Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Even with its summer crowds, Nazaré is a fun stop that offers a glimpse of old Portugal
amid the tourists. Somehow the traditions survive, and the townspeople are able to go
about their old-school ways. Wander the back streets for a fine look at Portuguese family-
in-the-street life. Laundry flaps in the wind, kids play soccer, and fish sizzle over tiny
curbside hibachis. Squadrons of sun-dried and salted fish are crucified on nets pulled
tightly around wooden frames and left under the midday sun. (Locals claim they are de-
lightful...but I don't know.) Off-season Nazaré is almost empty of tourists—inexpensive,
colorful, and relaxed, with enough salty fishing-village atmosphere to make you pucker.
Nazaré doesn't have any blockbuster sights. The beach, tasty seafood, and the funicu-
lar ride up to Sítio for a great coastal view are the bright lights of my lazy Nazaré memor-
ies.
Plan some beach time here. Sharing a bottle of chilled
vinho verde
(young white wine,
a specialty of Portugal) on the beach at sundown is a good way to wrap up the day.
Nazaré faces its long beach, stretching north from the new harbor to Sítio (SEE-tee-oh),
the hill-capping old part of town. Survey the town from Avenida da República, which
