Day 1 in Nazare

Welcome to Nazare! Upon arrival in Portugal, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Nazare is well-known for the `Miracle` that occurred there in the year 1182. A chapel, Ermida da Memoria, was built across from what is now the Largo da Nossa Senhora da Nazare. You can view the beach and the southern part of Nazare below by looking out from the Miradouro do Suberco. At the end of the day, watch the sunset from Nazare Lighthouse.

Day 2 in Nazare

Begin the day bright and early by visiting the lavish Santuario de Nossa Senhora da Nazare. Close by is the Monument to Vasco da Gama, erected over 500 years ago in honor of one of Portugal`s most famous explorers, who visited the Ermida da Memoria before sailing to India. Learn more about the history of Nazare and how important fishing was, and still is, to the lifeblood of the community at the Museu Doutor Joaquim Manso. Take the Rua do Horizonte and take the Ascensor da Nazare down to Nazare Beach.

Whether you want to sun yourself on the sands of Nazare Beach, stroll the boardwalk or visit the open-air Museu do Peixe Seco, there are many fun things for you to do at the shore. You can stop for a snack at one of the restaurants and cafes or you can pick up some fruit for a snack at the Mercado Municipal da Nazare. East of the beach is an area called Pederneira: sights in this area include the Igreja da Misericordia da Pederneira, the historic former city hall building (Antiga Casa da Camara), and just outside the town limits, the Monte de Sao Bartolomeu, dotted with Leiria pine trees.

If you have time later in the day, take a look at some of the fishing boats at the Port of Nazare. Did you know the iconic design of the Nazare trawlers can be traced back to the Phoenicians? South of the Port is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Portugal, located at the Igreja de Sao Giao.

Day 3 in Nazare

In the morning, head east to the town of Alcobaca and visit the ornate Alcobaca Monastery. After taking time to stroll the grounds, have lunch at one of the restaurants just outside the monastery.

Head back to Nazare and choose something fun to occupy your time on your last afternoon in town. For those with children or for those who love water parks, Norpark, adjacent to North Beach, should not be missed. You can also spend more time on Nazare Beach, or you can surf the waves of North Beach (where an Australian surfer rode a 100-foot wave in 2011!), or the more secluded South Beach. If it is bullfighting season, see a match at the Praca de Touros, or attend a concert at the Teatro Chaby Pinheiro.

Additional Days in Nazare

If you have the time, drive 25 miles to the north to the town of Obidos. This UNESCO Creative City has a long history and so much of it is still evident and alive today. Encircled by walls nearly 50 feet high in spots, the focal point of this dynamic town is Obidos Castle, perched on the highest hill, which was built adjacent to the site of the Roman settlement of Eburobrittium. The Portuguese royal family chose Obidos as one of their homesteads, and the Queens of Portugal in particular considered Obidos to be the `jewel` in their respective crowns. You are guaranteed to fall in love with Obidos at first sight.

Drive twenty miles to the east-northeast and you will reach the town of Batalha. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Batalha Monastery is located here. The breathtakingly-beautiful and iconic monastery is built in Gothic, Manueline and Perpendicual architectural styles. Spend the remainder of the afternoon five miles north in Leiria, where you can stroll the town`s old-world streets, walk the grounds of the Medieval Leiria Castle, and view one of the most noteworthy Renaissance cathedrals in Portugal, Leiria Cathedral.

Your Last Day in Nazare

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer; if so, a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.