Nazar.

Until recently, the city was little known outside of Europe. But tourists flooded in when, in November 2011, Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara surfed a record-breaking 24m high wave from trough to crest. In January 2013, McNamara returned to Nazare and broke his own record by surfboarding a 30m wave. Thus, gradually the city of Nazare on the Atlantic coast became a legendary place in the world of big wave surfing.

Why are there such huge waves in Nazar?

How does the sea near the city of Nazare manage to generate colossal waves with such regularity? The answer lies in the rare geography of the underwater bottom. Right off the coast of the city is the largest underwater ravine in Europe, which is called Nazare Canyon. This one is like an arrow that stretches for 200 kilometers from the abyssal plain of the Atlantic Ocean to the coastline of the city of Nazare, ending just 800 meters from the city's beaches. The depth of the canyon throughout its length varies from 5 kilometers far in the ocean to 45 meters in the immediate vicinity of the Nazare coast. It is therefore not surprising that the energy of the ocean is focused and amplified in a narrow canyon, generating giant waves at its end that crash on the beaches of the city of Nazare in Portugal.

It is most convenient to take tickets to Lisbon. There are direct flights from Moscow to Ural Airlines, TAP Portugal and S7. Prices vary from EUR 650 and up, depending on the season, passenger class and amount of luggage.

From Saint-Petersburg

There are no direct flights from St. Petersburg to Portugal, and you can get, for example, to Lisbon only with transfers. Austrian Airlines offers a flight with a transfer in Vienna, and you can fly with Lufthansa through. In addition, you can book a ticket for Turkish Airlines and transfer in Istanbul, but the travel time in this case will take 25 hours. Ticket prices start at 380 EUR.

If the trip is planned in advance, you can regularly view tickets on various intermediary sites and "comparisons" (for example,) in order to catch the maximum discount.

The total cost of such a trip will certainly be calculated not in hundreds, but in thousands of EUR. Therefore, the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get to the fishing town of Nazare is by air.

By bus

From the city where you arrived by plane, you can get to Nazare by bus. This is a popular mode of transport that runs from all major cities regularly from early morning until about eight in the evening.

Bus station in Lisbon

The bus station in Lisbon, from which the bus leaves for Nazar, is located seven kilometers from the airport at Pr. Marechal Humberto Delgafdo, Sete Rios, here:

To get to this station from the airport, you can use the metro: take the Aeroporto station, transfer to the S. Sebastiao station on the blue line and get off at Jardim Zoológico.

Ticket price

The price of a bus ticket to Nazare varies depending on the city. From Lisbon, for example, a ticket will cost about 11 EUR. Directions and timetables can be found on this website. The ticket price will be visible only after the registration of passengers.

Bus station in Nazare

In Nazare, the bus arrives at the Rodoviaria do Tejo station, which is located on Rua do Municipio, here:

The station is located very close to the beach and a five-minute walk from most hotels in the lower part of the city. Details on how to get from Lisbon to Nazare can be found.

By car

Traveling from Moscow or St. Petersburg to Nazare by car is two days of continuous travel, as the distance is 4500 kilometers. In addition, you will have to travel through seven European countries. However, during our travels, we met cars from Russia, so anything is possible.

In addition to gasoline prices (EUR 1.48 per liter in Portugal, EUR 1.15 in Latvia and Lithuania, EUR 1.08 in Poland, EUR 1.44 in Germany, EUR 1.45 in France and EUR 1.22 in Spain), toll roads must be taken into account . As far as I know, apart from Germany and Lithuania, there are paid sections everywhere in Europe. Basically, these are the shortest routes to a particular settlement, autobahns and well-paved roads. Portugal also has toll roads. Here you can see the tariffs for various sections of roads in Portugal.

Car rental in Portugal

In Portugal, you can easily rent a car. The easiest way is to book it online and pick it up at the airport upon arrival. Read more about car rental

Clue:

Nazare - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Yekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

When is the season. When is the best time to go

We have stayed at the Miramar 4* hotels in the upper part of the city, and the next few times at the Oceano 2* hotel. The preference is obvious: despite the two stars, everything is very cool - the ocean is a stone's throw away, breakfast included, clean rooms.

Food prices

Housing is only half the battle. If there is no breakfast or boarding at the hotel or apartment, you will have to take care of food yourself. In Nazare, only four-star hotels offer the half-board option. The rest either include only breakfast or no meals at all.

Supermarkets

If you're on holiday without a car, you can go to the local supermarket Viva Superpoupança (ten steps from the waterfront street), where prices are higher than in such popular supermarkets as Lidl (Lidl) or Continente (Continente). The nearest Lidl is 2.2 kilometers from the embankment of the street, you can walk in half an hour (by car, of course, faster).

Food prices at Lidl are not high. If you also look at various promotions, you can inexpensively organize a delicious lunch for yourself.

In addition to Lidl in Nazar there is a popular supermarket "Continente", where we shopped quite often.

Prices there are quite a bit higher than in Lidl. Many products cost the same. Again, you need to look at the price tags with offers, so that in total it turns out cheaper.

This supermarket is bigger than Lidl and has a selection of groceries to match. This is especially true for alcoholic beverages, wine, meat and other things. Prices for wine, if you do not chase the high cost, fluctuate on average from 2 to 6 EUR per bottle. In our case, there has never been such a thing that the wine bought in Portugal was frankly tasteless.

