About Nazaré

Nazaré is a municipality in the district of Leiria, Portugal. The population in 2011 was 24,258, in an area of 97.58 km². It is famous for its large beach, the Praia da Nazaré, and for its traditional costume. The history of Nazaré is closely linked to the sea and to maritime tradition. For centuries it was a destination for codfish fishing, and the first references to the village date back to the 12th century. The Nazaré Codex, a 13th-century document that describes the village's customs and privileges, is kept at the National Archives. The town's most famous landmark is the imposing cliff known as the Sitio, from which one can view the entire length of the Nazaré beach. The beach is popular with surfers and has been the site of several world record-breaking waves. Nazaré is also known for its traditional costume, which includes a red cap (the tarrafal) and a seven-skirted dress (the roupão). The women of Nazaré are said to be among the most beautiful in Portugal, and the town is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.