Most people know Nazaré for the waves — the absolute monsters that break over Praia do Norte when the winter swells hit the underwater canyon. And yes, standing on the lighthouse roof while the ocean explodes below you is something you’ll never forget.

But Nazaré is so much more than the big waves.

Take a look at this long stretch of sand is Praia da Nazaré and right behind it is the town...restaurants, little cafés, gift shops, bakeries and outdoor patios running along the beachfront.

This is one of my favourite parts of Nazaré.

You can wander the streets, stop for an espresso or a pastel de nata, grab a table outside overlooking the beach, have some fresh grilled sardines and a cold Super Bock and just watch everything happening around you.

Fishing boats still sit on the sand, locals walking the promenade, kids are playing on the beach and the traditional racks of fish drying in the sun...

"You'll probably smell something cooking over charcoal on an outdoor grill before you even see where it’s coming from".

Then look up...that village sitting high on the cliff is Sítio. Take the funicular straight up the hillside and a few minutes later you're looking back down over this entire beach and town...that’s what I love about Nazaré.

You’ve got this beautiful old fishing village, a massive beach, incredible food, little streets you can wander for hours, Sítio sitting above it all...and just around the corner are some of the biggest waves on the planet...all in one little town.

Come here...you gotta see this.