Nazaré is blessed with magnificent light, pleasing sun, fine white sand and hospitable locals. The seven colourful skirts worn by Nazaré women have been worn since the days when they used to wait for their husbands to return from the day’s fishing trip. But today the town is defined more by the waves that attract surfers and body-boarders and the beautiful underwater landscapes that attract divers.

The lovely cove is protected by high cliffs, atop which the Sítio da Nazaré – reachable by lift – offers a memorable view. At the Miradouro do Suberco (Suberco Belvedere), lose yourself in the spectacular view of the sea, the beach and the line of houses.

Here, legend and religion combine in the Nossa Senhora da Nazaré sect.

Getting to know Nazaré means strolling through the narrow streets that run perpendicular to the beach, entering the restaurants and savouring the aroma of seafood, freshly grilled fish and the tasty caldeirada. At the end of the afternoon, enjoy the setting sun at any one of Nazaré’s esplanades and wait for the lights to flicker on and the town’s lively nightlife to begin.