Nazaré is an ideal stopover for those traveling between Lisbon and Porto, offering more than just giant waves. In summer, it’s a sun-drenched resort perfect for families, while winter attracts thrill-seekers hoping to witness world-record swells. With its authentic fishing charm, legendary seafood, and stunning cliffside views, staying overnight here provides a relaxing, traditional escape in the heart of Portugal’s coastline.
Here’s our list of hotels we think are ideal for a stay in Nazaré:
- Hotel Praia **** – In the town center and close to the beach
- Hotel Magic *** – Reasonable rates in the town center, near the beach
- Hotel Mar Bravo *** – Just meters from the promenade and the beach
- Quinta Amarela – B&B **** – A family-run hotel in the upper town
- Hotel Mare *** – Functional and comfortable near Oliveira Square
- Miramar Hotel Spa & Apartments **** – A large hotel with views from Pederneira above the town center
- Hotel Miramar Sul **** – A quiet area above the town and marina
- Vale d'Azenha Hotel Rural & Residences **** – A high-quality hotel 10 minutes from town
Click here to find more hotels or vacation apartments in Nazaré…
8 hotels in excellent locations in Nazaré
Nazaré is divided into three parts – the beach and promenade area | Praia, the cliff-top Sítio district to the north, and the Pederneira neighborhood on the hill to the east. Most of the hotels on this page are around the beach and promenade or in the upper town, rather than in Sítio, which is mainly a viewpoint area.
Nazaré is not large, so getting around is quick and easy. There’s a real difference between visiting in summer, when the beach is ideal for swimming, and coming at other times of year, when people usually stop in this beautiful town for the views and atmosphere. One important thing to keep in mind: if you stay in the historic town center, between the market and Oliveira Square, car access is very limited. Still, there are relatively nearby parking lots, and you can also unload along the promenade or on some of the wider streets, then walk the last few dozen yards.
Click here for a complete guide to the town of Nazaré on Portugal’s western coast…
1. Hotel Praia **** – In the town center and close to the beach
Hotel Praia is a modern hotel in the heart of Nazaré, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach and promenade. The rooms are spacious and well equipped, with some looking out toward the sea and others toward the surrounding hills. One of the hotel’s highlights is its heated indoor rooftop pool, which opens onto broad views of the beach.
Its location makes it an easy choice for anyone who wants to combine time by the sea with walks along the promenade, plus quick access to seafood restaurants and the local market. It’s especially well suited to couples and families looking for a comfortable 4-star hotel in the center without giving up amenities like parking, a gym, and a pool. Even outside the swimming season, it’s a very convenient base close to everything.
Click here for photos, reviews, and rates at Hotel Praia…
2. Hotel Magic *** – Reasonable rates in the town center, near the beach
Hotel Magic is a small, functional boutique hotel in central Nazaré, just a very short walk from the beach and promenade. The rooms have a light artistic touch, and each one is a little different in character and color palette. This is an intimate urban hotel where the focus is on a homey feel, friendly staff, and personal service.
Being so close to the promenade, restaurants, and nightlife area makes it easy to head out on foot in the evening and return without hassle. It’s an excellent option for travelers with a mid-range budget who want very comfortable accommodations in a prime location. Best for couples, friends, and families with older children.
Click here for photos, reviews, and rates at Hotel Magic…
3. Hotel Mar Bravo *** – Just meters from the promenade and the beach
Hotel Mar Bravo sits right on Nazaré’s main avenue, directly facing the sea, so a large number of its rooms enjoy open views of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel also has a popular fish and seafood restaurant, well known for sunset dinners. Fully renovated, the property feels modern, bright, and airy.
This is a great fit for travelers whose vacation revolves around the sea and the promenade: step out of the lobby and you’re already on the main walkway facing the golden sand. In summer, keep in mind that the area stays lively well into the night, so it’s ideal for anyone who wants to be in the middle of things and less suitable for those who prefer complete quiet. Outside the main season, the sea views are still beautiful, but strong winds are common, so travelers sensitive to that may prefer a hotel set slightly back from the promenade.
Click here for photos, reviews, and rates at Hotel Mar Bravo…
4. Quinta Amarela – B&B **** – A family-run hotel in the upper town
Quinta Amarela is a small, welcoming hotel in the upper town, in a greener and quieter setting reached by a longer walk or a short drive from the beach. It offers cozy, warm rooms with rustic styling, a well-kept garden, and inviting shared spaces for sitting and relaxing. The atmosphere feels more like a home than a large hotel, with personal attention and a calm, easygoing feel.
This stay is especially well suited to families, couples, and travelers looking for a few peaceful days above town, with the option to head down to the beach and return to a quieter setting in the evening or explore the surrounding area. It’s particularly convenient for visitors with a rental car.
Click here for photos, reviews, and rates at Quinta Amarela…
5. Hotel Mare *** – Functional and comfortable near Oliveira Square
Hotel Mare is a modern, functional 3-star hotel in the heart of Nazaré, just a few steps from the beach and Sousa Oliveira Square, the lively heart of the promenade. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and nearly all have a small balcony. Its central location makes it easy to explore the restaurants, cafés, and shops along the promenade on foot, and the funicular to Sítio is also very convenient to reach. A good match for couples, small families, and solo travelers, especially in summer but not only then.
