Nazaré Big Waves: Your Complete Guide to Witnessing Portugal’s Monster Surf
Imagine standing on a clifftop watching a wall of water taller than a ten-story building thunder toward shore. This is Nazaré, Portugal, home to the biggest surfable waves on Earth. In February 2024, German surfer Sebastian Steudtner rode a wave measuring 28.57 meters (nearly 94 feet), potentially the largest wave ever surfed.
What makes Nazaré so special? A massive underwater canyon funnels Atlantic swells directly toward shore, creating waves that dwarf anything else on the planet. Every winter, from October through March, this small Portuguese fishing town transforms into a global spectacle, drawing thousands of visitors who want to witness nature’s raw power firsthand.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your Nazaré big wave adventure. You will learn exactly when to visit, where to stand for the best views, how to get there from Lisbon, and what else to explore while you are in town.
Why Nazaré Has the Biggest Waves in the World
The secret behind Nazaré’s monster waves lies hidden beneath the ocean surface. The Nazaré Canyon is the largest underwater canyon in Europe, stretching 230 kilometers long and plunging to depths of 5,000 meters. To put that in perspective, this submarine trench makes even the Grand Canyon look modest.
The deep water inside the canyon allows waves to travel faster than waves moving over the shallower continental shelf beside it. This speed difference causes the wave to bend toward shore.
But that is only part of the story. The canyon splits incoming swells into two separate waves. One travels through the deep canyon channel while the other passes alongside it in shallower water. When these two waves meet again near the beach, they collide and combine their energy. Scientists call this constructive interference, and at Nazaré, it creates waves up to three times larger than the original swell.
Add the backwash from the beach, pushing water seaward and favorable wind conditions, and you get the recipe for waves that can exceed 30 meters. No other place on Earth combines these factors so dramatically.
When to See Nazaré Big Waves
The big wave season in Nazaré runs from October through March, with peak conditions typically occurring between November and February. This timing coincides with powerful North Atlantic winter storms that generate massive swells.
Best Months for Nazaré Big Waves
November: The season gains momentum. Storm systems become more frequent, and you will start seeing waves in the 15-20 meter range during strong swells.
December and January: Prime time for monster waves. The most powerful swells typically arrive during these months, with the highest probability of seeing waves exceeding 20 meters.
February: Still excellent conditions. Many world records have been set in February, including Sebastian Steudtner’s potential record-breaking ride in 2024.
March: The season winds down, but surprise swells still occur. Crowds thin out, making this a good choice for visitors who prefer fewer tourists.
How to Track Nazaré Wave Forecasts
Unlike waterfalls or mountain peaks, you cannot predict exactly when big waves will appear. They depend on offshore storm systems that can change rapidly. However, several resources help you time your visit.
Websites like NazareWaves.com provide swell forecasts and big wave alerts. Sign up for email notifications before your trip. When a significant swell approaches, forecasters typically know three to five days in advance.
For the best experience, consider staying in the region for at least a week during peak season. This increases your chances of witnessing a major swell event. If you have flexibility, you can also book last-minute when forecasters predict exceptional conditions.
Where to Watch Nazaré Big Waves
You have probably seen those iconic photos and videos of spectators gathered on a clifftop while massive waves explode below. That viewing spot exists, and getting there is straightforward.
Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo
This 16th-century fortress perched on the headland above Praia do Norte serves as ground zero for big wave watching. The fort offers unobstructed views directly over the surf break, putting you closer to the action than anywhere else.
Inside the fort, you will find a small but fascinating surf museum with exhibits explaining why the waves get so large. The museum displays surfboards used in record-breaking rides, including boards snapped in half by the sheer force of Nazaré’s waves. Entry costs just one euro.
During major swell events and competitions, the area around the fort fills with thousands of spectators. The Tudor Nazaré Big Wave Challenge in February 2025 drew an estimated 50,000 people. Arrive early on big days to secure a good viewing position.
Miradouro do Suberco
This clifftop viewpoint sits 110 meters above sea level in the Sítio neighborhood, offering panoramic views over both beaches and the entire town of Nazaré. While slightly farther from Praia do Norte than the fort, the elevated perspective provides stunning context for the scale of the waves.
The viewpoint makes an excellent sunset spot and a photograph location. On clear days, you can see the wave action at Praia do Norte while also enjoying views of the main town beach below.
