Nazaré
A traditional fishing town on Portugal's Atlantic coast, famous for the biggest surfable waves in the world, with a wide sandy beach and seafood straight from the boats.
Nazaré
Nazaré has two personalities: a sheltered town beach for summer swimming, and the wild Praia do Norte, where the giant winter waves roll in.
Nazaré, Portugal: from fishing village to surf legend
Nazaré lies on the Atlantic coast of central Portugal, between Lisbon and Porto. For centuries it was a quiet fishing town, known for its colourful boats and fishermen's families. Then the world discovered the enormous waves at Praia do Norte, and Nazaré became a place of pilgrimage for big-wave surfers.
Today, the town is just as rewarding for ordinary travellers. You can watch some of the world's best surfers in winter, swim from a long sandy beach in summer and eat superb grilled fish all year round. It makes a great stop on a road trip around Portugal.
Why are the Nazaré waves so big?
The secret lies under the water. Just off the coast, the Nazaré Canyon, a huge underwater gorge, channels and concentrates the energy of Atlantic swells towards Praia do Norte. When big winter storms meet the right conditions, the result is waves the size of a multi-storey building.
American surfer Garrett McNamara put Nazaré on the map with his record-breaking rides in the early 2010s, a story told in the HBO series 100 Foot Wave. Read more in our article on how Nazaré became a surfer's dream.
Riding the giants
Big-wave surfing at Nazaré is a team effort, with jet skis towing surfers into the waves and safety crews waiting in the water.
Where to watch the giant waves
The best place to watch is the headland by the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo and its red lighthouse, high above Praia do Norte. On big days, crowds gather along the cliffs to watch the surfers drop down the faces of the waves.
The big-wave season is usually from around October to March, but huge swells only arrive on certain days. Follow surf forecasts and local news, and be ready to travel at short notice if you want to see the giants. Always stay behind barriers and away from the edge, as the sea here is extremely dangerous.
Pedra do Guilhim
The rocks below the headland are a popular viewpoint, with the Atlantic swells breaking just below.
Things to do in Nazaré
Take the funicular to Sítio: the clifftop quarter has a pretty square, a historic church and the best views over town.
Relax on Praia da Nazaré: the wide town beach is sheltered and ideal for swimming in summer.
See the drying fish: on the beach, fish are still laid out to dry on racks in the traditional way.
Eat seafood: grilled sardines, fish stews and fresh catch in the restaurants along the seafront.
Day trips: the walled town of Óbidos and the great monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha are close by.
The funicular
The funicular links the beach with Sítio on the clifftop, and the ride up is short and cheap.
How to get to Nazaré
Nazaré is around an hour and a half by car from Lisbon and a little further from Porto, and there are regular bus connections from both cities. Having a car makes it easy to combine Nazaré with nearby towns and beaches along the Silver Coast.
An old tradition
Drying fish in the sun on the beach is a centuries-old tradition in Nazaré, and the dried fish is sold right on the spot.
When is the best time to visit Nazaré?
The best time to visit Nazaré depends on what you want. For the giant waves, come between October and March, ideally with a flexible plan so you can follow the forecast. For beach holidays and swimming, June to September is best, when the town beach is calm and the weather is warm and sunny.
Spring and early autumn are quiet and pleasant, with mild weather for walks along the coast and fewer visitors in town.
Frequently asked questions about Nazaré
When are the big waves in Nazaré?
The big waves in Nazaré usually arrive between October and March, when powerful Atlantic storms send large swells towards the coast. The giant days are unpredictable, though, and can come with only a few days' notice. Keep an eye on surf forecasts if you want to see them.
Can you swim in Nazaré?
Yes, you can swim at Praia da Nazaré, the main town beach, which is sheltered and usually calm in summer. Do not swim at Praia do Norte, where the currents and waves are extremely dangerous. Always follow the lifeguards' flags and local advice.
How far is Nazaré from Lisbon?
Nazaré is roughly 120 kilometres north of Lisbon, about an hour and a half by car. There are also direct buses between Lisbon and Nazaré. It works well as a day trip, but staying a night or two lets you enjoy the town in the quiet evening.
Is Nazaré worth visiting?
Yes, Nazaré is worth visiting, even if you are not a surfer. The town combines a traditional fishing culture with spectacular coastal scenery, a long sandy beach and excellent seafood. Seeing the giant winter waves from the lighthouse is an unforgettable experience.