Planning a Lisbon to Nazaré day trip, but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place!
Nazaré is one of the most popular destinations in Portugal, and rightly so. This coastal town is blessed with long stretches of golden sand, a cute historical city centre, delicious seafood and huge waves for surfing.
If you’re wondering how to visit Nazaré from Lisbon, you’ve come to the right place!
In this guide I will outline everything you need to know to plan the perfect Lisbon to Nazaré day trip. Including how to get there, what to do once there, what to pack and more.
During my Portugal trip I spent one day in Nazaré, and quickly fell in love with this cute seaside town. I want to make sure you also have an incredible experience in this beautiful Portuguese destination!
So without further ado, dive in and start planning the perfect Lisbon to Nazaré day trip!
Table of Contents
How to Get From Lisbon to Nazaré
By car from Lisbon to Nazaré
Driving yourself to Nazaré is an easy way to do it. If you’re the kind of person who likes to have the freedom of their own mode of transport when travelling, then there’s no doubt that this will be the best method for you.
The journey from Lisbon to Nazaré takes around an hour and a half to drive. The route goes along the A8 motorway.
This road is safe and straightforward, but the only downside is that you’ll have to pay a toll to use this highway; this costs around seven euros.
On the plus side, you can stop off along the route and explore more of this stretch of Portugal’s shoreline (called by some the “Silver Coast”). You’ll have the freedom to do as you want if you’ve got a car.
Renting a car is the most expensive way of getting there, but if you already have a car (i.e. you’re on a road trip as part of a longer Portugal itinerary) then there’s no worries.
You’ll also have to consider parking, and having small change for any car parks and tolls you need to pay along the way.
By train from Lisbon to Nazaré
Unfortunately for all the train fans out there, there is no direct train connecting Lisbon to Nazaré. However, if you are dead set on catching the train, then it is possible.
First of all you’ll travel from Lisbon to Caldas da Rainha, then connect up to Nazaré via a bus from Caldas da Rainha.
Trains leave from Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia railway station fairly regularly, so you won’t have to wait around for too long.
The journey by train isn’t the quickest – taking around two and a half hours to Caldas da Rainha alone – and it’s definitely not the most convenient way either.
By bus from Lisbon to Nazaré
If you want to travel by public transport, then the bus is your best option. Buses leave Lisbon’s Sete Rios bus terminal, which is a stop on the Lisbon metro, making it easy to reach from other areas of the city.
The buses travelling from Lisbon to Nazaré leave roughly every hour or so, and the journey takes around two hours.
Tickets cost approximately 11 euros (one way), and thankfully you can book tickets to Nazaré for up to 30 days in advance, making it all that more convenient. Another bonus of the bus is where it drops you off.
The stop in Nazaré is close to a lot of the town’s major sights, making it easy to simply hop off the bus and start exploring without having to worry about the hassle of a taxi or walking for a while to get anywhere interesting.
With a Nazaré tour from Lisbon
If you want to leave the stresses of planning a day trip from Lisbon to Nazaré to somebody else, then a tour is best for you. It can be all too easy to get hung up on train times and bus timetables, and taking a tour just takes away all of that hassle.
For one thing, you could opt for a tour that takes you to Nazaré on a day trip from Lisbon.
You’ll be picked up from your accommodation, taken to the coastal town itself, shown the best bits, and whisked back to the capital. How easy is that?
Many of the tours involve trips to other destinations in the area – Obidos, for example – meaning you get to see more of the region; this is great if you don’t have much time to explore, and you’ll get to pack more sightseeing into your day.
In all, tours from Lisbon to Nazaré may not be the cheapest, but for those who don’t have long in Portugal, or who really don’t like the idea of having to figure out public transport, then it is the best and most convenient option.
Click here to book your Lisbon to Nazaré day tour on GetYourGuide or Viator, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!
Best things to do during a Nazaré day trip
Visit the Faro di Nazaré & Surf Museum
Nazaré is all about the sun, sea and sand – and the surf, of course. Surfing is big news in Nazaré, thanks to its huge waves, and a visit to this coastal town wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Surf Museum.
