Nazare Attractions
The particularly picturesque little fishing town of Nazaré (Altitude: 0-110m/0-360f) has drawn increasing numbers of visitors in recent years because of its good beaches and the still genuinely colorful life and activity of its fisherfolk. It is now one of the most popular seaside towns on this part of Portugal's Atlantic coast, or the Costa de Prata as it is known.
Nazaré is believed to have been founded by the Phoenicians. It is on what used to be a bay, but which is now silted up, sheltered on the north by Monte Sítio. The harbor has been reconstructed relatively recently, doing away with the need to push the brightly painted local boats, with their high pointed prows, into the water from the beach by hand, and then, on their return, using oxen to haul them up on shore again to be unloaded by the waiting women and the fishermen. Another fishing method was arte xávega, whereby nets were laid offshore then hauled in from the beach. Since this no longer pays its way, tourists have to content themselves with the traditional fish auctions that take place daily on the return of the fishermen.
Townscape
Nazaré has no historic buildings, and what makes a visit a lasting experience is solely the lively, colorful activity of its people and the singular sense of being in a little town imbued with tradition. Although the building of the harbor has meant the fishing activity is more in the southern part of town, tourists still share the sizable beach with fishermen drying their catch on wire racks. It is quite crowded at the weekends when day trippers flock here from Lisbon, Coimbra and Oporto.
Nazaré is believed to have been founded by the Phoenicians. It is on what used to be a bay, but which is now silted up, sheltered on the north by Monte Sítio. The harbor has been reconstructed relatively recently, doing away with the need to push the brightly painted local boats, with their high pointed prows, into the water from the beach by hand, and then, on their return, using oxen to haul them up on shore again to be unloaded by the waiting women and the fishermen. Another fishing method was arte xávega, whereby nets were laid offshore then hauled in from the beach. Since this no longer pays its way, tourists have to content themselves with the traditional fish auctions that take place daily on the return of the fishermen.
Townscape
Nazaré has no historic buildings, and what makes a visit a lasting experience is solely the lively, colorful activity of its people and the singular sense of being in a little town imbued with tradition. Although the building of the harbor has meant the fishing activity is more in the southern part of town, tourists still share the sizable beach with fishermen drying their catch on wire racks. It is quite crowded at the weekends when day trippers flock here from Lisbon, Coimbra and Oporto.
Sítio View
An excellent view is to be had from the district of Sítio (110m/360ft) on the small promontory of Monte Sítio, reached by car, by funicular, or by walking up the steps of the Ladeira de Sítio.
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Costume
For special occasions and for the folk dance displays laid on by the tourist information center the people of Nazaré still wear their characteristic traditional costumes. The fishermen have check shirts, trousers in a different check, and black stocking caps, used like a purse for money, etc. The women's costume is covered in lace and has wide bouffant skirts with up to seven petticoats.
Nossa Senhora de Nazaré
Opposite the Capela da Memória is the 17th C. pilgrimage chapel of Nossa Senhora de Nazaré, containing an image of the Virgin which is revered as miraculous. The annual pilgrimages here on August 15 and in the second week of September attract visitors from near and far.
Sao Martinho do Porto, Portugal
(Near Nazare)
About 12km/7.5mi south of Nazaré, on the northeast side of a narrow sheltered bay, rather like a lake and known as "concha" (conch shell), because of its unusual shape, is the little seaside resort of Sao Martinho do Porto, much favored by families with small children.
Sao Miguel
Some 500m/550yd west of Nossa Senhora de Nazaré is the old Fort of Sao Miguel, now a lighthouse.
View
In the Pederneira district in the lower part of the town the square in front of the 16th C. church of the Misericórdia has a fine view over the beach towards Monte Sítio.
