Nazare was originally located up on the Promontorio de Sitio.  The beach of Nazare didn’t exist back then, being underwater.

Then, sometime in the 18th century, the sea level dropped (or the tides deposited sand) and at that time the current site of Nazare beach appeared.

 The people moved down to the beach and Nazare was born.  Sitio still exists, there is a funicular to get up there, and it is worth the .75e to ride up and walk down.  This is the old wall of Sitio looking out towards the point.