Gafanha da Nazaré: 5 Must-See Attractions
Portugal has many incredible places to discover for those who love nature and appreciate history.
In this article, we’ll talk about Gafanha da Nazaré: this fishing village famous for its cod-fishing boats and beaches ideal for surfing.
Keep reading and get ready for an unforgettable trip.
Where is Gafanha da Nazaré?
Although Nazaré and Gafanha da Nazaré have similar names, the truth is that there is a distance of more than 150 kilometers between the two cities.
If you don’t know where Gafanha da Nazaré is, here’s the answer: it’s right next to Aveiro, halfway between Figueira da Foz and Porto.
Like Nazaré, this town is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, and Gafanha da Nazaré beach has charms that attract tourists all year round.
But there’s much more to do in this former port city, famous for receiving cod-fishing vessels.
Below, we share some tips on what to visit in Gafanha da Nazaré when you go there — and we guarantee this trip will be worth it.
What to Visit in Gafanha da Nazaré?
Praia da Barra
One of the most famous beaches in Gafanha da Nazaré. It is located at the mouth of the lagoon, just a few kilometers from the city center.
Its narrow sandy beach, bay shape, and surrounding restaurants and bars give it an exclusive feel.
On the stretch of sand that extends to Costa Nova, you can surf, as the waves here are quite strong.
Praia da Barra is also home to the Farol da Barra, another spot we recommend visiting.
Farol da Barra
The most iconic postcard of Gafanha da Nazaré, the Barra Lighthouse, is considered the tallest lighthouse in Portugal, at 62 meters.
Built in 1890, its purpose is to guide ships into the port of Aveiro, especially cod-fishing vessels.
You can climb to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views: from the lagoon to Aveiro, Ílhavo, and the São Jacinto peninsula.
There are 291 steps if you want to walk up, but you can also take an elevator to the top.
Ílhavo Maritime Museum (MMI)
Founded in 1937 and renovated and expanded in 2001, this museum features modern architecture and, since 2013, includes a codfish aquarium.
The MMI is a unique maritime museum whose mission is to preserve the memory of work at sea and promote Portuguese maritime culture and identity.
In 2021, the Maritime Religiosity Center was inaugurated, showcasing spiritual heritage linked to the sea.
The museum has permanent exhibitions on cod fishing in the waters of Newfoundland and Greenland, work in the lagoon, and the Ílhavo diaspora along the Portuguese coast.
Santo André Ship Museum
This is part of the Ílhavo Maritime Museum and is a former cod-fishing vessel. Built in 1948 in the Netherlands for the Aveiro Fishing Company, this ship measured 71.40 meters and had a hold for twenty thousand quintals of fish.
It was decommissioned in 1997. To preserve the memory of this emblematic vessel, the former Santo André was transformed into a ship museum.
Recently, the Santo André Ship Museum was renovated and reopened to the public with a new project featuring more exhibition spaces and resources. Now you can visit the engine room — the heart of the ship.
This chapel dates back to 1863 and is located near the Barra Fortress in Gafanha da Nazaré. It is considered the oldest religious building in the city.
Fishermen used to visit this chapel to pray to Our Lady of the Navigators before setting out to sea.
Every year, celebrations are held in honor of Our Lady of the Navigators — a religious and cultural experience worth discovering.
Now that you have some ideas of what to visit in Gafanha da Nazaré, it’s good to know that Ohai Nazaré is just 1h30 by car from this town.
If you want to discover our paradise, why not escape from Gafanha straight to Nazaré?
There’s a paradise in Nazaré. Come and discover it.
What Else Can You Do in Gafanha da Nazaré?
In addition to the visits mentioned, Gafanha da Nazaré offers other unique experiences:
- Hiking in Ribeiras de Veiros: Just 2 km from Gafanha da Nazaré, this approximately seven-kilometer route passes through a variety of landscapes, including canals, streams, rice fields, and forests. Perfect for those seeking tranquility and wanting to enjoy the natural surroundings near Gafanha da Nazaré.
- Stroll along Avenida Marginal Carlos Cardoso de Oliveira: Located 3 km away in Aveiro, this charming pedestrian avenue offers a relaxing atmosphere while you take in the scenery. Ideal for a peaceful walk and for tasting delicious local dishes at restaurants and cafés with outdoor terraces.
- Visit the Barra Fortress: Also known as Forte Novo or Castelo da Gafanha, it was built as a military fort to protect Aveiro from corsair raids and enemy troops. Although the fort never played a major military role, it is a historic site worth visiting.
How to Get There?
Gafanha da Nazaré is located in the district of Aveiro, in central Portugal. It is easily accessible by car from nearby cities such as Aveiro, Porto, or Coimbra. There are also public transport options connecting Gafanha da Nazaré with other towns in the region.
Where to Stay?
If you’re looking for a place to stay near Gafanha da Nazaré, consider the following options:
- Ohai Nazaré Outdoor Resort: Located just 1h30 by car from Gafanha da Nazaré, this resort offers a unique experience in contact with nature. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing getaway.
- Hotels in Aveiro: The city of Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal,” offers a variety of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to luxury resorts. It’s a short drive from Gafanha da Nazaré and provides a wide range of services and amenities.
