Once upon a time, a small fishing village emerged along the windswept shores of the Atlantic coast. It was named Nazaré, in honor of a small wooden statue of the Virgin Mary that had traveled from Nazareth to a monastery near Mérida, Spain. From there, the statue was brought to its present home by a monk and the last Visigoth king of Portugal. As the years passed, a series of ever-larger churches rose up around the revered statue, shaping the village’s spiritual heart.

The small fishing village once served as a sanctuary from Viking and pirate raids. As maritime piracy waned, the village expanded and took on new roles. It evolved into a picturesque coastal community that attracted frequent visitors, drawn not only by its beauty but also by its religious sites and vibrant festivals.

In recent years, this once-quiet fishing village has gained widespread local and international attention as a world-class surfing destination, with waves recorded at towering heights of up to 86 feet (26 meters).

We explored the coastal attractions of the fishing village. The only real trace of its past were boats left beached on the shore. Instead of a working harbor, the coastline was lined with gift shops and Michelin-starred restaurants catering to tourists. We saw no villagers in traditional clothing and no fishing nets hanging to dry in the harsh sun and wind.

Photographs of our travels. Memories found and captured.