My wife and I are going to Portugal for two weeks in September. Actually, a postponed trip planned in May 2020. I think I am good except for Nazare. I have read on this blog that it is not necessary to stay in this town, especially if we are going to visiting the surrounding towns; Fatima, Obidos, etc. Do you agree, and if so, do you have a place you recommend to stay? We will have a car to get around.
Thanks,
Steve
Just returned
I thought Nazare was lovely. Only there 2 nights with quick easy drives to Alcoboca, Batalha, Tomar. Nice restaurants, a few shops
Stayed at Mar Bravo
Cute, clean, oean view, breakfast, free parking 5 min walk away, (necessary)
100 Euros
That said, not sure how weather might be in Sept vs May
I had only a day trip to Nazare but really enjoyed it. It's kind of a tacky tourist town but I still liked it and wished I could have spent more time. Some folks in the Rick Steves forums dislike the town for some reason, but I think it's just one of those personal preferences.
I didn’t like it - tacky compared with other nearby places. A few of the older ladies were wearing “traditional” fishing wives dresses. Most seemed to be made of “traditional” nylon. Hmm. Nazare is popular with surfers. .
I used Caldas da Rainha as a base - lovely old tiled buildings and a great market. If you want the coast, try Sao Martinho.
Sometimes you just can't believe the things you read!
This one is in 2nd place of my top ten:
"A few of the older ladies were wearing “traditional” fishing wives dresses. Most seemed to be made of “traditional” nylon. Hmm"
As far as I remember, women in Nazaré have always weared the seven squirts, married or not married. Even children.
People should show more respect for other peoples culture and traditions.
We have been to Nazare several times but the last time was 2016. We really like Nazare. Beautiful views, fresh seafood, and the last time we were there it still had the small original seafront hotels that were there in 1984. You can also take the funicular to Sitio where a miracle occurred centuries ago. Yes, tourist busses stop there generating more souvenir shops but we still found our favorite bakery, restaurant, and pension, though now it's a hotel. It's also convenient to visit nearby sights.
It seems Nazare has those who like it and those who don't. That doesn't make it any easier for you to decide.
All good info, Thanks. Let me clarify. While the beach is nice we are not beachy people ( sitting out in the sun). We like seeing the country and its people. I have looked at staying around Obidos, Caldas da Rainha, Nazare and even Tomar (which we would like to visit). We are two nights in the area. My thinking was to stay near the coast and explore that area and then head to Tomar as we headed to Coimbra. If I stayed in Tomar I would probably not visit the coast. Is that a mistake? Any suggestions are welcome.
These kinds of posts are always problematic. Everyone has different tastes.
I have PMd Helena. I wasn’t being disrespectful, I just found Nazare to be different to other places I have visited in my numerous trips to Portugal.
Tomar is a good base for the beautiful towns nearby such as Alcobaca and Batalha.
Nazaré - either you like it or not! I’m in the ‘not’ category. The view from above the town is nice but I’ve never found the actual town to blow me away. I much prefer São Martinho do Porto, or Tomar if you don’t have to have the beach. Tomar will likely be the quietist of the three.
