Top - Sítio da Nazaré
Sítio da Nazaré offers one of the most stunning views of all the Portuguese coast. The Largo de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré is one of the best balconies on the region: from serra de Mira de Aire to serra dos Candeeiros, encompassing the whole coast from Nazaré to Peniche.
The best way to reach Sítio da Nazaré is by funicular: a journey from Nazaré to Sítio is truly lovely. The Ascensor da Nazaré opened in 1889 and is one of the oldest public facilities of its kind in Portugal. The project is authored by engineer Raul Mesnier, also responsible for the famous funiculars of Santa Justa, Gloria and Bica, all in Lisbon.
At Sítio da Nazaré - in addition to the breathtaking views of Nazaré and the surrounding region – it is almost mandatory to visit the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré and the Ermida da Memória - the latter also known as the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré or Capelinha do Sitio. At the origin of the sanctuary and the chapel is the legend of Don Fuas Roupinho, castle mayor of Porto de Mós, who one foggy morning of September 1182, while chasing a deer on horseback was surprised by the gulf promontory of Sítio da Nazaré. In the face of an imminent fatal fall, Dan Fuas calls for the Virgin Mary "Lady, help me!" Then the miracle occurs, by stopping up the horse and rider to the abyss, thus avoiding certain death.
Also required is to peek Bico da Memória: where - supposedly - is the mark of one of the horse’s paws of Don Fuas Roupinho, situated right next to Ermida da Memória. Finally, a mark (padrão) indicates the presence on site of Vasco da Gama, who before his journey to India had come to Nazaré seek protection of Our Lady.
The fort of São Miguel is another point of interest, which has the classification of public interest property, dating from the sixteenth century. This place has the some of the best views to Praia do Norte and to Nazaré. The stairs that partially surround this fort also provide spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.