Nazaré (Praia do Norte)
The most famous giant wave in the world, amplified by the Nazaré submarine canyon.
Off Praia do Norte, the Nazaré submarine canyon, more than 200 km long, channels the energy of Atlantic swells and turns them into giant waves, often over 20 m. Since 2011 it has been the big-wave mecca, and world records have been set here with jet-ski tow-in surfing.
Even on ordinary days it's a very powerful wave that shouldn't be surfed alone above 2 m. From the São Miguel Arcanjo fort, with its red lighthouse, you can watch the show on storm days.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | W, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, NE |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 1.5 m to 20 m+ |
| Best season | October to March |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Medium |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A gun or tow board with safety gear on big days; a shortboard only in small swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Nazaré (Praia do Norte)
The water is around 14 °C in winter and 18 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonA shortboard leash won't hold in waves of several metres.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
On big days the water belongs to specialists working in teams with jet skis and rescue crews. On ordinary days there's a highly skilled local crew.
Surfing style
Big and giant waves.
Hazards
Extreme size, very strong currents and a brutal shore break.
Events at Nazaré (Praia do Norte)
- Nazaré Big Wave Challenge · Waiting period: 1 Nov 2026 – 31 Mar 2027
Map
Shapers near Nazaré (Praia do Norte)
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Marinha Grande
A village among pine forests with sand and rock waves, and far fewer people than Nazaré or Peniche.
Peniche
Baleal bay: Portugal's most famous learning beach, full of surf schools and camps.
Peniche
A reef left in Baleal bay, easy when small and good for everyone when bigger.
Peniche
The «European Pipeline»: heavy barrels over sand and home of a world tour event.
All spots in Central Portugal →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.