Nazaré

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It can be said that Nazaré, and the settlement of the promontory that gave rise to it (Sítio), was born of the conditions and the religious sentiment sparked by the miracle of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (Our Lady of Nazaré), based on an image of the Virgin from Nazaré in Palestine. Due to its difficult access, this settlement only begun truly developing from the mid-17th century onward, after the Ascensor's installation in 1889. This lift, which connects Sítio to the beach, originated an increase of the local population, which was already very visited by palmers and pilgrims. Although there are references to fishing in Nazaré in 1643, it was only in the beginning of the 19th century that the population started to settle in the sands, giving rise to an expanding housing cluster. In the middle of that century Nazaré was already known and highly sought after as a bathing beach, attracting many visitors for its natural beauty and typicality. Fishing and its related arts were the main activities of the population throughout most of the 20th century, although the hardness of the sea life made many local fishermen depart. The construction of the Porto de Pesca e Recreio (Fishing and Recreational Port) in the eighties came to reverse this situation, giving another boost to the region. Meanwhile, tourism came to discover the charm of the municipality, which began to be known internationally and being nowadays annually visited by thousands of tourists. The entire region shares an authentic and particular way of life, where memories and traditions are not lost, making it into a sought-after destination. To this is added the undeniable beauty of the county's natural heritage. The special highlight goes to the beaches, the Serra da Pescaria, the Monte de São Bartolomeu, the Lagoa de Valado de Frades, the Jardim da Pedralva, the Duna da Aguieira, the Canhão da Nazaré, the Promontório on which rests Sítio and the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, which lookout offers breathtaking views to land and sea, as well as the viewpoint of Suberco, 110 meters above Nazaré beach. It is also important to mention the tasty gastronomy of the region based on fresh fish and seafood, grilled over coals or cooked in a typical Caldeirada à Nazarena, or the characteristic and traditional dried fish. Of course, the way of life of these people is also reflected in the crafts, with the miniatures of boats or Nazarena-style dolls, the pottery and porcelain of Valado dos Frades or the Famalicão baskets, as well as in folklore, which lyrics and music reflect the strong connection of the people with the sea and the fishing, and in nazarenes' typical costume.