So let's imagine that we made a purchase in Nazar at the Continent supermarket for breakfast and dinner. The following list of prices has been released:

• Bread - 1.5 EUR;
• Olives - 1 EUR;
• Local jamon - 3 EUR;
• Cheese slices - 2 EUR;
• Potato - 2.5 EUR;
• Olive oil - 2.8 EUR;
• Wine - 3 EUR x 2;
• Pastry (package of local cakes) - 1.5 EUR.

Total: 20.3 EUR

If you really try to save money, then these products will be enough for two breakfasts and one dinner for two, that is, approximately 3.5 EUR per person per meal. But, as practice shows, in the supermarket, eyes widen at the sight of local “tricks”, you want to try everything, which automatically leads to an inflated check. Still, it’s safe to say that eating on your own is cheaper than going to restaurants every day.

Restaurants and cafes

There are a lot of restaurants and cafes in Nazar, given the small size of the city and the number of local residents. Prices in local establishments are not very high and do not vary much among themselves. In this case, I do not take into account restaurants with a Michelin claim (and there are such in Nazaré too). In such places, the price ranges from 20 to 60 EUR per dish.

You can only decide for yourself whether you want to eat in a restaurant with snow-white tablecloths and transparent glasses, or it will be enough to use the local "fast food".

Almost all restaurants specialize in fish and seafood. These include chains of fast restaurants such as Tofa.

An ordinary fish dish will cost from 9 to 12 EUR, meat dishes from 10 to 15 EUR. Also, restaurants often serve meals for two - in this case, the price is from 25 EUR and above. Specialty seafood dishes - lobster, lobster, crab, etc. - cost more and are sold by weight. We did not order such delicacies, but we always intended to do so. Indeed, fresh ocean living creatures are often exhibited in shop windows and beckon with their diversity.

Main attractions. What to see

Nazare cannot be called a storehouse of historical and cultural attractions. The main tourist attractions here are the beaches: Nazare City Beach and North Beach. Fans of antiquity will be interested in several objects - the Chapel of Memory, the Church of Our Lady, as well as the Fortress of the Archangel Michael with a lighthouse.

Top 5

I will tell you more about these and other attractions below.

Beaches. Which is better

Within the city of Nazare there are two beaches - city and North. Both of them are beautiful in their own way. The northern one is more severe and windy, the urban one is softer and more friendly.

City Beach

City beach Nazare (Praia da Nazaré) has become my favorite of all. Soft light sand, the sound of waves, proximity to the street, the opportunity to plunge into the waters of the ocean in good weather - all this makes the beach a pleasant place to relax for every taste.

Perhaps the only negative is the lack of natural shade. But in the summer, beach canvas tents are set up here, where you can hide from the hot sun. In autumn and winter there is no need to hide from the sun. In addition, at this time there are very few people on the shore, and there is an opportunity to contemplate nature almost alone. The beach is so large that rare tourists from afar seem to be a few dark crumbs on the yellow sand tablecloth.

On this beach we always spent most of the day. If we got tired of walking from the cliff to the football field, which is located on the beach near the promenade, then we could always look at a small fishing market. It is a wooden frame placed on the sand with stretched nets. Fishermen bring fresh fish and seafood here, and all this is dried right in the sun.

north beach

North Beach is a place that Nazaré is proud of. It was from here in 2014 that the American Garrett McNamara started to conquer the 30-meter wave.

A magnificent panorama of the famous North Beach (Praia do Norte) opens from the observation decks in Sitio, as well as from the lighthouse of the Archangel Michael on the edge of the cape.

From the lighthouse to the beach you can go straight down the rock. At the same time, you need to take into account the risks and it is advisable not to take small children with you. On the way to the beach there are steps without railings - that is, an adult can get there. The beach can also be reached by car. At the same time, be careful when approaching, because the roads there leave much to be desired. On one of our visits, we even damaged the bottom of the car.

North Beach is quite windy, but if the sun is shining, it does not interfere with enjoying the views and nature at all. Swimming here is only partially possible - you can only splash near the shore, because then big waves begin, which are dangerous to approach.

Here you can watch the surfers from the shore. I always wonder how they prepare to go out into the ocean - they rub the board, warm up, prepare photo and video equipment. When they go on their voyage, the heart always stops and you worry about them, as for your brothers.

I always look forward to the return of surfers with special trepidation. Some arrive back at the beach in spectacular fashion, standing on the board.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

In Nazar, there are only two church buildings worth visiting - this is the Chapel of Remembrance and the Church of Our Lady.

Chapel of Remembrance

The legend about one of the several sights of the city - the Chapel of Remembrance (Capela da Memória), which is located on the square in the upper part of Nazare - is very interesting. In the 12th century, King Don Fuas Roupinho (D. Fuas Roupinho) went hunting and got lost in the fog. Almost falling off a cliff, he prayed for help and turned to the Mother of God, who saved him at the last moment. In memory of this miraculous event, a chapel was erected, which is a small building on a cape, decorated with traditional white and blue tiles depicting a miracle.
It took me five minutes to inspect the chapel, since the building is very small, no more than two meters high and three wide.

Church of Our Lady

On the square in Sitio there is another attraction - the Church of the Virgin (Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré) - a very beautiful building, which is also associated with the legend of the Mother of God, more precisely, the image of the Black Madonna. The Black Madonna is a small wooden sculpture depicting the Mother of God, who came to Sitio from Nazareth. Hence the name of the city itself. The sculpture traveled the world accompanied by a monk before it ended up in the caves of Nazare. Today it is kept in the Church of Our Lady and is the object of mass worship of believers.

