Nazaré is a coastal resort north of Lisbon and an increasingly popular destination among surfers and tourists. It makes the perfect day trip from Lisbon for independent travellers. We highly recommend a few stops along the way to visit the beautiful coastal towns of Peniche, Foz do Arelho and São Martinho do Porto.

The drive from Lisbon to Nazaré in 2026 offers several spectacular stops, but the most essential is the medieval walled town of Óbidos. Located about an hour north of Lisbon, Óbidos is a "living museum" where you can walk the ancient stone perimeter walls and sample Ginjinha (cherry liqueur) served in edible chocolate cups. Another "pro" stop is the Mafra National Palace, a massive baroque complex that rivals the Escorial in Spain and features one of the world's most beautiful historic libraries. For those interested in history and architecture, the Alcobaça Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just a short detour before reaching Nazaré; it houses the tragic tombs of Pedro and Inês de Castro. If you prefer the coast, a stop at the seaside town of Ericeira—a World Surfing Reserve—offers stunning cliffside views and some of the best fresh seafood in Portugal. These stops transform a simple 90-minute transit into a full-day "cultural corridor" trip through the heart of Portuguese heritage and Atlantic natural beauty.