Not only is it very cool to see all the boards and read stories about many of the big wave surfers who’ve surfed in Nazaré, but you’ll get to learn a bit about why such huge waves form here.
The waves crashing down on Norte Beach can be monstrous: I’m talking up to 30 metres high!
If you’re into surfing, then this place is going to be uber interesting. And at just one euro per person for admission, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Faro di Nazaré (or Nazaré Lighthouse) is a good vantage point to see what all the fuss is about. On a good day, you’ll see dozens of surfers out there catching the waves that roll in. It looks super impressive.
The lighthouse is actually situated on the roof of a 16th-century fort that the surf museum is housed in: Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo. It was established by King Sebastian I in 1577 to protect the (then) village of Nazaré.
The lighthouse itself was a more recent creation, and was added in 1903.
Take the funicular from Nazare Beach up to the old town
Nazare may be famous for its waves, but the old town still packs a punch. While the main part of town is a little touristy, the older part is a much quieter and altogether more charming spot to soak up some great views.
Called Sítio, this district feels almost like a separate village. It’s perched up high on a bluff, so you’ll need to take the funicular to get there.
The funicular, which was designed by one of Gustave Eiffel’s proteges, was built in 1889 and leads up from the beach to the Sítio neighbourhood.
Once you arrive you’ll be glad you made the journey. For one thing, there’s the 7th-century Chapel of São Gião, which is a rare example of a surviving religious building of the Visigoths.
Enjoy the view from Mirador del Suberco over Nazaré & the beach
Over 100 metres above the waves, the Mirador del Suberco serves up some seriously sublime views out over the surrounding landscape.
You’ll get some great views out over Nazaré and the beach, as well as the dramatic coastline further along.
And if you’re hungry, don’t worry: there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat nearby. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset.
Chill at Nazaré Beach
How could you visit Nazaré and not spend a little time on the beach? This long, sandy beach (1.5 kilometres to be exact) has plenty of places where you can hire a sun lounger, or simply find a spot on the sand.
It might not be one of the famous and scenic Algarve beaches, but it’s beautiful nonetheless. It’s sheltered, there are plenty of amenities, and it’s a nice place to just kick back and enjoy the sun.
Explore Bairro dos Pescadores
Translating to Fishermen’s District, the Bairro dos Pescadores is a historic part of Nazaré to explore. Here you’ll find narrow streets lined with white-washed houses and local life playing out.
On Fridays, make a beeline here: there’s a local market in the district to check out.
Enjoy sunset at the beach with a seafront dinner
There’s no more romantic way to end a day at Nazaré than with a sunset at the beach. Well, the only way to top it off would be to add a seafront dinner on top of that.
I can speak from experience that Pangeia by the Sea is an awesome venue for that (make sure to try the octopus).
Best Nazaré day tours
I’ve already said how organised day tours can be one of the best ways to arrange your Nazaré day trip. You don’t have to worry about organising transfers, and will have a local guide taking you to all the best spots.
That’s why I wanted to outline below all the best organised Nazaré day trips.
Lisbon Super Saver: 2-Day Sintra, Cascais, Fatima, Nazaré and Obidos Small-Group Day Trips – If you’re not short on time, then you could actually opt for something like this two-day tour that takes in multiple towns in the region, including Nazaré, obviously. You’ll get to soak up some real highlights of the area.
Click here to book your 2-day Lisbon, Nazaré & more tour!
From Lisbon: Fatima, Obidos, Batalha and Nazaré Group Tour– But if you want to take a day trip from Lisbon to Nazaré, then the classic tour option would be to see Nazaré alongside pilgrimage destination Fatima and the walled city of Obidos, too.
Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, Nazaré and Óbidos Private Tour – Like your tours private? Then you could always opt for something like this. You’ll have one-on-one time with your guide, plus it includes bonuses like skip the line tickets.