The church building was rebuilt three times, the last of which was in the 17th century. A wide cone-shaped staircase leads to the entrance to the church. There are bells under two very beautiful domes. The interior of the church looks majestic - the arches and columns are decorated with gilding, the organ is located at the top, and on the opposite side is the altar with the sanctuary of the Black Madonna. The church looks festive and rich compared to ascetic Catholic buildings, for example, in Germany.

Inside the building, to the right of the entrance to the church itself, there is a museum of religious arts with free admission. There you can see antiques, sculptures, paintings, as well as the ancient vestments of priests.

At the exit from the church there is a shop with souvenirs - where without them!

Museums. Which are worth a visit

Fisherman's house-museum

In addition to the Museum of Religious Arts mentioned above, Nazar has a Fisherman's House Museum. In Portuguese, it sounds like Casa-Museu do Pescador and is located in the Sitio area on Rua J.B. Sousa Lobo 108. The museum was opened in 1999 by a fisherman who loves his own business. The building restores a picture of the life of a fisherman's family, which was typical of the 1930s-1950s.

Furniture, household appliances, equipment and the appearance of the house - everything speaks of the life and work of representatives of the fisherman's profession, typical for Nazaré. Various exhibits are exhibited near the house - fishing nets, oars, ropes, a life buoy. A visit to the museum takes place by appointment, and the external decoration can be seen by simply walking along the street.

Fortress of the Archangel Michael

Another historical building near the square in Sitio is the Fort of the Archangel Michael (Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo), which doubles as a lighthouse and a modern surf museum.

This is a typical fortress that protected the city from the attack of enemy troops. Since 1903, a lighthouse has been installed on the fort, and since 2014, a small museum has been opened inside the fortress, dedicated to the giant wave that Garrett McNamara conquered in the same year. The wave height was approximately 30 meters, and at the same time the surfer managed to ride it to the end and not fall. Actually, this event made the fishing town of Nazare famous among surfers and nature lovers from all over the world. In the museum you can see posters, descriptions, photographs of a surfer, as well as a model of the underwater terrain that allows the waves to rise so high above the Atlantic Ocean right near the city of Nazare.

The lighthouse has several viewing platforms at different heights. To get to the lowest one, you need to have courage - a narrow metal staircase is attached directly to the rock, and always staggers in strong winds.

There are always a lot of tourists on the observation platforms, and fishermen also gather here to fish and look at the tourists.

The view from the lighthouse is simply unforgettable. On one side you can see the lower Nazare, and on the other side you can see the North Beach (Praia do Norte), known to all surfers who are ready for dangerous adventures on the waves. And from the lighthouse, such a staircase leads directly into the raging ocean:

What to see in 1 day

If you only have one day in Nazare, then you may well have time to visit all the sights, enjoy nature and calmly end the evening in one of the many restaurants. I propose the following schedule:

• 9:00 – 10:00 - Breakfast at the hotel or cafe. If the hotel doesn't offer breakfast, stop by any bakery or restaurant for coffee and traditional pastries. If you want to start your morning right on the ocean, go to the S. Miguel restaurant, which is located at the end of the Avenida da Republica promenade.
• 10:00 – 12:00 - Walk along the promenade or along the beach to the rock, ride the funicular to the Sitio area, sightseeing in the square - Church of Our Lady and Chapel of Remembrance.
• 12:00 – 13:00 - Walk to the lighthouse and watch the surfers. View of the panorama, visit to the museum of surfing in the fortress of the Archangel Michael.
• 13:00 – 15:00 - Lunch at a restaurant in Sitio, such as Casa Pires. Visiting shops with souvenirs on the square.
• 15:00 – 18:00 - Return to the promenade street, going to the beach, swimming, enjoying the sun.
• 18:00 – 20:00 - Dinner on the waterfront in a traditional restaurant. For this purpose, for example, the restaurant A Tasquinha or Adega Oceano is suitable.

What to see in the surroundings

There are many beautiful places in the district of the city of Nazare. Where the North Beach ends, the following, no less beautiful, begin: Praia da Areeira, Praia da Falca, Praia de Vale Pardo. Also 25 kilometers north of Nazare is the large Farol Penedo da Saudade lighthouse, which offers a beautiful view of the rocks.

Peniche is located 60 kilometers south of Nazare.

It is also a very popular place for lovers of extreme water sports. There are many beaches, picturesque cliffs and places for surfing in the area.

Food. What to try

The basis of the local cuisine in Nazare is fish and seafood. Here you can find all the diversity of the underwater world of the Atlantic Ocean. Fishermen bring their catch to cafes and restaurants, and they, in turn, often put it on display. In the restaurant, you can point to the fish you like, and it will be cooked.

From local delicacies, you can try cuttlefish salad. The taste is very unusual, as it feels like the product has just been caught and cooked. For lovers of new culinary sensations, just right.

Be sure to grab something from the market that opens every day on the beach. You can buy 200–300 grams of salted fish with beer for about 3 EUR. You can choose a curiosity yourself, and a grandmother in a national costume will already tell you if the fish is ready to eat. The most unusual dish (and the spectacle too) here is the dried octopus, which I never dared to buy.

I recommend trying the Portuguese paella. This is a large pot with rice soup and ocean creatures: king prawns, crabs, clams, mussels. All this is not cleaned, the claws of the crab are mostly in shells, so you have to work hard, removing the inedible covers of marine inhabitants. If you love seafood with all your heart, then the taste is amazing! Also try the octopus in any form - fried, dried, boiled or grilled.

And the most important thing! In Nazaré, be sure to try COFFEE. In every cafe and restaurant, regardless of the stars, level, service and cleanliness, you will be served amazing coffee, the taste of which will not be forgotten even after years.

