Each Saturday afternoon during the summer months you can sit on the seawall to watch the “Arte Xávega” spectacle, as nets laden with fish are dragged in from the sea
Bygone Times
Nazaré is perhaps Portugal’s most famous fishing village. Even today many locals still wear their traditional outfits: checked shirts and trousers for the men; several layers of petticoats for the women. The fishing boats are delightfully colourful too, with eyes painted on their sides that have the power to avert storms.
You can swim, surf, or watch the fishermen at work along Nazaré’s sandy half-moon beach, which is packed with multicoloured cocktail umbrellas over the summer months. In the town itself, a warren of cobbled streets channel you between outstanding seafood restaurants and local bars. With its natural beauty and ancient traditions, it’s no wonder Nazaré has long been a favourite summer retreat for the Portuguese.
The Legend of Nazaré
Legend has it that the town’s name is derived from another, distant place: Nazareth. During the 4th century a small wooden statue of the Virgin Mary - a Black Madonna - was brought to a monastery near Mérida in Spain from Nazareth. In 711, following the Moorish invasion of Iberia, the statue was brought to Nazaré by another monk, Romano, accompanied by Roderic, the defeated Visigoth King.
They lived as hermits in Sítio, a cliff spot 316m above the town. Even after their deaths, the statue lay there for centuries, bringing miracles and bestowing its name on the town, before the beautiful Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Church was built on the site. Today you can visit the holy spot, either using the funicular, or by foot, if you’re feeling brave.
Making Waves
Centuries down the line, Nazaré is famous for a rather different reason: huge, huge waves. In November 2011 Garret McNamara rode a 23.8m wave here, setting a world record. These freakishly high breaking waves are a result of the underwater Nazaré Canyon and the constructive interference it creates between incoming swell waves. You don’t need to take a dip yourself — enjoy a vicarious thrill watching the lunatics risking their lives.
If you wish to make the journey from Lisbon to Porto and see more of Portugal along the way, our private transfer with three sightseeing stops is a wonderful way to do it. Our experienced professional drivers will ensure a smooth trip, navigating the local roads with ease while you sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. This experience includes hassle-free pick-up and drop-off, so your driver will come directly to your Lisbon hotel or even pick you up straight from the airport. Either way, you and your luggage will be in safe hands while you travel in a comfortable and modern vehicle reserved exclusively for you and your travel companions.
The first stop on the journey will be the Obidós, a remarkably well-preserved medieval walled town perched on a hilltop. You will have around an hour to wander its picturesque streets and admire the Moorish castle that dates back to the 8th Century. It is also the birthplace of Ginja, a rich cherry liqueur traditionally served in a tiny chocolate cup, so it’s well worth seeking out a local bar to have a taste.
Once you leave Obidós behind, your next stop will be Nazaré, one of Portugal’s most distinctive coastal towns. This former quiet fishing village has gained worldwide fame in recent years for having the world's largest surfable waves that can reach up to 100ft high. You will have another hour to explore the town, now a mecca for surfers, and take in incredible views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Last but certainly not least, you’ll continue heading north for your final stop in the lovely city of Aveiro. Sitting slightly inland along the Ria de Aveiro lagoon, the city is dubbed the “Venice of Portugal” thanks to its network of canals dotted with colourful wooden boats known as Moliceiros. Once there, you’ll have the chance to wander Aveiro’s picturesque waterways and discover its impressive Art Nouveau architecture.
At the end of your final stop, your driver will be ready and waiting to set off on the last leg of your journey to Porto. Upon arrival, your driver will drop you off at your hotel, airport or another location of your choice in the city centre, leaving you to explore the city or continue onward to your next destination.
Please note: If you have a flight departing from Porto, be sure to account for travel and stop times when selecting your transfer to ensure timely arrival.
Beyond the cosmopolitan capital, there is a whole host of smaller towns and cities that offer a taste of Portugal’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, from sacred sites to dramatic coastlines to remarkably well-preserved medieval enclaves. On this private full-day journey from Lisbon, you’ll have the chance to experience some of the country’s most meaningful and scenic destinations in the company of a knowledgeable local guide, from the spiritual heart of Fátima to the Atlantic views of Nazaré and the charming cobbled streets of Óbidos. Along the way, you’ll also visit the magnificent Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s greatest architectural treasures.
On your private full-day excursion, you will:
Your journey into the heart of Central Portugal begins with pick-up from your accommodation in Lisbon, where you will meet your professional driver-guide and travel north through Portugal’s scenic countryside toward Fátima. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the country’s rich religious and cultural heritage, setting the stage for your first destination.
Upon arrival in Fátima, you’ll make your way to the renowned Sanctuary of Fátima, one of the most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. Here, you’ll explore the vast esplanade and visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, built on the exact spot where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. You’ll also see the elegant Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the newest addition to the site, the vast modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity, designed by prominent Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis and opened to the public in 2007. The peaceful setting offers time to reflect, explore, and appreciate the spiritual importance of this remarkable destination.
Your journey continues to the spectacular Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built to commemorate Portugal’s decisive victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. As you traverse the site, your guide will share the fascinating history behind this national monument and its significance to Portuguese identity. You’ll admire its intricate Gothic and Manueline architecture, ornate decorative elements, and the impressive Unfinished Chapels, where the extraordinary stonework and views of the open sky are truly stunning.
Next, you’ll head toward the rugged Atlantic coast to the picturesque town of Nazaré, famous for its dramatic cliffs, traditional fishing culture, and record-breaking waves. This makes for an ideal stop for lunch (lunch not included), allowing you to sample fresh seafood at a local restaurant or simply relax while taking in sweeping ocean views. Your guide will be happy to recommend the most authentic eateries, take you on a stroll along the waterfront, or visit a viewpoint overlooking the Atlantic to witness the power of nature as the colossal waves crash upon the shore.
Last but certainly not least, your final stop will be the enchanting medieval village of Óbidos, one of Portugal’s most picturesque destinations. Encircled by well-preserved ancient walls, this charming town invites you to wander through narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, colourful flowers, and a myriad of traditional craft shops. During your visit, you’ll also stop for a tasting of traditional Ginjinha, an emblematic sour cherry liqueur typically served in a small chocolate cup, offering a delightful taste of local tradition.
After a full day of cultural discovery, scenic landscapes, and historic landmarks, you’ll sit back and relax on the comfortable return journey to Lisbon, arriving back at your accommodation with a deeper appreciation of Portugal’s spiritual, architectural, and coastal treasures.
Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.
Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.