Tucked into a far corner of Europe, just two hours north of Lisbon, is one of my favorite beach towns: Nazaré, a Portuguese fishing town turned tourist retreat. Visitors are greeted by the energetic applause of the surf, widows with rooms to rent, and fishermen mending nets. This is a place to relax in the sun among cork groves, eucalyptus trees, ladies in petticoats, and men who stow cigarettes and fishhooks in their stocking caps.
Nazaré strikes the ideal balance between romantic old-world Portugal and bustling seaside resort. Though most locals seem older than many buildings here, the town feels like a Portuguese Coney Island—humming with young people who flock here for beach fun. Off-season, it’s almost tourist-free—the perfect time to take in the wild surf and get a feel for the local way of life.