To fully experience this taste, order an espresso - its cost varies from 0.7 to 1 EUR. A lot of Portuguese come to cafes just to drink coffee and read the newspaper. And it's not surprising when such coffee is served on every corner!

Budget

Of the budget places in Nazar, I was surprised by the Tofa restaurant on the square in Sitio. For a reasonable price, you will be served a huge portion of well-cooked seafood. You can also visit other budget places:

• Blue Jardim;
• Rosa dos Ventos;
• Casa Osanto Anibal Portugal Galvao;
• Restaurante Sete Saias.

Intermediate level

• About Veleiro Restaurante;
• Rosa dos Ventos;
• Sitiado;
• A Tasquinha;
• S. Miguel.

Expensive

• Pangeia Restaurante

Holidays

There are two colorful holidays that are celebrated in Nazar - this Mother of God Day(Festa de N. Senhora da Nazaré) and Sea Man Day(Festa do Homem do Mar).

Mother of God Day

It is officially celebrated on September 8, but the festivities can go from August 30 to September 13. This is a big religious holiday dedicated to the Black Madonna, whose figure is carried by the inhabitants to the ocean in a long procession.

Also in the holiday program you can find many religious events.

Sea Man Day

Celebrated on May 7th. It is more secular and is an urban festivity with music and dance accompaniment, as well as culinary feasts.

The festival is accompanied by a procession of traditional Nazare boats, decorated with flowers and other festive attributes. Women's national costumes play an important role here - a bright and fluffy multi-layered skirt and a scarf or a long headscarf. There are many variations of the folk costume that fishermen's wives wear on holidays and on weekdays.

Safety. What to watch out for

Nazare is a small European town where you should not be afraid of robbery, attacks and other criminal situations. Also during our travels there was no theft in hotels. However, do not forget that people are different everywhere, and even in the quietest place on the planet, anything can happen. Therefore, watch your belongings and if you are afraid that something valuable will be stolen from the hotel, take everything with you.

Things

In nature, do not leave valuables unattended or make sure that no one is around. However, there is another danger for valuable items in Nazar - the ocean. Never leave your bags near the water, even if you only came for ten minutes to watch the waves. This is especially true of the city beach Nazare.

The waves here are so insidious that you may not even notice how the water gets up to the bag. At best, things will get wet, at worst, they will be carried away by a wave into the ocean.

Bathing

In summer, if there are no strong waves, swimming on the beach in Nazare is quite safe. To enjoy your vacation and not think about the incoming water, check the tide schedule on this beach in advance. This can be done, for example, on the site prilivy.com.

But whatever the weather in Nazar, keep small children away from the water. This can really be dangerous here. The Coast Guard, of course, is always on the alert and will politely ask you to take the child away in case of danger, but you need to assess the situation yourself.

Things to do

There is always something to do in Nazar. Here it is impossible to get tired of nature, from walking along the beach, from watching the waves. In the summer, you can swim and sunbathe or watch others swim. When it comes time to refresh yourself, there are many places where you can go for this purpose - the embankment street, like the upper part of the city, is filled with cafes and restaurants. Some open only in the evening, but in the summer season all open in the morning.

For those who want to go in for sports, there is a surf school in Nazar. For lovers of nature and outdoor activities, there is also a lot to do here - from hiking without a funicular to Sitio and back to long runs along the ocean or exercising on simulators that are openly available right on the beach.

Shopping and shops

Nazar has many different shops. Basically, these are souvenir shops or shops with national clothes. I will talk more about this below.

There are also clothing and footwear stores here, but it will be difficult to find boutiques with popular brands. Nazare is a small town in which large shopping centers have not yet been built.

Bars. Where to go

Nazar has a lot of small cafes and restaurants where you can drink beer, enjoy wine or order a strong drink. However, there are no bars or nightclubs as such. We can distinguish the following two places where you can pass the time with an alcoholic drink:

• Sevejaria Berlim;
• Casa Aliluia.

extreme sports

Nazare is considered a Mecca for lovers of extreme water sports - surfing, paddleboarding, bodyboarding, windsurfing. This is due to the conquest of a giant wave by the American Garrett McNamara in 2014. If the purpose of your visit is not only walking by the ocean and visiting restaurants, then it makes sense to contact the Nazaré Surf School. It is located on the waterfront Avenida da República, Edificio S. Miguel.

At the surf school there is an opportunity to learn how to ride a bodyboard and surf. Here you can attend group classes or hire a personal trainer. The price for ten personal surf lessons will be 400 EUR. If you study in a group of three people, then ten lessons will cost 350 EUR. A group of ten people can study at a price of 175 EUR per person for ten lessons. There is no difference in price for surfing or bodyboarding, you can choose a sport to your liking.

The Surf School in Nazare teaches at three difficulty levels, so if you have never been involved in water sports, but really want to conquer a wave with a ten-story building, you can start from scratch.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

There are many shops with souvenirs and national goods on the main street. For some reason, in Portugal it is customary to sell woolen sweaters, jackets and sweaters of all stripes. Maybe they have special sheep with special wool, who knows. You can also often find patterned woolen socks on sale, which are part of the national costume of local grandmothers, as well as local fabric products.

How to move around the city

Funicular

In Nazar there is a funicular that connects the upper and lower parts of the city. It is a tram on rails, located on a rather steep cliff. The cost of a one-way ticket is 1.2 EUR. Two carriages carry passengers every fifteen minutes from seven in the morning until late in the evening, depending on the season.

