Best things to do in Nazare

Big waves and wide sandy swaths make Praia da Nazare one of the most popular spots along the country's Atlantic coastline. Due to its geography and strong ocean currents, this beach often sees monster breakers in excess of 20 m (78 ft), a huge draw for some of the world's top surfers. In addition to record-breaking waves, the beach offers easy access to the nearby town of Nazare, a busy tourist resort packed with trendy shops and award-winning seafood restaurants. The current is extremely strong here, even on calm days, so watch out for the really big swells, and keep an eye on the weakest swimmers in your party.

Resting atop a seaside cliff, O Sitio presents a collection of religious buildings and is a hugely popular site for pilgrims from around the globe. Hitch a ride on the funicular, or hike your way up to the summit, where you'll find medieval fortifications, 17th-century churches, and modern shrines. Wander the courtyards and plazas surrounded by ornate structures, basilicas, and statues. Feel free to stop in and pay your respects at one of the many chapels. Be sure to walk over to the edge of the rocky outcropping, which sits 110 m (361 ft) above the ocean for a view of the sea and coastline.

Discover the quaint, medieval Obidos Village, which is encircled by castle walls. This romantic village is nicknamed the Wedding Present Town because it was a gift from King Dinis to his new wife in 1282. The entire village is a National Monument and is known as an extremely well-preserved example of medieval architecture. Stroll among its charming squares, cobblestone streets, and colorful homes. Visit the town museum, Santa Maria church, Misericordia church, and Amoreira aqueduct.

Praia do Norte (‘North Beach’) is a beach located in Nazaré, Portugal, which due to its giant white breaking waves is famed for its surfing conditions. Nazaré's waves were listed on the Guinness Book of Records for the biggest waves ever surfed.

Thanks to its combination of elements from both Gothic and Manueline architectural styles, Batalha Monastery earned the status of World Heritage Site in 1983. Erected in honor of a 14th century battle between the kingdoms of Portugal and Castile, the limestone building features highly decorated pinnacles, flying buttresses, and balustrades. But, like all Dominican churches, it has no bell tower. Once inside, look at the stained-glass windows and the ornate tombs of King John I and his wife, Philippa of Lancaster. Stop by the southern wall of the abbey's main chapel to see the tomb of Henry the Navigator, a major figure of 15th century politics and the father of the so-called Age of Discoveries.

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré is an imposing church located on the hilltop O Sitio overlooking Nazaré, Portugal.According to the Legend of Nazaré the sheriff (alcaide) of Porto de Mós, Dom Fuas Roupinho, maybe a templar, was chasing on horseback a deer up a hilltop on a misty September morning in 1182 (later it was said that it was the devil, in the disguise of a deer). When the deer jumped over the edge of the hilltop into the void, his fiery horse was about to follow. Then the knight invoked the intervention of the Madonna, who made the horse turn away through a supernatural effort and saved the life of the knight. Subsequently, a chapel A Ermida da Memoria, was built very near this spot, over a grotto where stood a small statue of a Black Madonna, brought from Nazareth. Near the chapel one can see the imprint of the horseshoe in the rock.The church, founded in the 14th century, was rebuilt in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Semicircular steps lead to a Baroque portal under two square bell towers. The façade has gallery-like extensions.The profusely decorated gilded apse shows the small statue of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré in a lit niche above the main altar, flanked by twisted columns. Above the crossing of the single nave with the transept is a cupola and a lantern. They are all vaulted by a gilt coffer ceiling.

Spiritual travelers and history fans come to Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Rosario de Fatima, where it is believed the first of six apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Portugal occurred. This church, along with a grouping of Roman Catholic structures at the same site, serve as a national monument and sanctuary for religious pilgrimages. The basilica honors the recorded sightings in 1916 of an angel believed to be the Virgin Mary. Join the many others who come to this site because of its spiritual presence, historical curiosities, and architectural intrigue. You can go inside the church to see the carillon of 62 bells and stained-glass windows depicting the events of the Marian apparitions at Fátima.