Day Trip to Nazaré from Lisbon by Bus: Easy Itinerary

I actually visited Nazaré on a guided tour and quickly realized it wasn’t the best way to explore it. Between fixed meeting points and limited time, it felt rushed, especially in a place that’s as scenic as Nazaré. On top of that, as a vegan, the “recommended” lunch spots were not it.

That said, Nazaré itself? Absolutely worth visiting. The dramatic cliffs, traditional fishing boats, and famous big wave coastline make it one of the best day trips from Lisbon.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to do Nazaré as a independent day trip, why the bus is your best option, and give you a realistic itinerary based on my experience so you can make the most of your day without feeling rushed.

How to Get from Lisbon to Nazaré

There’s no train station in Nazaré, so the bus is the easiest and most direct option.

You can leave from:

• Lisboa, Gare do Oriente
• Lisboa, Terminal Rodoviário de Sete Rios

The bus takes between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on where you set off and how often the us stops along the way. You can check the up-to-date time table here.

For a day trip I’d recommend:

• 8:00 departure → arrive ~9:30 (if you want to spend more time on the beach)
• 9:00 departure → arrive ~11:00 (still works fine)

I recommend pinning the Nazaré bus stop in Google Maps so you know where to go for the return journey.

🚌 Buy your bus tickets here!

One Day in Nazaré: Step-by-Step Itinerary

1. Arrive and Grab a Coffee

Once you arrive, head straight toward the beach area.

This is a good time to grab a coffee and have a light breakfast or snack.

I went to Colour Beans and had a vegan bagel and smoothie. Service was great, and it’s in a quieter, more residential area which I really liked.

2. Walk to the Beach and See the Boats

From there, walk toward the ocean.

You’ll come across the traditional Nazaré fishing boats, which are one of the best photo spots in town. Even though my drop-off point felt a bit awkward at first, it actually worked well for this.

After that, spend some time just walking along the beach.

3. Beach Time or Big Wave Watching

This depends on when you visit.

• Most of the year: Relax on Praia da Nazaré
• Winter (big wave season): Head to Praia do Norte. This is where Nazaré’s famous giant waves happen. If you’re very lucky, you might even see surfers.

When I visited in April, the waves weren’t that big and for relaxing I preferred Praia da Nazaré.

4. Walk Up to Sítio da Nazaré

You can take the funicular, but I’d actually recommend walking.

It’s not as far as it looks and it was one of my favourite things to do in Nazaré as you get amazing views on the way up.

First you’ll pass through small streets with ocean views at the end of alleyways, and then there’s a pathway leading up the hill.

There’s also a swing viewpoint, but it’s usually busy. If you want a photo on the swing, expect to wait.

5. Visit the Church and Chapel

At the top, visit:

• Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré
• Ermida da Memória

The chapel is small but really beautiful inside with the blue tiles (azulejos). It’s a quick stop, but definitely worth it.

6. Walk to the Lighthouse and Fortress

From there, walk along the cliffs to the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo da Nazaré.

There’s a small museum inside with surfboards and info about the waves. Honestly, I didn’t find it that useful because the text next to the surf boards is very small, it’s really hard to read, even up close.

So, I’d treat this more as a viewpoint than a museum. And as a view point it’s definitely worth it, especially since the entrance is only €3.

7. Head Back Down for Dinner

After exploring the cliffs, head back down to the main town.

I didn’t get the chance to eat dinner in Nazaré myself but I’d have picked Tian Jie Restaurante & Café, the only vegetarian restaurant in town.

You won’t go hungry as a vegan, but don’t expect anything special food-wise, it definitely can’t compare with the great vegan food spots in Lisbon. Nazaré is very focused on seafood.

8. Catch the Bus Back to Lisbon

Don’t miss the last bus back to Lisbon at 8:30pm. You’ll arrive back in Lisbon at 10pm.

Tips for Your Day Trip to Nazaré

• Bring swimwear if you want to enjoy the beach, especially in warmer months.
• Pack a reusable water bottle and sunscreen. You’ll be out in the sun a lot, especially near the cliffs.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be walking more than you think, especially if you skip the funicular.
• Plan your food ahead as a vegan. Nazaré is very seafood-focused, so don’t rely on random restaurants.
• Pin your bus stop in Google Maps as soon as you arrive so you can easily find your way back.
• Keep an eye on the time. Buses don’t run constantly, and it’s easy to lose track of time at the cliffs.
• Visit in winter if you want to see big waves. Head to Praia do Norte for the best chance of seeing them.

Is Visiting Nazaré Worth It?

Yes, Nazaré is absolutely worth visiting if you’re looking for a relaxed coastal day trip.

Nazaré feels picturesque without trying too hard. You have narrow alleys lined with white buildings, and at the end of them, you’ll often catch a glimpse of the ocean. You can relax on a wide sandy beach and you get incredible views from Sítio.

That said, it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for a busy sightseeing itinerary packed with landmarks and attractions.

If that’s more your style, you might prefer somewhere like Óbidos or another destination with more structured sights.

In that case, check out my guide to the best day trips from Lisbon to find the right fit for your travel style.

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