Nazaré · Portugal
Surfing Nazaré (Praia do Norte)
A big wave in Nazaré, Portugal, for pro surfers.
Praia do Norte in Nazaré is home to the biggest waves ever surfed. An underwater canyon runs straight towards the beach and focuses the swell, so on a big winter north-west swell the waves can reach 20 metres or more.
It's a tow-in spot for big-wave professionals, with jet skis, safety teams and a lot of experience. For everyone else, the place to be is the lighthouse at the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, which is one of the best places in the world to watch big surf.
On small days the beach breaks are still powerful, with heavy shorebreak and strong currents. Most travellers who want to surf go to the beaches south of the town or to Peniche, about 45 minutes away.
When to surf
Nazaré (Praia do Norte)
Nazaré (Praia do Norte) is at its best from October to March. Conditions it likes: Big NW groundswell; an underwater canyon focuses it, all tides.
October to March: Prime
Consistent NW-W swell, mild city winter
April to May: Good
Reliable swell, warming water, fewer crowds
June to August: Quiet
Smaller waves, packed beaches, strong summer thermal wind at Guincho
The year across Lisbon Coast
Waves near Nazaré (Praia do Norte)
Lagide
34 kmPeniche & Baleal · Left Reef · Intermediate / Advanced
Baleal
35 kmPeniche & Baleal · Beach Break · Beginner / Intermediate
Molhe Leste
38 kmPeniche & Baleal · Beach Break · Intermediate / Advanced
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: Stay in Nazaré town, along the main beach, where most of the hotels, apartments and restaurants are; Praia do Norte is a short drive or a long walk over the hill. Sítio, on the cliff above, is quieter and closer to the lighthouse. On big-wave days in winter rooms fill fast, so book as soon as a big swell is forecast.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Nazaré guide.
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