Nazare's Big Waves: When and Where to Watch

Nazaré is home to some of the biggest waves ever surfed. In winter, swells funnelled by a deep underwater canyon rear up off Praia do Norte, and big-wave surfers ride them while crowds watch from the clifftop lighthouse. Here’s when and how to see the giant waves.

Quick answer: the big waves come mainly from October to March, on days with a large Atlantic swell. Watch from the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo lighthouse above Praia do Norte. Check surf forecasts and local news for big-swell days, and arrive early. Nazaré is about 1.5 hours from Lisbon.

Why the waves are so big

The Nazaré Canyon, one of the largest underwater canyons in Europe, runs right up to the coast. It focuses the energy of Atlantic swells onto Praia do Norte, creating enormous waves. The beach became world-famous after Garrett McNamara surfed a record-breaking wave here in 2011.

Where to watch

• The lighthouse fort: the classic viewpoint on the headland, with a small museum of surfboards and the canyon.
• The clifftop paths around the fort.
• Praia do Norte from the beach itself, at a safe distance.

Tips

• Forecasts: big waves need specific conditions. Follow surf forecasts and big-wave event announcements.
• Get there early: on big days, parking and the fort fill up fast.
• Safety: stay well back from the water and the cliff edges. Rogue waves can sweep the beach.
• The Sitio funicular connects the beach town to the clifftop.
• Summer: no giant waves, but Nazaré’s main beach is perfect for swimming.

Stay in Nazaré

See the best hotels in Nazaré and the Nazaré guide.

More: surfing in Portugal, the Silver Coast and Portugal in winter.

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