Nazaré: the Legend of 1182, the Seven Skirts and the Giant Waves

Nazaré is famous today for the biggest waves ever surfed. But the town’s story begins more than eight centuries ago, on a foggy morning at the top of a cliff.

The legend of Dom Fuas Roupinho

In 1182 the knight Dom Fuas Roupinho was hunting near the coast when he chased a deer into the fog. His horse stopped at the very edge of the cliff of Sítio, and the knight credited Our Lady of Nazaré with saving his life. He built a small chapel on the spot, and the Sanctuary of Nazaré that stands there today became one of the oldest places of pilgrimage in Portugal. Hear the full story on our Nazaré Origins day trip from Lisbon.

A town of fishermen

Below the cliff, a fishing community grew on the beach. For generations boats were launched straight from the sand, and fish was dried on wooden racks in the sun, a tradition some local women still keep. The women of Nazaré are known for their layered skirts, often said to be seven. Many stories explain the number, from the days of the week to the seven waves. Our Nazaré Hidden Gems walking tour visits the fish market and explains the tradition.

The canyon and the giant waves

Just offshore, the Nazaré Canyon, one of the largest submarine canyons in Europe, channels the Atlantic swell towards Praia do Norte. When the conditions are right, the result is the giant waves that brought surfers from around the world. On our Nazaré walking tour of local stories we explain how the canyon formed and how it shaped life on this coast.

Visiting Nazaré

Take the funicular from the beach to Sítio for the view, walk the lanes behind the seafront, and stay for grilled fish. Big-wave season is usually in winter, but the waves are never guaranteed. More on our Nazaré page.