Check out prices and availability for your private tour from Lisbon to Nazare here!
Is doing a Nazaré day trip worth it?
For sure, a day trip from Lisbon to Nazaré is well worth it! I really believe Nazaré should be on everyone’s Portugal itinerary. If you’re a keen surfer, then chances are you’ll want to spend even longer than a day in Nazaré anyway.
I would suggest, however, that if you can spend a night in Nazaré then you’ll be better placed to enjoy both the town and more surrounding sights.
Being on the beach, you know you’ll never run out of things to do, as you could just spend more time here chilling out!
Where to stay for a Lisbon to Nazaré day trip
If you plan to visit Nazaré on a day trip from Lisbon, here are some of the most convenient places to stay in Lisbon.
Budget:Lisbon Destination Hostel – Located inside Rossio train station, this hostel is the perfect place to stay if you plan to travel by train to your various day trip destinations.
They have a cool communal area with lots of plants, and offer both dorms and private rooms. It’s also in a very central position in Lisbon, so that you can easily explore also the city.
Click here to book your stay at Lisbon Destination Hostel!
Mid-range: Alegria A Lisbon Boutique Hotel– This boutique hotel is perfect for those who want something nice, centrally located and cosy, without breaking the bank.
Click here to book your stay at Alegria A Lisbon Boutique Hotel!
Luxury: Lisboa Pessoa Hotel – If you want to treat yourself, this is the perfect place to do so. With their spacious rooms and gorgeous rooftop terrace, it’s the perfect place to relax after a Sintra day tour.
Book your stay at Lisboa Pessoa Hotel here!
However if you have a bit of extra time, and choose to spend longer in Nazaré, here are some great places to stay in Nazare for every budget.
Budget: Paz & Amor Guest House – This guest house is very cosy and affordable, plus it offers a huge rooftop terrace with views over Nazare and the sea.
It’s not located right in the heart of Nazare, but it’s in a convenient position close to the main street, so that you can easily find parking and then continue your road trip the following day.
Click here to book your stay at Paz & Amor Guest House!
Mid-range: Hotel Mar Bravo– Located right on the beachfront and by the main avenue of Nazare, this hotel is perfect if you want something nice and conveniently located, without breaking the bank.
Check out prices and availability at Hotel Mar Bravo here!
Luxury: Miramar Hotel Spa & Apartments– If you want to treat yourself, this gorgeous property is the place to do so. With their spacious rooms and stunning pool with sea views, it’s the perfect place to relax after a long road trip day.
Book your stay at Miramar Hotel Spa & Apartments here!
What to pack for a Lisbon to Nazaré day trip
Besides the usual travel essentials, there isn’t anything specific that you absolutely need to be packing for a Nazaré day trip. That said, here are some useful things to remember!
Camera – Given how beautiful Nazaré is, you want to make sure you capture it in all its beauty!
Reusable water bottle – Especially if you plan to do a lot of walking, bring a bottle you can refill and ensure you stay hydrated.
Walking shoes – I always walk loads when I’m travelling, and I wouldn’t be able to do so without comfortable shoes. Make sure to pack shoes you can walk in a lot!
Fast drying towel – If you’re planning to spend some time on the beach in Nazare, you’ll need a beach towel! I like these fast drying ones since they don’t take up much space and won’t stay wet in the car for hours.
Final thoughts on doing a Nazaré day tour from Lisbon
There you have it, the ultimate guide to planning the perfect Nazare day trip from Lisbon! Have you visited Nazare before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!
I personally loved visiting Nazare, wandering around the cute streets, taking in the views, enjoying the sunset on the beach and eating deliciously fresh octopus.
It’s a must-see in Portugal, both if you visit on a day trip from Lisbon or if you decide to stay longer. Alongside Evora,Ericeira,Sintra and the Douro Valley, it was definitely amongst my favourite day trip destinations.
However you choose to travel from Lisbon to Nazare, you’re sure to have a great time. I hope you have found this guide useful in planning your Nazare day trip. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!
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