The coastline of Nazaré, Portugal, is famous for the biggest waves ever surfed, breaking off its shores near the charming town known for terracotta rooftops and dramatic cliffs. Eighty-foot waves explode in front of the headland that divides the northern and southern beaches. Though,away from the spectacle,some surfing gems are overshadowed by these menacing waves.

Once in town, a winding path leads to Farol da Nazaré, the town’s fort. This lighthouse features a big wave exhibition and sits on the headland.Looking out to sea during a strong westerly North Atlantic swell, waves refract off the canyon, creating massive, triangle-shaped bombs as they reach the shore.

For adventurous visitors, boat tours to the back of the waves are available from watercraft operators in the harbor, south of the big wave spot.

Nazaré’s beach breaks can be world-class, similar to Supertubos, but amplified.This is especially true along Nazaré’s northern beach, away from Big Moma, where the biggest waves break.

Discovering Nazaré

Nazaré is located in Portugal’s Oeste region, within the Leiria District. It’s about a 45-minute drive north of Peniche, a premier surf zone, along the country’s west coast. It marks the start of a 90-kilometer stretch of beach extending north to Figueira da Foz, dotted with numerous surf spots.

Getting There

Reaching Nazaré is straightforward.Fly directly into Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport. From there, drive north on the A8 for about 75 minutes, then take the N8-5 to the town. To watch big waves,park in Nazaré and walk to the trail leading to the fort. Surfers can also drive along the coast road and park near the northern beach.

The lefts at Nazaré are what your really looking for, which lead away from the headland.

Nazaré Wave Breakdown

Big Moma is best left to the tow-in crews who frequent it. Many surfers travel to Nazaré to tackle “the biggest wave in the world,” congregating around the town’s harbor. Those heading there should ensure they have a safety team and avoid surfing solo.

The lefts at Nazaré, which break away from the headland, are highly sought after. The rights are reserved for the most massive waves and are rarely surfed due to the “death zone”-rocks directly in front of the wave. For other surfers, Praia do Norte offers big, barreling lefts. These waves result from swells bouncing off the underwater canyon, creating a triangle effect and epic shorebreak conditions.The beach break works close to shore, best with a west-northwest swell, offering fast, heavy, and hollow barrels.

Be cautious of the currents and rip tides at Praia do Norte. The steep beach gradient has caught many off guard, pulling them out to sea.This current can be both a help and a hindrance,providing an easy paddle out but perhaps stranding surfers far down the beach. Be prepared for a strenuous paddle. If caught inside, head towards the shore and walk back up the beach to avoid the approaching waves.

Best Time to surf Nazaré

The swell season aligns with the northern hemisphere, from late september to March. The largest waves occur during the winter months, November to january. Visitors can watch the giant waves break and wait for smaller days to surf the beach break.

Where to Stay

Nazaré’s town center offers numerous accommodation options. For a more varied surf trip, consider staying in Peniche and traveling to Nazaré to watch the biggest swells. Alternatively, on smaller days, head to Nazaré’s Praia do Norte to surf the empty peaks along the beach.

Things to Do in Nazaré

If the waves aren’t ideal, Nazaré is a lovely coastal town blending old-world charm with modern elements. the town features cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and terracotta roofs. Visit the Municipal Market of Nazaré for fresh produce and local interactions. Guided tours of the big wave spots are available on calmer days. The fort offers big wave trivia, surfboards used to surf gigantic waves, and data about the surf spot’s history.