Today, the funicular, created by the famous engineer Mesnier in 1889, is completely electrified and safe, but in the middle of the 20th century, when the lift was still working on a steam engine, the cable broke one day and claimed the lives of two people.

The upper funicular station is located in the Sitio area on Rua do Elevador. The lower lift station is also on Rua do Elevador, only 110 meters down the cliff. If you walk along the beach along Avenida da Republica towards the cliff, you will find the station at the very end of the street.

Traveling by funicular is an essential part of your holiday in Nazaré. Even if you are a fan of hiking and prefer to climb the bypass path on foot, you should still ride the tram at least once. When climbing, a surprisingly beautiful view of the ocean and the city opens up.

In addition, the funicular passes right among the houses built on the mountain along the rails, so there is an opportunity to get a close look at the housing and life of local residents.

Taxi. What features exist

Apart from the funicular, there is no public transport in Nazaré. If you are traveling without a car, you can use a taxi to get around. Here are three companies where you can order it:

A trip around the city can cost about 10 EUR

Transport rental

To get to Nazaré, we rented a car at Porto airport in advance. This can also be done on site, but the price may be higher. Renting will not require much work. On the websites of Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Europcar, as well as on the website of the popular company Goldcar in southern Europe, you can easily book a car to your liking, leaving your personal data and credit card number. We booked at Hertz, we haven’t decided on the local Goldcar yet, but their prices are lower than those of popular European companies.

Car prices vary at different times of the year. If in May the cost of the cheapest car is 120–150 EUR, then in July it is already 200–250 EUR per rental week. You can compare prices and look for a profitable option, for example.

Upon arrival in Portugal at one of the airports (, or Faro), you need to look for a window with car rentals. Usually airports always have a sign with the name Rent a Car. Having found the name of the required company, you need to wait in line: the Portuguese, like the inhabitants of any southern country, are for the most part slow and love to talk. The registration itself lasts no more than ten minutes.

As I mentioned earlier, there are toll roads in Portugal. In the past few years, when booking a car, we have been offered to buy a meter that costs 11 EUR and allows you to drive on the autobahn along the green Viaverde sign without stopping to pay the fare in cash.

The counter significantly saves time, and cash payment is not possible on all roads. The amount that you "collected" during your trip is withdrawn from the card with which you booked the car. We will now certainly take this counter on our next independent trips. However, if you go by navigation and avoid toll roads, then it is not needed.

Nazare - holidays with children

Children in Nazar will undoubtedly be well. Sea air, not very hot climate, nature that changes before our eyes, endless sand, beaches… Of course, there will be no children's animation, clowns or face painting in any hotel in Nazar. You need to tune in to a relaxing holiday in nature with hiking and spending time on the beach.

Hotel

We traveled to Nazaré with our one and a half year old daughter. When we ordered a two-star hotel, they immediately wrote that we needed a baby cot with sides in the room. Arriving at the room, we did not find it, and instead of it there was a sofa bed in the room, on which a ten-year-old child could sleep. At the reception, we explained the problem, and ten minutes later the right bed was already in the room. I don't think other hotels will have this problem either. Another thing - apartments or rented apartments. Read the information about cribs carefully before traveling.

Nutrition

There will be no problems with baby food. Local supermarkets stock baby food in jars, as well as mixes and fruit purees. All of this is mostly locally produced and has a different taste than, say, Hipp products. You will need to buy several jars and choose what exactly suits your baby. In restaurants in Nazar, I did not see a children's menu, only desserts and ice cream. But you can always ask to cook something special - pasta without sauce, fish fingers or french fries. If children are accustomed to regular food, then food in Nazar, especially fish and seafood, will also be healthy.

Things to do

If you have sons, they can play football with the local boys on the beach field.

Also, sports thirst can be quenched on outdoor simulators on the Avenida Manuel Remigo promenade, on the playground on the same street or at the local surf school.

And the number of activities in nature is limited only by the child's imagination: play in the sand, build castles on the shore, run away from the waves, eat ice cream or chase numerous seagulls ...

Just an hour from Lisbon is a tiny village called Nazare. This place is especially loved by adherents of extreme water sports, namely surfers. On the beaches of this village there are giant waves that only the most courageous can conquer. If you also love this way of spending time, go on holiday in Nazare, Portugal. The village is warm even in winter, so you can relax here throughout the year. Holidays in Nazaré in 2019, Portugal are a great option, it has everything: entertainment and attractions, reasonable prices.

About the main attraction of Nazare - the wave:

In addition to giant waves, the village of Nazare is no different from other small settlements in Portugal. This is a very cozy place, here is a luxurious extensive beach surrounded by high cliffs, ancient sights and wonderful fish taverns and restaurants.

The holiday season here begins in May and lasts until September. Tourists come here due to the mild climate and salubrious sea air. In winter, the temperature does not fall below + 10º. At this time of the year, storms, wind and rain are not uncommon here, but such weather does not scare away tourists. In the summer season, the water temperature is + 19º. The highest value falls on the month of July.

How to get there?

This village is an hour's journey from the capital of the state. You can get here quite simply - just go to the A8 highway. If you don't have your own car, you can use public transport. An express bus will take you from the capital to the bus station of the village, located in the very center of Nazare. Another option is the railroad. Trains leave the capital several times a day.

You can get around the village on foot or by funicular. The fact is that the central part of the village is much higher compared to the beach. The length of the cable car is over three hundred meters. It was built in 1889, later electrified and became completely safe. The length of the route is 318 m. The funicular ride will take you no more than three minutes and will cost 1.5 euros.

