Nazare ... our home away from home.
Welcome to our world… a world where we travel with our family between the tropical paradise of Hawaii and the old world magic of Portugal.
In 2010, Garrett was invited to go and explore the coast of Nazare. The local municipality wanted him to see if their giant waves were ridable. I was lucky enough to join him on this epic adventure. We had zero expectations and madly in love, soon to also be madly in love with Nazare.
Fast forward 10 years … Garret broke the Guinness World Record for the biggest wave ever surf as I watched from the Farol da Nazare, Garret proposed in the pool during breath hold training at Hotel Miramar, we were married in front of the lighthouse overlooking the waves, we were honored by the Portuguese Navy, and we made our first born son. Our dreams came true in this quaint seaside town.
We spend a minimum of 3 months of every year in this magical fishing village. There is so much history and passion that this post could easily turn into a book. To keep things simple and applicable I wanted to start off by sharing a few of our Nazare musts in celebration of our first episode launching. By no means is this all encompassing. In the future I will be sure to share even more gems about Nazare.
Upon entering Nazare city limits head straight to Farol da Nazare. This is where you will see the iconic view of gigantic waves exploding against the cliff. Please keep in mind that although it is the most consistent big wave in the world it doesn’t mean there are always big waves. It is still magical and you can still feel the power but there is nothing like being there on a world record day. Winter is the best season to find the moving walls of water.
When you get to the Fort walk along the North (right) side to the front where you will find a set of very rickety stairs. Carefully and slowly traverse down to absorb even more energy from the violent sea. On the big days you will get wet.
After that follow the orange dirt road to a trail that will lead you down to the sand. It is interesting to experience the two different perspectives from above and below.
Mama Celeste always serving love and passion infused deliciousness.
Once you work up your appetite head to Restaurante Celeste in the village on the main beach road. This is a true Portuguese dining experience. You cannot choose wrong. For any vegetarians or vegans the salad and traditional migas is simple but divine. All of the produce comes from Celeste’s husband’s bio farm.
Celeste and her family are our family. Depending on how busy they are and who is working changes the energy. Insider tip: Dont take anything personal. It doesn’t take away from the quality and love in the food.
Follow the sign for Praia do Norte and along the way on your right hand side you will find a fenced in section of forest that is home to around 70 reindeer. It is a treat to be so close to such power and look them in the eye.
If anyone is interested in riding horses on the beach, just down the road from the deer is the North Canyon Horse Bar.
When the waves are giant a visit to the Porto do Abrigo (the marina) could lead you to a close encounter with a big wave surfer either getting ready to go out into the water or coming in. Most are friendly an open to a conversation.
If Restaurante Celeste is closed there a couple great options. The crepe food truck up at the top in Sitio is delicious. Best crepe in Portugal. I recommend the Nicole, naturally. A new Italian restaurant just opened up, Bonta- Bistro Italiano. Best Italian in Portugal? Quite possibly.
Oh!!! Not to be missed is the open air market in the center of the village. For a healthy and made with love breakfast visit Casa Asana.
At all of these food spots you cannot order wrong!!!
If you are looking for any other recommendations please let me know in the comments and I am happy to guide you to what we have found!