Hit the Beach

Heading north from Alcacer do Sal, we were looking forward to 2 days at Nazare. Formerly a fishing village on the coast, it sells itself as a perfect little tourist spot. It's off the beaten track for the usual tour buses but there were a lot of Europeans, Portuguese and Spanish when we stopped in. Adega Oceano, our hotel, was right on the waterfront. Parking was pretty hard to find when we arrived but the hotel receptionist directed us to the nearby carpark after we dropped our bags off.

If you're looking for a relaxed seaside holiday this is the place. Apart from the usual hotels there were little old ladies advertising rooms (chambres) for bed and breakfast. They'd be perfect for backpackers! The cafes all sold local food, particularly fish and seafood. I tried percebes which are a type of barnacle and tasted liked mussel tongues. 

The real surprise was the village atop the cliffs. We had spotted the ascender on our arrival but hadn't realised what was actually at the top, apart from a lighthouse we could also see. Hopefully the photos will give you an insight into our two days in Nazare.

Selfie overlooking Nazare.

The ascender ride to the top.

Tony looking back down at Nazare.

We walked out to the lighthouse where the views were amazing.

The lighthouse building doubles as a museum.

Nazare is known for its monster waves. There was a great exhibition
showing how high the surf actually gets.

The surf side of Nazare.

Lighthouse with directions in Portuguese.

This beautiful church was a must visit at the top of the cliffs. 

An inside view.

Percebes - not pretty but they tasted great with a Super Bock.

The old ladies were amusing to watch. They all dressed the same and
were very talented at knitting, crocheting, embroidery and cooking. They
stood / sat for hours selling their wares on the streets.

The view from the little deck at the end of our corridor.

Fish are caught, cleaned, gutted and dried in the sun ready to sell to
the local restaurants and markets.

One of the fishing boats they use.

Didn't get to the water at all while we were in Nazare but just being near it was enough.