Nazaré

Legendary spot for surfers chasing the planet’s tallest waves.

Nazaré is the undisputed capital of big wave surfing, where the underwater Nazaré Canyon — Europe's largest submarine canyon — funnels and amplifies Atlantic swells to produce waves averaging 50-65 feet, with the world record standing at an astonishing 101.7 feet surfed by Rodrigo Koxa in 2017. The main break at Praia do Norte is a tow-in-only big wave spot that works on powerful northwest Atlantic storm swells between October and March, with November through February being peak season. This is exclusively for elite, professionally trained big wave surfers with jet-ski support and full safety teams — it is not a recreational surf spot. For spectators, the clifftop viewing area at the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo on the Sítio da Nazaré headland offers a stunning vantage point to witness some of the most awe-inspiring waves on Earth. The town of Nazaré itself is a charming Portuguese fishing village with full tourist infrastructure.

Best months to surf Nazaré

Wave consistency

Inconsistent

Things to do nearby

• Visit the Nazaré Lighthouse for panoramic views of the waves
• Explore the historic Sítio district with its cliff-top sanctuary
• Enjoy fresh seafood at the local restaurants along the beach
• Take a boat tour to see the underwater canyon that creates the massive waves