Activities
Beaches
Praia do Norte
This is the world famous big wave surfing beach. Garret McNamara surfed a 100ft world record wave here. Andrew Cotton, UK’s most famous big wave rider holds a fantastic surf fitness retreat here. Andy was the Jet Ski pilot on Garret McNamara’s world breaking wave ride. Follow this link for more info about the surfing competitions and dates at Praia do Norte
Apart from the surfing, this is a very large beautiful sandy beach where you can go for long walks, get away from the crowds, relax and find some well deserved solitude. Have a look for yourself on the live beach cam.
Whilst you’re there a visit to the Fort at São Miguel Arcanjo that overlooks the beach is also well worth a visit.
Nazare
Alternatively for a more vibrant holiday beach take the Funicular Railway down to Nazaré beach.
There are a couple of Drone flight films (Film 1, Film 2) of the area.
Other Activities
Other activities available locally are boat tours, water sports, scuba, snorkelling, water skiing, jet skiing, dolphin and whale watching, as well as fishing tours, these can be found at Atlantic Safaris.
There are some breathtaking walks in the area.
Or why not rent an electric bike from Emotion and pedal cycle routes around Nazaré.
Horse riding is available from North Canyon Horses.
Alternatively, explore the beautiful and famous fishing port of Nazaré.
Of course for a lazy day simply hang out in the Sítio da Nazaré’s main square and watch the world go by!
This is a popular Portuguese Holiday destination with plenty to do.
There is a wide selection of great restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. Also worth a visit is the Municipal Market of Nazaré for a great selection of locally caught fish and produce located at Av. Vieira Guimarães, 2450-000 Nazaré. This is open till 1.00pm.
Events
Festo do Mar
Usually held on the first Sunday in May, this sea based festival features a parade of floats dedicated to local patron saints and a procession of decorated boats that leave the harbour and heads out to sea across Nazaré’s beachfront to the rock and back.
Praia do Norte Big Wave Surf Competition
The window for this world class surfing competition is October to March, and the action takes place when the waves are at their biggest.
Nossa Senhora da Nazaré
This annual religious pilgrimage is held in Sítio on 8 September and celebrations continue until 24 September. It has a religious Mass in the local church Hermitage of Our Lady of Nazareth Church and a procession of the image of Our Lady in the streets of Sítio de Nazaré.
As Nazaré’s big religious festival, it also features processions, folkloric dances and, or course, plenty of food
Carnaval da Nazaré
The traditional carnival in Nazaré takes place on the beach front annually in February or March.
Eating out
The area is famous for its food, especially seafood, here are our favourites, but there are plenty more to chose from…
Fonte Mar
Closest to us is Fonte Mar, a fantastically friendly, family-run local with fresh seafood situated in a picturesque square in the heart of Sítio de Nazaré. (A mere 20 seconds walk from the house).
Tia Caia
A couple of minutes walk from the house is Tia Caia which has a delicious selection of meats and some seriously fine wines.
Casa Sana
Casa Sana in Nazaré – great food place for vegetarian and vegan food.
Bar Taberna Afficion
a very friendly bar for locals and tourists which serves food with amazing views over Nazaré. Excellent spot for a sunset.
Casa Santos
Casa Santos is a great Seafood place in Nazaré, long established family run place with amazing shellfish.
Sítio at the Nazaré Ice Cream Shop
The best ice cream can be found in Sítio at the Nazaré Ice Cream Shop can be found at R. 25 de Abril, Sítio de Nazaré 2450-065 Portugal.
Restaurant Celeste
Restaurant Celeste in Nazaré is another fantastic place, famed for its seafood, and is one of McNamara’s favourite eating spots.