Where to stay

You can stay in Nazare in one of the hotels. The average cost of living is about 3000 rubles per night. At the same time, hotels are completely ordinary, their star rating is not higher than 3, but there are also several fours.

Miramar Hotel & SPA

Just a 10-minute walk from the beach is the Miramar Hotel. The complex has a Turkish bath and a relaxation area. Those who lead a healthy lifestyle can visit the gym. The apartments, thanks to the large windows, you can enjoy the picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean. The rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay. You can have a bite to eat in a cozy restaurant serving national cuisine. In particular, seafood and other Portuguese delicacies are in demand. Here you can have fun in the billiard room, go to the spa. The price category of recreation ranges from 4,300 rubles. from a person.

Hotel Ancora Mar

This hotel is located in the city center. Beaches nearby. Despite the fact that the hotel has been awarded two stars, it is very comfortable here. Option for the budget traveler. The rooms have a simple interior with wooden furniture. The price includes a buffet. Relax in the rooftop pool with scenic views. The price category of recreation is from 2800 rubles. from a person.

Hotel Praia

Excellent apartments equipped with everything you need. Grab a bite to eat at the hotel bar, which serves delicious cocktails. Sports enthusiasts are provided with a gym. This is a great option for couples with children, as you can buy dishes from the children's menu in the restaurant. There is also a children's playground on site. Price category from 5500 rubles.

shopping

It is better to purchase goods in designer stores, workshops and old shops. Thus, you can buy a quality item for little money.

• An excellent option would be a beautiful scarf with a fringe in the national style, cork oak products, ceramic souvenirs.
• If you want to buy a more sophisticated gift, you should pay attention to jewelry, handmade leather shoes.
• Tourists should pay attention to strong alcoholic drinks, in particular, port wine and wine. A bottle of quality wine is a great option, as Portugal is famous for its wine regions.

This is a very tasty wine, regardless of the variety. The price of a bottle ranges from 200 rubles. If you want to try something more delicious and exclusive, you should go in search of an old wine shop, which has a wide range of collection wines. Among the local population, green wine is popular, which goes well with seafood and fish.

Cork souvenirs

What is not here from this material. Craftsmen know how to make beautiful wallets, bags, jewelry. This is an excellent material that is pleasant to work with, it is hypoallergenic and practical. Tourists are very fond of products from it. The price category of such goods ranges from 700 rubles. up to several thousand (exclusive designer items).

Soap

In the town there is a popular soap of the Klaus Porto brand, the production of which began back in 1887. At the same time, it contains only natural ingredients, and each bar is very beautifully packaged. The price of pleasure is from 1500 rubles.

Local entertainment and places of interest

Chapel

Nazaré is one of the visiting cards of the country, its central part is located on Cape Cityu, which is often depicted on souvenir postcards. Here, on a sheer cliff, the chapel of Hermida da Memoria was built. It was erected in honor of one of the miracles that the Mother of God created. Of course, this is a legend, but believe it or not, this is a purely personal opinion.

If you wish, you can order a tour on off-road vehicles and off-road vehicles around the outskirts of the town. In a few hours it is convenient to see most of the historical places of Nazare, to understand its culture, to touch history. The cost of the tour includes lunch in a restaurant, after a great time.

Sanctuary

Other interesting and noteworthy places in Nazare are the sanctuary called Nossa Señora da Nazare, built in the 17th century, and the museum dedicated to Joaquim Mance. On the far outskirts of the cape is another attraction, which is five hundred years old. It is called Fort Sau Miguel Arcanjo. This fort was built at the end of the 16th century. The fortress was ordered to be built by King Sebastian in order to protect the area from pirate attacks and encroachments of the Algerians. Much later, the peasants in this place drove away Napoleon's imperial army with pitchforks.

Museums

If you have time, then take it to the local ethnographic museum or museum of religious art. You should also pay attention to the museum of the fisherman. In these museums you can see items that tell about the centuries-old history of Nazaré, about the traditional national costume, the usual life of a fisherman. In the religious museum, you will find an exhibition of paintings, statues and some historical documents that tell about the peculiarities of the religious life of this area over the centuries.

The fisherman's museum is recognized as the most significant cultural institution in the city. Here, the life and life of representatives of this dangerous and ancient profession are recreated in the smallest detail.

Kitchen

Nazaré can be mentally divided into upper and lower parts. Below you will find a large beach with a picturesque promenade. There are many fish restaurants where you can taste national Portuguese dishes. There are also many small shops where you can buy souvenirs and gifts for friends and relatives. And in the upper part of the village are the main historical sights.

National cuisine in general can be called Mediterranean cuisine. Popular ingredients: wines, olive oil and bread. Regardless of the supermarket, these products will be of high quality.

Fish

The pride of the Portuguese is baked bakalau cod, which is a symbol of the country. The dish is served with sauce, cornbread, potatoes, olives. The fish is also grilled. Fragrant odors are carried throughout the area. The fish goes with rice and vegetables.

Feijoada

One of the most popular Portuguese dishes is Feijoada, which is stewed beans with stew, to which smoked meat and sausage are added. It should be understood that in each institution this dish is prepared differently, and it may slightly differ in taste.

Kaldu verde

Fans of first courses should opt for a delicious soup with paprika, olive oil and smoked Portuguese sausage.

giblets

For the Portuguese, dishes with offal, pig ears and even a cow's hoof are considered very tasty. Despite its unique ingredients, this dish has its own history. In the fourteenth century, the inhabitants had to deny themselves in order to fully provide food for sailors traveling to Africa. The meat had to be given to them, and only the offal was left, from which a delicious dish was obtained.

pastel de nata

For those with a sweet tooth, you should pay attention to cakes with creamy egg cream sprinkled with cinnamon. They are very popular with locals and tourists.

