Best of Nazaré

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Nazaré
Overlooking a lovely stretch of coastline some 90 minutes north of Lisbon, Nazaré is famed for its expansive, cliff-backed beach that draws sunseekers all summer long. Above the wave-kissed sands, the scent of fresh-grilled seafood tangs the air, with a fine assortment of enticing restaurants along the cobblestone-lined town center. Hard-core surfers hit the sea in the winter when powerful waves reaching heights of over 65 feet (20 meters) roll in just north of town.  

Although the attractions are limited, Nazaré makes a great pit-stop when driving up the coast. The town is also an excellent base for visiting a trio of fabulous UNESCO World Heritage sites in Central Portugal. Previous kimkim travelers have taken insightful guided tours in the Tomar Region, learning about the mysteries surrounding the Convento de Cristo, which was the headquarters of the Knights Templar. Two extraordinary monasteries — Alcobaça and Batalha  —  also make for rewarding day trips from Nazaré. And if you need a break from gazing at Gothic splendor, you can explore off the beaten-path villages like Nisa, which is famed for its sheep milk cheeses, and Portas de Ródão, a breathtaking nature reserve and river gorge.
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Famous for its epic waves, Nazaré is a hotspot for surfers
Map of Lisbon, Porto & Nazaré: Best Itinerary Ideas
Lisbon, Porto & Nazaré: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that eight to nine days are perfect for a well-paced Portugal trip with stops in Lisbon, Porto, and Nazaré. It's possible to hit the highlights in as few as six or seven days if you're okay with a faster-paced journey. Though with more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like the Algarve, Sintra, or Coimbra. Get inspired with the Lisbon, Porto, and Nazaré trip ideas below.

Take the kids to Nazaré
Map of Family Trip to Portugal: Lisbon, Nazaré & Porto - 10 Days
Family Trip to Portugal: Lisbon, Nazaré & Porto - 10 Days

Families with elementary school-aged kids will find plenty of fun on this 10-day tour of Portugal. Break up exploring the major cultural attractions of Lisbon and Porto with some beach time at Nazaré and hiking in Peneda-Gerês National Park. Parents can sit back and relax on chilled-out activities like boat and tuk-tuk tours, while adventurous youngsters will love descending into the mysterious inverted towers of Sintra and exploring the stalactites and stalagmites of the Mira De Aire Caves.

Porto's scenic riverfront
Immersive Portugal: Porto & the North - 12 Days

Get to the heart of Porto and northern Portugal on this unique 12-day itinerary that combines history, gastronomy, and stunning countryside. Starting with a selection of guided tours and day trips, you'll explore Porto's UNESCO-listed city center, sample the best local cuisine, and cruise the Douro River through spectacular wine country. On day six, you'll shift to a more independent itinerary, self-driving your way south through Coimbra, Nazare, and Obidos as you explore the rest of the region's highlights at your own pace.

Stroll along the famous surf of Nazaré
Map of Scenic Portugal Loop: Lisbon, Sintra, Nazaré & Porto - 9 Days
Scenic Portugal Loop: Lisbon, Sintra, Nazaré & Porto - 9 Days

This nine-day itinerary takes you on a scenic journey up the length of Portugal—taking in iconic highlights and some marvelous hidden corners along the way. Hop on Lisbon's traditional trams, discover the postcard-perfect villages of Sintra and Óbidos, and visit coastal Nazaré for fresh seafood and crashing Atlantic surf. After a tasting tour of Porto's incredible gastronomy, you'll head into the wilds of Peneda-Gerês National Park for a day of mountain biking before turning south to end your trip back in Lisbon.

The glow of sunset along the canals of Aveiro
Map of Coastal Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve - 10 Days
Coastal Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve - 10 Days

Escape to the coast on this gorgeous 10-day exploration that includes ample time in Porto and Lisbon and stops through charming seafaring towns with fantastic beaches, delicious fresh seafood, and dramatic coastlines. Go hiking in the unparalleled beauty of Peneda-Gerês National Park, hit the waves in the surfing hotspot of Sagres, and laze in the sand on the Instagram-worthy beaches of the Algarve. 

Crashing waves in Porto, Portugal's second largest city
Map of Best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Douro Valley & More - 14 Days
Best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Douro Valley & More - 14 Days

This exciting two-week itinerary combines cosmopolitan cities, medieval architecture, and spectacular beaches for a Portuguese trip of a lifetime. After exploring Lisbon with a local guide, you'll stay in the fairy tale village of Sintra and the surf town of Nazaré. Then work your way north to UNESCO-listed Porto and its nearby wine region before heading to the university town of Évora. End the trip in pure bliss with some beach time in the western Algarve.

Sunset in Aveiro
Explore Portugal's Coast: Porto, Lisbon, The Algarve, & Peneda-Gerês National Park - 14 Days

Explore Portugal's epic coast and spend time discovering city centers, tiny towns, and picturesque beaches on this 14-day trip plan. You'll enjoy guided tours of Porto and Lisbon and will hike through the stunning landscapes in Peneda-Gerês National Park. With the Atlantic at your side, you'll discover beautiful towns like Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Aveiro (whose Venice-like canals are sure to charm you). Make the most of the coast with stops in gorgeous Lagos and surfing hotspots like Vila Nova de Milfontes and Sagres. 

Explore the island of Madeira on your own and in a 4WD vehicle
Map of Explore Mainland Portugal & Madeira Island - 16 Days
Explore Mainland Portugal & Madeira Island - 16 Days

Immerse yourself in Portugal's rich culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights on this 16-day tour. Explore Lisbon by traditional boat, tuk-tuk, and helicopter, then pick up your rental car and drive to the coastal town of Nazaré and the historic city of Porto. Sample local wine and enjoy a river cruise in the Douro Valley, then explore an ancient forest in Coimbra before flying to Madeira. Spend four days discovering the island's lush green landscapes, and finish back in the capital with a fado performance.

Park and National Palace of Pena
Map of Highlights of Lisbon & Sintra - 5 Days
Highlights of Lisbon & Sintra - 5 Days

This 5-day trip is the ultimate cultural immersion into Portugal's up-and-coming capital, nicknamed 'The City of Seven Hills'. Let a local guide show you ancient ruins, cobbled alleyways, and hip neighborhoods—as well as the romantic UNESCO-listed village of Sintra surrounded by parks and gardens. Along with guided excursions, you'll have free time to explore on your own rounding out this fun adventure.

The beachside resort of Cascais
Map of Magic of Portugal:  Lisbon, Sintra, Évora - 4 Days
Magic of Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra, Évora - 4 Days

Embark on this tour of Lisbon and nearby sites to discover the reasons why people come back to Portugal over and over again. Enjoy new flavors and dishes in Lisbon, visit the unforgettable Chapel of Bones in Évora, explore the incredible palaces of Sintra, and more on this four-day itinerary.

Other popular travel destinations in Portugal
Lisbon · Porto · Algarve · Alentejo · Évora · Douro Valley · Lagos (Algarve) · Sintra · Coimbra · Cascais · The Azores · Madeira · São Miguel Island · Tomar · Braga · Funchal · Óbidos · Tavira · Sagres · Marvão · Guimarães · Peneda-Gerês National Park · Batalha · Mértola