Sítio da Nazaré is the upper quarter of the town, set on a clifftop promontory more than a hundred metres above the sea — often described as a town above a town.
Sítio is reached from the lower town by a historic funicular, first opened in 1889 to connect the beach with the clifftop. The short, steep ride is part of the experience, and Sítio is accessible by road as well. At the top lies a quarter with its own distinct character: a broad square, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, the small Hermitage of Memory, cafés, stalls and shops.
Sítio is also the place from which Nazaré's most famous sights are seen: the Suberco viewpoint over the town and the main beach, and, beyond, the fort and lighthouse above the big-wave coast of Praia do Norte. It is here, too, that visitors may see the traditional Nazaré costume — the women's seven skirts. For most visitors, a trip to Sítio is the heart of a day in Nazaré.
Highlights
- The clifftop quarter of Nazaré, a town above a town
- Reached by a historic funicular, opened in 1889
- Home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré
- Sweeping views over the town and the Atlantic
- The gateway to the big-wave coast and the fort
History & context
Sítio da Nazaré is the clifftop quarter of the town, on a promontory more than a hundred metres above the sea. Its origins are tied to the legend of Our Lady of Nazaré and the medieval sanctuary built there. For centuries the upper town and the fishing town on the beach were separate; in 1889 a funicular was opened to connect them, and it still runs today. Sítio holds the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, the Hermitage of Memory and the Suberco viewpoint.
🗓️ Best time to visit
Any time of year; the funicular and viewpoints are year-round. Winter brings the big waves on Praia do Norte.
⏱️ Duration
Half a day
♿ Accessibility
Moderate. The funicular is wheelchair-accessible; Sítio itself has historic streets and some uneven surfaces.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sítio da Nazaré?
It is the upper, clifftop quarter of Nazaré, set on a promontory over a hundred metres above the sea, with a sanctuary and wide views.
How do you get up to Sítio?
Sítio is reached by a historic funicular, first opened in 1889, or by road. The short, steep ride is part of the experience.
What is there to see in Sítio?
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, the Hermitage of Memory, the Suberco viewpoint, and the way to the fort and lighthouse.