On the second leg of our Portuguese adventure, my wife, our boys, and I bid farewell to the vibrant streets of Porto and embarked on a scenic two-hour drive to the picturesque town of Nazaré. Arriving in Nazaré was nothing short of a highlight, and while the quest for parking had been a recurring challenge in Lisbon and Porto, we were happy to find a parking structure called Parque de Estacionamento Cândido dos Reis, nestled conveniently in the heart of town. Our week in Nazaré unfolded with visits to the bustling Mercado Municipal, where we savored a wide array of fresh produce, pastries, and Pastel de nata – a beloved Portuguese egg custard pastry.
A short stroll from our AirBnb was Av. Da Republica, a bustling avenue that ran parallel to the scenic Praia da Nazaré, a breathtaking public beach, offered us not only an opportunity to hunt for souvenirs but also a delightful gastronomic experience. The abundance of seaside restaurants with panoramic ocean views beckoned, and establishments like Tabernassa, A Celeste, and Adega Oceano became our go-to spots for mouthwatering meals. Av. Da Republica also tempted us with ample opportunities to acquire mementos of our unforgettable journey, and a sweet conclusion to our culinary escapades was a visit to Gelatomania Nazare, where we indulged in some amazing gelato.
The boys were utterly fascinated by the charming old fishing boats that graced the golden sands of Praia da Nazaré, lending an extra layer of charm to this coastal gem.
Our Nazaré adventure reached new heights as we hopped aboard the Ascensor da Nazaré, a funicular cable car, which effortlessly transported us to the awe-inspiring cliffs of Nazaré and the historic Promontorio do Sitio, the ancient town above Nazaré. Here, we explored the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth, a 14th-century church steeped in history.
Venturing further along the coast, we encountered the mesmerizing Veado, a 21-foot statue depicting a man with a deer head and a surfboard, a captivating fusion of a 12th-century legend, Christianity, and the exhilarating world of big wave surfing.
Our journey towards the ocean brought us to the iconic Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, a fortress originally constructed in 1577 at the edge of the point. This historic landmark now boasts a lighthouse added in 1903 and is renowned as a prime vantage point for Praia do Norte, where the largest waves in the world come to life. Surfing enthusiasts will find Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo a true pilgrimage site, as the belly of the fort houses a surf museum adorned with a captivating surfer wall adorned with boards from legendary figures such as Kai Lenny, Lucas Chianca, Jamie Mitchell, Justine Dupont, Garrett McNamara, Ross Clark-Jones, Sebastian Steudtner, Mike Stewart, Pedro Scooby, and many more.
As we bid a bittersweet farewell to Nazaré, we carry with us a treasure trove of unforgettable memories. From the scenic drive to the bustling Mercado Municipal, the pristine Praia da Nazaré, and the historical wonders of Ascensor da Nazaré and Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, each moment has left an indelible mark on our hearts. With eager anticipation and hearts full of gratitude for the remarkable experiences in this picturesque corner of Portugal, we now look forward to our next destination: the vibrant city of Lisbon.
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