Monday, 23 February

Today's Route  [Santa Cruz to Nazaré]

Today is a drive up Portugal’s Silver Coast from Santa Cruz to Nazaré, turning the journey into a scenic beach-and-clifftop road trip. Along the way we’ll stop in Peniche for rugged ocean views, wander the medieval streets of Óbidos, and catch lagoon-and-coast scenery at Foz do Arelho and Salir do Porto. We’ll break up the day with a seaside lunch in São Martinho do Porto before arriving in Nazaré for its dramatic cliffs and big-wave energy.

Cabo Carvoeiro Lighthouse  [Peniche]

Peniche is a rugged seaside town known for dramatic cliffs, salty ocean air, and a strong surf-and-fishing vibe. Cabo Carvoeiro Lighthouse sits on the edge of the cliffs with sweeping Atlantic views and some of the wildest scenery in the area. It’s an amazing spot for photos, fresh wind, and sunset watching.

Castelo de Óbidos  [Óbidos}

Castelo de Óbidos is a storybook medieval castle perched above the charming walled town of Óbidos. Its stone walls and towers offer beautiful views over terracotta rooftops and the rolling countryside beyond. Walking the ramparts feels like stepping back in time.

Miradouro da Foz do Arelho  [Foz do Arelho]

Foz do Arelho is a laid-back beach town where the calm lagoon meets the open Atlantic, making it great for both swimming and watersports. Miradouro da Foz do Arelho is a scenic viewpoint with wide, breezy views over the dunes, water, and coastline. It’s an ideal spot for sunset photos or, in our case, a peaceful afternoon pause by the sea.

Pegadas de Dinossauro  [Salir do Porto]

Pegadas de Dinossauro in Salir do Porto is a fascinating spot where we can see ancient dinosaur tracks preserved in the coastal rock, and you know we couldn't turn down that opportunity! It’s a quick but memorable stop that makes the landscape feel suddenly prehistoric. We should get there just after low tide which can make the footprints easier to spot and appreciate.

Lunch at Boca do Mar  [São Martinho do Porto]

Boca do Mar Restaurante in São Martinho do Porto is a relaxed seaside spot with beautiful views over the bay. It’s a great place for a classic Portuguese seafood lunch, especially grilled fish, arroz de marisco, and fresh shellfish. The easygoing atmosphere makes it perfect for lingering over a long meal by the water. 

Ascensor da Nazaré  [Nazaré]

After parking the car at the hotel in Nazaré, we'll walk the narrow streets and along the beachfront to reach the Ascensor da Nazaré, the classic funicular that connects the beach level of Nazaré to the clifftop Sítio neighborhood. Riding it is a fun little piece of local history and will save us a steep climb while giving us great views along the way. It’s a quick, easy experience that makes getting around Nazaré feel extra memorable.

Sítio District of Nazaré  [Nazaré]

The Sítio neighborhood of Nazaré sits high on the cliffs and is packed with history, legends, and some of the best viewpoints in town. You’ll find beautiful religious landmarks like the hilltop sanctuary and the tiny chapel tied to the town’s famous miracle story. It also mixes in modern Nazaré fun, from epic giant-wave lookouts to quirky statues and sweeping ocean views from the miradouro.

Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré  [Nazaré]

Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré is a beautiful hilltop church in the Sítio area that’s deeply tied to Nazaré’s most famous local legends. The interior feels ornate and peaceful, and the setting above the ocean gives it an extra sense of drama. It’s a meaningful stop that blends history, faith, and sweeping coastal atmosphere.

Ermida da Memória  [Nazaré]

Ermida da Memória, or the Chapel of the Miracle's Memory, is a tiny chapel perched on the cliffs in Nazaré’s Sítio area, tied to the town’s famous miracle legend. It’s small but full of history, with a strong sense of place and storytelling. The dramatic ocean backdrop makes the visit feel even more memorable.

Escultura Veado Surfista  [Nazaré]

Escultura Veado Surfista is a striking 6-metre statue of a surfer with a deer’s head, blending local legend with Nazaré’s world-famous big-wave surf culture. It was created as a symbolic link between the medieval legend of Dom Fuas Roupinho’s miraculous escape and the daring modern athletes who ride the giant waves here. Perched on the coastal road with the Atlantic as a backdrop, it’s quirky, photogenic, and uniquely Nazaré. 

Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo & Farol da Nazaré  [Nazaré]

Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo is a dramatic clifftop fortress overlooking Praia do Norte, famous for its connection to Nazaré’s giant waves. Right beside it, the Farol da Nazaré lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks on the coast, with incredible ocean views in every direction. It’s the perfect spot to feel the power of the Atlantic and imagine the world-record surf days. 

Gruta Forno de Orca  [Nazaré]

Gruta Forno de Orca is a striking natural rock formation on Nazaré’s wild Praia do Norte coastline. It’s known for its rugged, sculpted cliffs and the dramatic ocean backdrop that makes the whole area feel untamed. This is a great stop for photos and a quick dose of raw Atlantic energy.

Baloiço da Ladeira  [Nazaré]

Baloiço da Ladeira is a scenic swing spot that turns a simple moment into a postcard-worthy view. It’s perched in a way that will let us soak up the landscape while snapping a fun photo. A quick stop here will add a little playful magic to the day. 

Casa dos Gatos  [Nazaré]

As we near the bottom of the Ladeira do Sítio trail, we'll pass by one of three Casa dos Gatos that the town has built in areas where stray cat colonies exist. It's a charming little hangout spot where friendly cats lounge around and soak up attention from visitors. It’s a sweet, unexpected pause from the beach-and-cliffs sightseeing, and it feels very local and laid-back. Perfect for a quick stop, a few photos, and a little serotonin boost.

Restaurante Tabernassa  [Nazaré]

Restaurante Tabernassa is a cozy, rustic spot right across the street from the beach that feels like a classic Portuguese hideaway. It’s a great place for hearty local dishes like grilled meats, bacalhau plates, and rich traditional stews. The warm atmosphere makes it perfect for a relaxed dinner after a day of exploring.

Stay at Villamar Style Maison  [Nazaré]

Villamar Style Maison in Nazaré is a stylish, modern stay with a calm and comfortable vibe. It’s a great base for exploring both the beach and the cliffside viewpoints without being far from the action. The clean design and relaxed atmosphere should make it easy to unwind after a full day out.