Nazaré, Central Portugal’s Alternative to the Algarve, Nazare, Portugal

Certainly one of the most popular places to visit in Portugal is the southern Algarve region, known for its beaches and coastline. Visitors mostly come to the Algarve for affordable holidays by the beach and to get a taste of coastal Portuguese life. With that popularity though comes crowds and plenty of commercialised tourism. Surprisingly, travellers can also find these things without the crowds in Nazare on the central coast.

Like many of the Algarve towns, Nazaré began as a humble fishing village. However, it hasn’t had decades of European tourists descend on it every summer. The town’s popularity has soared in recent years thank to the local surf culture, but it still clings strongly to its roots. Nazaré’s untouched character is what makes it such an appealing alternative to the Algarve.

It seems only fitting that we start with the beach at Nazare. After all, for that is what the Algarve is known. While Algarve beaches vary between wide open and secluded by cliffs, Nazare just has two wide open beaches separated by a large rocky spur. The main beach here is just a short walk from the centre of town and is fine for swimming. To the north Praia do Norte is more a surf beach, although it also has a nice wide beach. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).