Nazare: Giant Waves, Beaches and How to Visit

Nazaré is two places in one: a traditional fishing town with a long golden beach, and home to the biggest waves ever surfed. In summer it’s a classic family seaside town. In winter, when giant Atlantic swells hit, people come from all over the world to watch surfers ride waves the size of buildings.

Quick answer: it’s about 1h45 by bus from Lisbon, easy as a day trip or combined with Óbidos. For the big waves, go between roughly October and February and watch from the lighthouse fort above Praia do Norte. For the beach, go in summer.

The big waves

Off Nazaré’s north beach, Praia do Norte, a deep underwater canyon funnels Atlantic swells into enormous waves. On the biggest days, tow-in surfers ride faces of 20–30 metres, and world records have been set here.

• When: the big-wave season runs roughly from October to February, with November to February the core months. Big days depend on storms far out in the Atlantic, so check surf forecasts and local news a few days ahead.
• Where to watch: the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, the red-roofed lighthouse fort on the headland, right above the waves. Inside there’s a small museum about big-wave surfing, with the boards of famous surfers.
• Tips: go early on a big day, wear warm waterproof layers, and stay behind the barriers. The spray reaches the clifftop!

Things to do

• The main beach: a wide, sheltered sweep of sand in front of the town, great for families in summer. You’ll often see fish drying on racks on the sand, a centuries-old tradition.
• O Sítio: take the historic funicular up the cliff to this old quarter for the classic view over the beach, the Nossa Senhora da Nazaré sanctuary and the walk to the lighthouse fort.
• Local traditions: look out for the older women in the traditional layered skirts (said to be seven), selling dried fish and nuts.
• Seafood: grilled fish, caldeirada (fish stew) and fresh clams in the restaurants along the seafront.

Getting there

• Bus: direct coaches from Lisbon (Sete Rios) take about 1h45.
• Car: about 1h20 on the A8 motorway (tolled). Handy to combine with Óbidos and Alcobaça.
• Tour: many day tours combine Nazaré with Óbidos, Batalha and Fátima. See this small-group tour.

Combine with

• Óbidos: the walled medieval town, about 40 minutes away.
• Alcobaça and Batalha: two magnificent UNESCO-listed monasteries nearby.
• The Berlengas: boats leave from Peniche, just down the coast (in summer).

Staying overnight

Staying a night lets you see the sunset from O Sítio and beat the day-trip crowds. See places to stay in Nazaré. More ideas in our day trips from Lisbon and Portugal in winter guides.

Some links in this guide are affiliate links (GetYourGuide, Booking.com, Discover Cars). If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our groups and this site free.