The Best Cliffside Benches for Nazaré Sunset Walks

For the most up-to-date details, check Visit Nazaré before you go.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Lonely Planet Nazaré Guide.

The walk to these benches is easy and fully accessible for every type of traveler. Most benches are located near the famous Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré today. This area gets busy, so arrive thirty minutes before the sun finally sets below. You will find plenty of space to enjoy the cooling and refreshing evening breeze.

Visit the Sítio cliff walk for the best access to these comfortable wooden benches. The path is well-lit and very safe for walkers after the sun goes down. Local vendors nearby sell roasted nuts and traditional sweets for a very small price. These snacks make your sunset experience even more enjoyable and authentic for your trip.

Quiet Seating Near Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo

The Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo is famous for watching giant waves during winter. However, the surrounding cliffs offer peaceful benches for sunset lovers to sit and relax. These seats face North Beach, where the world's largest waves occur in the winter. You can hear the powerful ocean while resting on the sturdy and wooden slats.

These benches are perfect for those who want to avoid the main town crowds. The walk out to the lighthouse is roughly one kilometer from the Sítio district. It is a flat path with incredible views of the rugged and rocky coastline. Many photographers choose these spots for their unobstructed views of the wide horizon.

Check the sunset time in Nazaré before you start your evening walk to the fort. Arriving early ensures you get a prime seat facing the deep blue Atlantic water. The wind can be strong near the lighthouse, so bring a light jacket along. This area provides a raw and wild feel to your beautiful evening coastal walk.

Hidden Benches Along the Pederneira Lookout

Pederneira is an older neighborhood located on a high hill above the local marina. It offers a different perspective compared to the more famous and busy Sítio cliffs. The benches here look down upon the fishing port and the southern sandy coastline. It is a local favorite for a quiet and romantic evening with your partner.

The walk to Pederneira involves a steady incline from the busy main town center. You will pass through charming streets with traditional white-washed houses and colorful flowers. Once you reach the lookout, the benches provide a panoramic view of the bay. This spot is ideal for romantic sunset walking routes during your 2026 vacation.

Most tourists overlook this area, making it very peaceful and quiet for evening walkers. You can sit for hours without being disturbed by large and noisy tour groups. The view of the town lights turning on is truly magical and very special. It is a great place to end a long day of exploring this town.

Practical Tips for Your Sunset Walk

Walking in Nazaré during 2026 requires some basic preparation for your safety and comfort. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip for the dusty and rocky cliffside paths. The limestone can be slippery if there is mist from the cold Atlantic ocean. Always stay on the marked trails to ensure your safety near the steep edges.

Sunset times vary significantly between the summer and winter months in coastal Portugal. In June, the sun sets late in the evening around nine o'clock at night. During December, the sun disappears much earlier, often before five-thirty in the afternoon. Plan your dinner reservations accordingly so you do not miss the beautiful golden hour.

Bring a camera or a smartphone to capture the vibrant and glowing coastal colors. Use a tripod if you want to take professional-style long exposure shots of waves. For more advice, read our sunset photography tips for your next coastal walk. These simple steps will help you remember your Nazaré trip for many years.