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.
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