N azaré (Portuguese for Nazareth) is arguably Portugal’s most picturesque fishing village , although its days as a traditional place are long gone. It has become internationally famous for having the world’s biggest waves , and as a result it is now better known as a surfing mecca .
Located in the center of the country, less than 90 minutes north of Lisbon, it hasn’t lost its laid-back ambience , but local traditions are only preserved for visitors to get a taste of the old days. Fish is still put out to dry in the sun, colorful fishing boats remain on the beach, and some older locals hold on to the traditional dress -- berets for men, and shawls and seven skirts or petticoats for women.
No one knows for sure the origin of the use of the seven skirts, but it’s believed that as they waited at the beach for their husbands to return from the sea on colder days, the women would use the different layers to cover their arms and head.
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