Nazaré Beaches

Overview

Nazaré offers a unique blend of dramatic coastal scenery and traditional Portuguese charm, making it much more than just the home of giant waves. While world-famous for the colossal surf that pounds Praia do Norte, Nazaré also boasts a classic European beach holiday experience. The town itself is dramatically split by the Sítio headland, a towering cliff offering stunning viewpoints and separating the town's two distinct coastal personalities.

Nestled directly in front of the vibrant town, Praia da Nazaré is the heart of traditional beach life. This long, sweeping bay is sheltered by the headland and harbour, offering generally calmer waters, especially during summer. It's a place bustling with colourful striped beach tents, sunbathers, and families enjoying the sand and the refreshing Atlantic waters, though caution is always advised. This beach embodies Nazaré's fishing heritage and provides a lively atmosphere suitable for a more conventional beach day.

North of the Sítio headland lies the legendary Praia do Norte. Exposed to the full force of the Atlantic and the unique underwater Nazaré Canyon, this beach is where surfers challenge record-breaking waves, particularly from autumn to winter. While it offers vast stretches of sand for relaxing in summer when waves are smaller, its powerful currents make it generally unsuitable for casual swimming. It's a wilder, more natural setting, perfect for witnessing the raw power of the ocean.

Beyond these two famous stretches, Nazaré's coastline offers further variety. Nearby Praia de São Martinho do Porto provides a sheltered, shell-shaped bay with exceptionally calm waters, perfect for families. For those seeking tranquility and space, the expansive sands of Praia do Salgado stretch south of town, offering a quieter escape. Explore our full guide to discover even more beaches in this captivating region of Portugal.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Nazaré actually a good place for a typical beach holiday, or is it just about the giant waves?

Nazaré offers both. While world-famous for the giant waves at Praia do Norte (mainly in autumn/winter), the main town beach, Praia da Nazaré, is a long, sandy bay protected by the harbour and headland. In summer, it's much calmer and popular for sunbathing, swimming (with caution), and enjoying the traditional beach atmosphere, making it suitable for a more typical beach holiday.

Praia da Nazaré

Praia do Norte

Is Nazaré suitable for a family beach holiday with young children?

Yes, Nazaré can be suitable for families, particularly during summer. The main town beach, Praia da Nazaré, is vast and sandy with calmer waters near the harbour end compared to the open ocean or Praia do Norte. It offers amenities, lifeguard supervision (in season), and traditional beach tent rentals. However, parents should always supervise children closely due to Atlantic currents. Praia do Norte is generally unsuitable for children's swimming.

Praia da Nazaré

Praia do Norte

Can you actually swim safely at the beaches in Nazaré?

Swimming safety varies significantly. Praia da Nazaré (the main town beach) is generally considered safer for swimming, especially during summer months and closer to the harbour, although Atlantic waters require caution (check flags and conditions). Praia do Norte is famous for its dangerous waves and strong currents and is generally unsafe for swimming, especially for average beachgoers.

Praia da Nazaré

Praia do Norte

What's the difference between Praia da Nazaré and Praia do Norte?

Praia da Nazaré is the main town beach, located directly in front of Nazaré town. It's a long, wide sandy beach, sheltered by the harbour and Sítio headland, making it calmer and suitable for sunbathing and swimming (in summer, with caution). Praia do Norte (North Beach) is north of the headland, exposed to the open Atlantic and the Nazaré Canyon, creating the famous giant waves. It's primarily known for surfing and spectating, not casual swimming.

Praia da Nazaré

Praia do Norte

North Beach

What's the best area to stay in Nazaré for easy beach access?

For direct access to the main swimming and sunbathing beach (Praia da Nazaré), staying in the lower town ('Vila') along the beachfront avenue or nearby streets is ideal. For proximity to the viewpoint for Praia do Norte's waves and a different atmosphere, staying in Sítio (the upper town on the headland) is a good option, accessible via the funicular.

Praia da Nazaré

Praia do Norte

Which beach in Nazaré is better for swimming and sunbathing?

Praia da Nazaré, the main town beach, is much better and generally safer for swimming (always check conditions) and sunbathing. It has calmer waters, especially in summer, lifeguard services (in season), amenities, and space to relax. Praia do Norte's powerful waves and currents make it unsuitable for casual swimming.

Praia da Nazaré

Praia do Norte

When is the best time to see the giant waves at Praia do Norte?

The giant wave season typically runs from October to March. This is when the Atlantic storms generate the massive swells that interact with the underwater Nazaré Canyon. You need specific swell and wind conditions, so checking surf forecasts is essential before visiting specifically to see them.

Praia do Norte

Is Praia do Norte only for watching giant waves, or can you sunbathe there too?

While famous for giant waves (in autumn/winter), Praia do Norte is also a vast, wild sandy beach where people do sunbathe and relax, especially during the summer when the waves are much smaller. However, it has fewer amenities than Praia da Nazaré, and swimming is generally discouraged due to strong currents even when waves are small.

Praia do Norte

Praia da Nazaré

What are the colourful striped tents on Nazaré beach?

These are traditional beach tents ('barracas') that families rent, often for weeks or the whole summer season. They are a distinctive cultural feature of Praia da Nazaré, providing shade and a social hub on the beach. You can usually rent them daily or weekly.

Praia da Nazaré

How do you get to Praia do Norte from Nazaré town?

Praia do Norte is located north of the Sítio headland. You can drive there (there's parking near the fort and along the access road), walk up the headland or take the funicular ('Ascensor da Nazaré') from the town centre up to Sítio, and then walk about 15-20 minutes down towards the lighthouse (Farol) and the beach viewpoint.

Praia do Norte

What's the water temperature like for swimming in Nazaré?

The Atlantic water in Nazaré is generally cold, even in summer. Average sea temperatures typically range from about 15°C (59°F) in winter to a peak of around 19-20°C (66-68°F) in late summer (August/September). It's refreshing but definitely not warm like the Mediterranean.

Are there any quieter beaches near Nazaré?

Yes, while Nazaré's main beaches can be busy, you can find quieter spots. South of Nazaré, Praia do Salgado is a very long, wilder beach often less crowded. North of Praia do Norte, the coastline continues with more remote stretches, though access can be more difficult.

Praia do Salgado

Praia do Norte

How does Nazaré compare to the Algarve for beaches?

Nazaré offers a traditional Portuguese fishing town atmosphere with a large town beach (Praia da Nazaré) and the unique spectacle of Praia do Norte. The water is colder, and the waves can be stronger than in the Algarve. The Algarve generally has warmer water, numerous cove beaches alongside longer stretches, and a more developed resort infrastructure focused purely on beach tourism.

Praia da Nazaré

Praia do Norte