One of the main attractions in Nazaré is the funicular. In case you don’t know, a funicular is a cable car that goes up the mountain or hill. In Nazaré you can go from downtown Nazaré up to the city square while enjoying a beautiful view over the city of Nazaré as well as Praia da Nazaré.
But what if we told you that instead of riding the funicular, you can hike it!? We did the funicular Nazaré “hike” when we visited this little surfer paradise. It’s the only actual trail in the city with some elevation and it takes you up to the viewpoints above Nazaré that are incredible – especially for sunset.
So how do you do the funicular Nazaré trail too?
How to hike the funicular trail in Nazaré
Nazaré is known for its surfing and beautiful beaches that you have to check out. But if you’ve been following us for a while, you know we can’t go anywhere without hiking a little bit…
When we saw the funicular in Nazaré we noticed there was a trail that zig-zags right underneath the funicular and decided we’d give it a go.
It’s not a long trail so it’s pretty straightforward but there are definitely a few things that are good to know before you go.
This trail is officially known as Encosta da Nazaré but locally it is just called the funicular trail.
If you’re looking for a longer trail than this, check out the Monte de São Bartolomeu.
Below you can find all the information you need before embarking on the funicular trail.
Practical information about hiking the funicular trail in Nazaré
Distance: 2.0 km return / 1.2 miles return
Elevation: Roughly 100 m / 328 ft. elevation gain
Type: In-and-out trail
Length: 30 to 60 minutes return
Difficulty: 3/5
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Click here to see a map of the beginning of the Funicular trail in Nazaré.
Starting downtown Nazaré
The trail starts close to Hotel Magic close to Praia da Nazaré. From there you head up R. Mouzinho de Albuquerque a few meters until you turn left on Tv. Da Nazaré. Turn right onto R. Dr. Ruy Rosa and then take an instant left onto R. Dr. José Laborinho Marques da Silveira.
Whoo, that was a lot of street names, but basically, all of this should take you a few minutes. Once you’re on R. Dr. José Laborinho Marques da Silveira you just follow that road up until you get to a bend in the road that almost looks like a roundabout. You should also see a sign or two along the way pointing you in the right direction.
There you’ll find some benches you can sit on and some street art on the wall you can enjoy before continuing up. This is where the steep part starts!
From the benches, you can head up the stairs and continue up the trail. Up until now, you’ve walked on the road but from here it is a paved, designated walking trail. Follow the trail up until you get to the first viewpoint.
The first viewpoint: Baloico da Ladeira
I’m not sure if it’s a Portuguese thing but they seem to put swings in the most perfect places. If you’ve been to Óbidos before then maybe you’ve also swung on the famous swing in Óbidos. If not then you’ve got another thing to add to your bucket list! 😉
The swing “Baloiço da Ladeira” here in Nazaré is also one of the most beautiful spots overlooking the whole city. Even though the hike isn’t that hard this is a good spot to take a quick break.
The swing is about halfway up the Funicular Trail and you can take a few minutes to enjoy the view overlooking Nazaré.
It can get busy but if you’re lucky and you hike up before sunset you can enjoy the amazing view from the swing. If it’s too busy, you can hike up the last bit to the town square. The coastal viewpoint at the top is just as beautiful!
The last stretch to Miradouro de Nazaré
As we mentioned before, it really isn’t a long hike. But sometimes the short ones are just as fun! Especially when the view from the top is as rewarding as the view from Miradouro de Nazaré.
There’s a whole coastal stretch of viewpoints above the cliffs that you can walk around and find a comfy spot to take in the city of Nazaré. It gets busy up here with restaurants, cafes, and street peddlers. You’ll easily find a spot to sit and relax and look back down at the Funicular Trail and see how much elevation you actually covered.
Enjoy the view!
Other related questions about the Nazaré Funicular
What hotels are near Nazaré Funicular?
There are quite a few hotels near Nazaré Funicular. The best and most convenient hotels near the Nazaré Funicular are Hotel Maré, Real Holidays Nazaré, and also Nazaré Hostel is right next to the funicular.
What restaurants are near Nazaré Funicular?
There are plenty of restaurants near the Nazaré Funicular since its lower entrance is located close to downtown. The best restaurants near the funicular are O Santo de Anibal Portugal and Village Brunch and Coffee. Both of these places are only a 2-3 minute walk from the Nazaré Funicular.
You may also like…
- 3 of the Best Camping Spots in Nazaré
- Top 11 Things to do in Nazaré
- The Best Ways to Get From Lisbon to Nazare
- 8 Cities on Portugals Silver Coast You’re Going to Love
- How to Hike the Monte de São Bartolomeu Trail
Recap of the Funicular Trail in Nazaré
That’s it, friends! We hope you’re ready to embark on this short but steep walk up to one of the prettiest coastal viewpoints we’ve seen in Portugal. Once you’re at the top, head down to the famous Nazaré lighthouse and see if you can catch surfers on the big waves!
You can also pay €1 to head inside the lighthouse and check out their small surf museum – it’s pretty cool!
On your way back down to Nazaré downtown, you can either head down the trail the same way you came from OR you can take the funicular. The price of the Nazaré funicular is €1.50 for a one-way ticket.
Have fun!
Dom & Jo
Red White Adventures
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