Nazaré is a picturesque coastal town located in the district of Leiria, on Portugal’s western Atlantic coast. Over the years, it has become a popular destination for its beaches, such as Praia do Norte, and for the rocky promontory of Sítio, which offers panoramic views of the ocean. The giant waves that form in this part of the sea are now highly sought after by surfers.
When I arrived in Nazaré in 1997, it was still a very traditional town, closely tied to the sea, with an economy that depended mainly on fishing.
What immediately fascinated me was how deeply life in this enchanted place revolved around the ocean.
Beyond the exquisite local cuisine, based on fish, and the town’s distinctive layout—white houses with red roofs and narrow cobblestone alleys—what struck me most was the life of the fishermen and all the activities along the shore.
Every evening, for example, the beaches would come alive with an incredible ritual: the women waited for the boats to return and joined in gathering the nets, dividing and sorting the catch. It was a uniquely beautiful moment, made even more special by the sunset light, the gestures of the fishermen, and the charm of this bay cradled between cliffs and sea. Living through this experience left an indelible mark on me, one that I cherish to this day.
The women of Nazaré are famous for their traditional costumes. They often wear seven-layered skirts, a practice said to have originated from the need to keep warm while waiting for their husbands to return from the sea. These colorful garments are an important part of the town’s cultural identity.
Nazaré has a fascinating history dating back to centuries ago. Founded around the 12th century, the town has always had a strong connection to the sea. Its seafaring traditions and religious celebrations, such as the Festival of Our Lady of Nazaré, are integral to the local culture.
Today, Nazaré is known worldwide not only for its beauty and historical charm but also as one of the global capitals of big-wave surfing. In 2011, a surfer named Garrett McNamara set a world record by riding a 23.8-meter (78-foot) wave at Praia do Norte, bringing the town into the international spotlight.