Best establishments

Restaurante Maria Do Mar

This restaurant is ideal for visiting families with children. A cozy place will amaze you from the first time. There is a huge selection of fish dishes, the food is simple and homemade. At the same time, there is a very nice hostess who is attentive to her guests. The portions are huge, so it is advisable to take one for two. Even on weekdays you have to book in advance.

Restaurante A Tasquinha

This excellent restaurant is very popular with tourists. The food here is prepared from high-quality fresh products, so there are always a lot of visitors here. Polite staff to order main courses and desserts. You can visit with the whole family.

Beaches

As we have already noted, the beach in Nazare is distinguished by its beauty and convenience for water sports. It was here that Hawaiian surfer Harry McNamaru set a world record by conquering a wave whose height was 34 meters. The highest waves here form during the winter months. Therefore, it is at this time that surfers from all over the world come here.

The reason for the formation of such high waves is very simple. Right in front of the village, something resembling a canyon formed in the ocean. Undercurrents, reaching this canyon, push the water out. In this case, giant waves are formed.

The best and most convenient way to admire the surfers is at Cape Cityu. Even if you do not burn with the desire to go sailing on a board on your own, watching this riot of life is also a great pleasure. In addition, you can breathe the air of the Atlantic Ocean filled with iodine.

Safety

In a small European town, you should not expect a dirty trick, robberies, attacks. But it is worth remembering that people are different, and carefully monitor your valuable things. Only the waves on the beach can be unsafe. Therefore, I go for a walk, do not put bags near the wave. To swim comfortably and safely, you need to familiarize yourself with the tide schedule on the beach in advance. But small children should always be kept in sight.

On the beaches there is always a coast guard that will come to the rescue in case of danger.

This resort will appeal to both active people and those who plan to take a break from civilization. Everything is perfect here: sandy beaches with an ideal relief for swimming and sunbathing, a warm welcome from the residents, and delicious dishes. The warm coast of Nazare is a great place to take a break from the noisy bustle and relax, stock up on positive emotions for a long time. And, of course, Nazare is a great place for intrepid surfers.

Somewhere halfway between the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, and the most beautiful Porto, a small fishing Nazare village. And perhaps this place would have gone unnoticed if it weren’t for two circumstances that distinguish Nazaré from other Portuguese outskirts: firstly, the Virgin Mary herself is considered the patron of the village, and secondly, the highest waves for surfing in the world are seen here !

And here, as in all of Portugal, there is simply no winter, which makes Nazare ideal for visiting all year round.

How to get there

Nazare is located in the Leiria district on the Atlantic coast, one and a half hours from Lisbon and two from Porto. Bus lines in Portugal are quite well developed, and the cheapest way to get to Nazare is by bus. A ticket from Lisbon costs about 12 euros. little trick: if you are still asked for documents when buying alcohol or cigarettes, feel free to say at the checkout that you are a student. Documents do not need to be presented, and a discount on travel is given to people under 29 years old. Thus, the price of a ticket from Lisbon will be 9 euros. The bus arrives at Nazare station, which is located a minute's walk from the great and roaring Atlantic Ocean and the city's main waterfront.

Entertainment

Nazare… How many times this word is pronounced by all the advanced surfers of the planet in the hope of conquering its waves at least once. Athletes are literally ready to offer prayers to this village, because it is here that tall waves are recorded every year, which only the most desperate surfers are able to conquer. It's all about in the Nazare submarine canyon, reaching five kilometers in depth and several hundred kilometers long, generating some of the highest waves in the world. 30 meters of raging elements escaping from the depths of the Atlantic can easily swallow a person - in case of the slightest mistake.

But is it capable of stopping the hot hearts of surfers in pursuit of a big wave? The answer is obvious: No. Hundreds of adventurers come here every year. But one of them is especially famous. Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara became famous in 2011 when he conquered a wave 24 meters high. And then, in 2013, he surpassed himself and set a new world record by taming a wave over 30 meters high (this, for a minute, is the height of a ten-story building). For this, he was awarded the Billabong XXL Global BigWave Award.

Otherwise, Nazare (by the way, named after Nazareth) is a fairly typical Portuguese village. It is exceptionally cozy, colorful, with good-natured residents and lovely restaurants on the shore. Its ancient and impossibly narrow streets invite you to walk along the dazzlingly beautiful beach on the Atlantic coast.

Sights in Nazare

In fact, the city is divided into upper and lower. The lower part is replete with restaurants and hotels and will offer any visitor its luxurious beach several kilometers long with stunning ocean views. Here it is most convenient to stop for the night, have a bite to eat or just take a walk along the winding lanes. Of the sights of the lower city, only old fishing and rescue boats built in the early 19th century, exhibited right on the beach. They also offer souvenirs, which are a little cheaper than in the upper part of the city.

Cityu rock

After walking along the embankment, take the funicular (the only public transport in the city) and climb to the top of the rocky cliff Cityu (Sitio)- the oldest part of the city. Having risen and exited the funicular, first of all turn right and walk just a few meters. And you will see something that will make your heart jump out of your chest, and especially impressionable natures will cry with happiness. And this is quite understandable, given the unimaginable beauty of the panorama that opens before you! The 318 meters high cliff offers the most famous view in all of Portugal. The entire lower city will stretch out before you, framed by a wide edge of the crescent-shaped beach and washed by the endless waters of the Atlantic. Ah, this view can be enjoyed for hours.

