How long should it take to visit this area ? two days are enough
Where is this ? it?s north of Lisbon about 80 kilometers.
How do I get there ? it?s easier if you rent a car, then take the A1 highway, exit in Marinha Grande, then follow the signs towards Alcobaça.
What is there to see in Alcobaça ? the monastery, and the streets around the Monastery.The atmosphere is very quiet.
What other things can I expect ? there are typical things in Alcobaça like the almond cakes in a delicatessen named Alcôa , and the cherry liquor. You can also buy pottery there. A typical plate is Frango na Púcara ( chicken in a pot ), and the pots make a different present.
Any smart tip ? yes. Lock safely your car, and don?t let anything at sight.
How do I get to Nazaré ? exit Alcobaça, and follow the signs.
What can I expect in Nazaré ? it?s a small village, with a long beach, and a promontory with a breathtaking view, easy to reach using the funicular.
Are hotels available ? yes, there are, and if you?re not very demanding, you can rent a room for one night. There are lots of women alongside the beach, that will ask you if you need a room. Some also have small signs in different languages. There is also a camping park near Nazaré. It is not advisable to sleep in the beach.
Is the beach ok ? the beach is safe, but the water is very cold. The beach in Nazaré is the ?factory? of the fisherman. You will see lots of mackerels drying in the sun. It?s typical.
What to eat ? fresh fish grilled or the traditional Caldeirada, a plate made with different types of fish.
Is it expensive ? in the summer time, a little more expensive. Expect to eat with a minimum of 6 euros per\person.
And the hotels \ rooms. Hotels aren?t very expensive, and the same goes to the rooms, and in the last ones , you can always do some bargain.
Other different things ? Women in Nazaré wear seven skirts, traditionally, but please, don?t ask them to show them.
Smart tip ? once again, lock safely your car, and don?t let inside valuable things. Take a sweater with you, because Nazaré is a micro-climate, and in summer it can be steaming hot in Alcobaça and foggy and chill in Nazaré.
Good buys ? small fishing boats, or the wool shirts fisherman style.
night life ? yes there are some bars and pubs in Nazaré. In Alcobaça no.
any last tips ? yes. In Alcobaça fruit is excellent, in Nazaré, you can make fantastic pictures, but take precaution with the humidity in your camera. In summer weekends there are lots of people in Nazaré, but the atmosphere of the place is very nice.
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