Rota dos Milagres da Nazaré

The trail begins at Sítio, in the square across from the Shrine of Our Lady of Nazaré, heading from there to the Fort of St. Michael the Archangel, where a lighthouse was installed in the early 20th century, and where you’ll reach via a trail along the cliffs of the promontory with its rich and interesting geological formations. Once at the fort, descend along a trail and then down a rudimentary staircase to Praia do Norte. Continue north along the shore until you reach a wide, well-defined path. At the bend, where this path turns right toward the water park, continue straight ahead along a trail through the dune vegetation, where the “camarinha” stands out for its uniqueness. After about 70 meters, this trail leads into the forest of the Pinhal da Casa de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré. Following firebreaks and sandy paths, you reach the southern tip of the wind farm near tower No. 6, with its long blades spinning ceaselessly. Walk eastward now until you reach the paved road, which you cross, continuing along the firebreak for another 380 meters, until another one appears running south to north. Cross this one and take a forest trail to the right, which leads to the southern end of the campground. After 230 meters along this path, cross it and follow a forest trail heading southwest. About 200 meters further on, you’ll find a wide path through the forest. Follow this trail until you reach a firebreak crossed by a high-voltage power line. Cross it heading south, taking a forest path that descends gently and leads to a curve in a paved section of road. Continuing south on this path, you’ll quickly reach the EN-8-5; cross it, and you’ll see right ahead the Monte de S. Bartolomeu or S. Brás. Climb the hill via the trail on the left; it’s a 600-meter round trip. From this stunning viewpoint—a pile of volcanic rock blocks covered with lush Mediterranean vegetation—you can see everything around you: to the north, the vast green expanse of the Leiria Pine Forest; to the northwest, Sítio, the Sanctuary, and the wind farm; to the south, the Serra da Pescaria; to the west, the landscapes of the Alcobaça region. Descend Monte de S. Brás and take the paved road heading south. After 100 meters, you’ll find a firebreak on the right that leads to Pederneira and Largo da Misericórdia, with its overlook of Nazaré and the sea. Begin the descent to Nazaré along Rua do Mirante, passing through Largo do Saião, continuing along Rua do Mirante, followed by Largo Coelho da Silva and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos. Cross the Pedralva Garden, exiting through the West Gate, which leads to the roundabout; go around it on the left, crossing the road here. Then continue along Rua 3 de Setembro, crossing Rua Mouzinho de Albuquerque, and continue downhill along Rua da Paz until you reach Avenida da República, following the waterfront until you reach the elevator. Using this time-honored mode of transportation, you’ll head back up to the spot where the route began.