Nazaré is a picturesque Portuguese coastal town with a long fishing tradition. The modern town grew from the historic settlements of Pederneira and Sítio and the later development of the beachfront district known as Praia.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré at Sítio dates back to the 14th century, when King Fernando commissioned a larger place of worship for pilgrims. An earlier religious tradition links the Ermida da Memória to a miracle said to have saved D. Fuas Roupinho in 1182. Devotion to Our Lady of Nazaré, regarded locally as a protector of fishermen and sailors, remains part of the town's culture. Over the centuries, Nazaré grew from a fishing town into a destination known for its beaches and for the giant waves that draw surfers from around the world. Its religious traditions and fishing heritage remain visible alongside its lively coastal life.