Click here for photos, reviews, and rates at Hotel Mare…
6. Miramar Hotel Spa & Apartments **** – A large hotel with views from Pederneira above the town center
Miramar Hotel Spa & Apartments is set uphill in the Pederneira area, about a 10-minute walk uphill or a short drive from central Nazaré and the beach. The complex includes hotel rooms alongside spacious apartments, all with impressive views over the town and coastline. It’s especially well suited to families and travelers staying several nights who want to combine a beach vacation with a quieter pace and time by the pool. Guests arriving by car will have easier access to the giant waves north of town, the beach, and day trips to nearby towns, then can return in the evening to a balcony with wide-open ocean views.
Click here for photos, reviews, and rates at Miramar Hotel Spa & Apartments…
7. Hotel Miramar Sul **** – A quiet area in the southeast of town, above the marina
Hotel Miramar Sul stands on the hillside south of Nazaré. This is a quieter area with elevated views over the town, the marina, and the sea. The 4-star hotel offers a large pool, landscaped gardens, and spacious public areas. Rooms are decorated in a modern style, and many face the sea, so the views are very much part of the experience here as well.
Its distance from the center makes it a good choice for travelers looking for a more relaxed vacation, with the option to drive into town or down to the beach and then return to peace and quiet. It suits couples, families, and travelers with a car who want a comfortable base for exploring the Silver Coast without staying in the bustle of the promenade.
Click here for photos, reviews, and rates at Hotel Miramar Sul…
8. Vale d'Azenha Hotel Rural & Residences **** – A high-quality hotel 10 minutes from town
This hotel lies outside town but not far away, in a green rural setting reached by a short drive. It’s an elegant, contemporary country hotel with rooms and suites alongside family accommodations. The property is surrounded by gardens and fields and has an outdoor swimming pool. There’s also a good restaurant on site and terraces overlooking the countryside of central Portugal.
Vale d'Azenha Hotel Rural & Residences is a perfect option for travelers who want to combine beach time with peaceful days in nature. In the morning, it’s easy to drive to Nazaré or nearby beaches, then return in the evening to the quiet of the countryside. It’s especially recommended for visitors with a car, as a regional base that gives easy access not only to Nazaré but also to Alcobaça Monastery and other towns along the Silver Coast.
Click here for photos, reviews, and rates at Vale d'Azenha Hotel Rural & Residences…
Helpful tips for visiting Nazaré and the surrounding area
1. Where is the best place to stay in Nazaré?
Especially in summer, most travelers prefer to stay around the promenade and beach area | Praia da Nazaré, where you’ll find restaurants, bars, a lovely promenade, and quick access to the sea. Those looking for more peace and quiet or better views usually choose the upper town — Pederneira or Sítio — where there are impressive viewpoints and calmer roads. For travelers arriving by car, the rural hotels outside Nazaré are also an excellent option.
2. How do you get to the giant wave viewpoint?
The famous viewpoint for the giant waves is at the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, below Sítio on a headland that also offers wonderful views over the town and beach. You can get there by car, electric bike, or on foot via Sítio after taking the funicular up. In summer and on weekends, parking becomes limited, so it’s best to arrive early. During the winter Big Waves season, access is sometimes closed on surfing event days, so it’s worth checking in advance.
3. Nazaré’s funicular — a must at least once
The funicular linking central Nazaré with the Sítio district is a quick and convenient way to reach the viewpoint over the beach and town. The ride is short, the fare is affordable, and the scenery is fantastic. The view is especially beautiful in the late afternoon. On busy days, expect a line — but it’s absolutely worth the wait.
4. Where is the best place to eat fish and seafood?
Nazaré’s promenade is lined with good fish restaurants, especially around Sousa Oliveira Square. Restaurants along the upper part of the promenade are considered slightly higher quality, while in Sítio you’ll find more home-style places at reasonable prices. It’s a good idea to book ahead for dinner, especially in summer and on weekends.
5. Do you need a car?
Within the town itself, it’s easy enough to get around on foot. A car does make the trip much more convenient, though — you’ll be able to reach quieter beaches to the north and south, visit the monastery in Alcobaça, or add a day trip to Óbidos or Coimbra. In the busier months, it’s worth choosing a hotel with parking or using the parking areas in Pederneira above town. Keep in mind that the historic center is made up of very narrow streets, originally built to soften the strong sea winds, so driving through them can be difficult. A practical option is to unload nearby and walk, while one family member goes to park the car.
Click here for information and discounts on car rentals in Portugal…
6. Where are the quieter beaches in the area?
The main beach is the easiest to reach, but quieter stretches lie north of the Sítio cliff | Praia do Norte, or south along the coast toward Praia do Salgado | Praia do Salgado. These are wilder beaches with stronger waves, so they’re less suitable for family swimming, but perfect for walks and photography.
7. When do the giant waves arrive?
The giant wave season runs from October to March, with the biggest swells usually between November and January. The waves are not enormous every day, so it’s worth following swell forecasts or local information pages. In any case, anyone determined to see the giant waves may have to wait patiently for the right forecast, sometimes even up to two weeks. That makes it very difficult to plan a trip around them in advance. Even on days without monster surf, though, you’ll still find a dramatic and especially impressive sea in Nazaré.
8. Popular trips around Nazaré
It’s well worth combining your stay with a short trip to Alcobaça Monastery (20 minutes), Óbidos (35 minutes), or Batalha Monastery (25 minutes). All three are striking heritage sites and beautiful in any season. Travelers with children — and not only them — may also enjoy Budha Eden, about 40 minutes south of Nazaré. It’s a large Oriental-style park with giant sculptures near Óbidos, a place unlike any other in central Portugal.