Church of Our Lady

After admiring the views of the city and completing the contemplation of the landscape, you can head deep into the old city. Here everything is located literally two steps away, the village is quite small. The first thing that catches your eye is the big Church of Our Lady (Santuario de Nossa Senhora da Nazare). It was built at the end of the 14th century by order of King Ferdinand XIV, when the city chapel could no longer accommodate everyone. But to our time, there is no trace of that building, because the church was rebuilt several times, the last of them - in the 17th century - fundamentally changed the appearance of the church.

Chapel of Capela da Memoria

The Capela da Memória chapel opposite the church has an interesting legend. According to legend, in its place, the Mother of God saved the 12th-century Portuguese king Don Fuas Rupinho, when he nearly fell off a cliff into an abyss during a hunt on a foggy morning. As a sign of this miracle, he built a chapel of Remembrance here, in which pilgrims began to arrive from all over Europe. The chapel has been standing here for more than 900 years, and since its construction it has hardly changed. To this day, this tiny building is the main attraction of Nazaré. And the townspeople will be happy to show on the observation deck of Cityu the footprint allegedly left by the horseshoe of the royal horse on that very foggy morning in 1182.

Fisherman's House Museum (Casa museu do pescador)

Nazare is not just a fishing village. This is the main fishing village of the country! And that's why it even has its own Fisherman's House-Museum (Casa museu do pescador). In it you can find out how fishermen lived in the 16th century, what boats they used, how they fished and what they did with their catch.

Perhaps the most striking attraction of Nazare are ... grandmothers. Yes, local old women, wearing seven colorful skirts in the old fashioned way, although they don’t understand a word of English, nevertheless manage to successfully sell fried nuts, sweets and fish. Do not spare a few euros and buy some nuts or delicious pastries, and then she will gladly take a selfie with you or just pose for your camera.

Delicious food – Nazare Cuisine

After looking around the central square and walking around the narrow winding nooks and crannies of Cityu, it's time to have a bite to eat. And the best that Nazaré has to offer is, of course, all kinds of seafood. Here you can easily taste many types of fish, king prawns, lobsters, lobsters, octopuses and other marine reptiles. Prices fluctuate within the "moderately". So, a portion of shrimp can cost 10-15 euros, for a kilogram crab they will ask 20-25 euros, for a lobster get ready to pay about 60 euros. But you can be sure that sea delicacies are the most delicious here, and if you want to try lobster, then you will not find a better place in Portugal.

And if you want something sweet, you can always go to a cafe and have coffee with a local pasta cake. This famous puff pastry with egg custard is fabulously delicious and original! And if you have not tried pasta while in Portugal, then you must do this by all means.

Souvenirs

If Nazaré leaves an indelible mark on your heart and you want to bring a souvenir to remember, take a look at the tiny street Rua do Cirio da Prata Grande near the Chapel of Remembrance. Here you will see a nice old man who makes wooden boats with his own hands, the very ones that stand on the beach of the lower city. He paints them by hand, which guarantees the exclusivity of the souvenir. That's exactly where the product is made in Portugal. Prices for a boat - from 7 euros.

In addition, good handmade souvenirs are also sold at the market in the upper town of Cityu. Among the proposals are wool brocades and capes, various wardrobe items, hats, wool socks, slippers and other decorative items. True, the prices can be a little high, and often a similar souvenir can be bought a little cheaper in the lower part of Nazare.

Thanks to its mild climate, Portuguese fishing tradition and incomparable beauty, Nazare Beach can easily be added to the must-visit list. In the summer, the beaches here are flooded with tourists and the restaurants are crowded, so you won't have any questions about what to do here. In the rest of the year, you can come here for a day or two to see the sights and see desperate surfers in endless attempts to conquer the big wave.

Look at the views of Nazare - we are sure that you will not remain indifferent.

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The pretty seaside resort town of Nazare is located on the west coast of Portugal. During the summer it is always crowded with tourists who flock to the long sandy beaches to relax, swim and sunbathe. But when winter comes, only the most serious thrill seekers stay here. At this time, the beaches of Nazare are dangerous. Large waves up to 30 meters high regularly roll along the rocky coastline.

The monster waves of Nazare attract surfers from all over the world, but until recently, the surfing potential of these places was little known outside of Europe. Nazaré only made headlines in November 2011 when Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara surfed a record-breaking 24m giant wave from base to crest. In January 2013, McNamara returned to Nazaré and broke his own record by surmounting a 30m high wave. In October of that year, Brazilian hero Carlos Berl rode a wave that seemed even bigger. Nazare on the Atlantic coast has become a legendary place in the world of big surf.


Where do waves of colossal size appear here with such regularity? The answer lies in Nazaré's rare underwater geography. Near the coast is the largest underwater gorge in Europe - Nazare Canyon. This huge canyon stretches for 200 kilometers from the deep plain of the Atlantic Ocean almost to the very coastline, pointing at the city like an arrow. At its deepest point, the canyon floor drops almost 5 kilometers below the surface, rising sharply near the coast of Praia, where the biggest waves were recorded.


Giant winter North Atlantic storms focus all their strength on Nazar. Their energy is channeled through a narrow canyon in the same way that a magnifying glass focuses the sun's energy into a small point on paper. Near the coastline, the seabed rises sharply, so large waves appear quite suddenly. Right off the coast, the sea becomes shallow enough to stop the giant waves. All other favorite surf spots have a similar underwater geography.