Nazaré

One of Portugal's most picturesque beach towns is Nazaré. The hamlet's original fishermen's homes have been turned into hotels. The village is situated in a large bay with golden sands and is bound by Cabo de Sitio.

Nazaré has made a name for itself as a year-round tourist destination, drawing visitors in the summer because of the peace and quiet of its waters, which are collected in a sheltered harbor, and in the winter because it is the center of surfing. The tranquil beach town of Nazaré, which is only a short drive from Lisbon, provides stunning views from the top of a sizable cliff that can be reached by funicular or by automobile.

Although Nazaré has a number of attractions, the neighborhood of Stio da Nazaré at the Mirante do Suberco is unquestionably one of the most fascinating. The area, which is perched atop a sizable cliff, offers a spectacular view of the town, the Nazaré Beach, and Praia do Norte, which is home to some of the strongest waves in the world. Yes, some of the largest waves in the world, surfed by the best big wave surfers, originate from the underwater Nazaré gorge.

The greatest season to visit Nazaré is in the winter, and the Forte de So Miguel Arcanjo offers the best views if you want to observe the enormous waves. I can personally attest that visiting the area is worthwhile if you are in the nation at this time! The cozy Hotel Mar Bravo is an excellent choice for visitors who want to stay right in front of Nazaré Beach.

The Adega Oceano Hotel and the Hotel Ribamar are two more, less expensive options that are both conveniently placed and provide views of the ocean. Given that Nazaré attracts both tourists and surfers, there is no shortage of places to stay, ranging from the most opulent to quite hip hostels.

• Location: Lisbon