Nazaré Lighthouse (Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo)
Farol da Nazaré / Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo
A red-roofed lighthouse and 16th-century fort at the tip of a headland. In winter, you can watch 20 to 30 metre waves and surfers on North Beach (Praia do Norte) from here.
The Fortress of St Michael the Archangel was built in the 16th century to defend against pirates, and the red lighthouse on top is Nazaré's symbol. The fort faces North Beach. The Nazaré Canyon on the seabed funnels and amplifies incoming swells, so waves over 20 metres often form here in winter, and several world surfing records have been set at this spot. Inside the fort is a surf museum displaying big-wave surfboards and the history of record-breaking rides. Admission is about 1 to 2 euros, and the fort is open roughly 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. It is a 15-minute downhill walk from Sítio Square. On days with good surf, arrive early.
Opening hours
About 10:00–18:00 (closes earlier in winter)
Nearby sights
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré
- Miradouro do Sítio (Suberco)
- Praia da Nazaré
- Nazaré Funicular
- Praia do Norte
- São Martinho do Porto Bay
- Alcobaça Monastery
- Caldas da Rainha