Praia do Norte Beach Level
For a different perspective, you can walk down to Praia do Norte itself. From beach level, the waves appear even more impressive because you experience their true height relative to a human standing on shore. However, be extremely cautious. The beach can be dangerous during big swells, and authorities sometimes restrict access for safety reasons.
World Records and Famous Nazaré Big Wave Surfers
Nazaré holds multiple Guinness World Records for the largest waves ever surfed. The location has become legendary in the surfing world, attracting the sport’s most fearless athletes every winter.
Garrett McNamara: The Pioneer
Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara put Nazaré on the global map in November 2011 when he rode a 23.77-meter wave, setting the world record at the time. The footage went viral, broadcast on networks like CNN and BBC. Overnight, this quiet Portuguese fishing town became an international sensation.
McNamara’s discovery came after local bodyboarders told him about the massive winter waves. Before 2011, few outside Portugal knew about Nazaré’s potential. Today, McNamara is considered the godfather of Nazaré big wave surfing.
Sebastian Steudtner: The Current Record Holder
German surfer Sebastian Steudtner currently holds the official Guinness World Record for the largest wave surfed. His 26.21-meter ride in October 2020 was officially confirmed in May 2022. But Steudtner may have already broken his own record.
In February 2024, Steudtner rode a wave measured at 28.57 meters (nearly 94 feet) using advanced drone technology developed with Porsche Engineering. If officially ratified, this would be the largest wave ever surfed. The day produced such extraordinary conditions that some observers believe waves may have exceeded the mythical 100-foot mark.
Maya Gabeira: Women’s Record Holder
Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira holds the record for the largest wave surfed by a woman. Her 22.4-meter ride in February 2020 at Nazaré earned her Guinness World Record recognition. Gabeira has been instrumental in advancing women’s big wave surfing and proving that these giants are not exclusive to male athletes.
Nazaré Big Wave Events and Competitions
The annual Tudor Nazaré Big Wave Challenge brings together the world’s elite big wave surfers in a competition unlike any other. Unlike traditional surf contests with fixed dates, this event operates on a waiting period system.
Organizers monitor forecasts throughout the winter season, typically from November through March. When conditions align perfectly with waves of at least eight meters and favorable wind, they call the event with just 48 hours notice. This unpredictability adds to the excitement but requires flexibility for spectators hoping to attend.
Beyond the WSL competition, the SURFER Big Wave Challenge Awards recognize achievements from across the global big wave community. The 2024 awards ceremony was held in Nazaré, further cementing the town’s status as the capital of big wave surfing.
Getting to Nazaré from Lisbon
Nazaré sits approximately 120 kilometers north of Lisbon on Portugal’s Silver Coast. Several transportation options connect the capital to this coastal gem.
By Car
Driving takes about 90 minutes via the A8 toll road. The route is straightforward, and having a car gives you flexibility to explore at your own pace. Expect to pay around seven euros in tolls each way. The toll-free alternative along the N1 takes approximately two hours.
Parking near the fort and Sítio can be challenging on big wave days. Arrive early or consider parking in the lower town and taking the funicular up to the viewpoints.
By Bus
Regular buses depart from Lisbon Oriente station. The journey takes about two hours and offers an affordable option for budget travelers. Check current schedules as frequency varies by season.
By Guided Tour
Joining a guided tour from Lisbon removes the stress of navigation and parking while providing local expertise and context. Many day tours combine Nazaré with other Silver Coast highlights like the medieval walled town of Óbidos.
Our Óbidos and Nazaré Full Day Tour takes you to both destinations in a single day. You will explore Óbidos’s cobblestone streets and medieval castle in the morning, then head to Nazaré to watch the waves, visit the lighthouse, and enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant. A knowledgeable local guide shares the history and stories behind what makes these places special.
This combination works particularly well because you experience the dramatic contrast between a preserved medieval town and a modern surfing phenomenon in a single day. If you are looking for other day trips from Lisbon, this route ranks among the most memorable.
Other Things to Do in Nazaré
While the big waves steal the spotlight, Nazaré offers plenty of attractions beyond the surf. The town’s fishing heritage, religious sites, and coastal beauty deserve your attention.
Ride the Historic Funicular
A modernized 19th-century funicular connects the lower town to the clifftop Sítio neighborhood. The short ride costs about four euros round trip and delivers spectacular views of the beach and ocean below. It also saves you a steep climb between the two main areas of town.
Visit the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré
This beautiful church in Sítio has been a pilgrimage site since medieval times. According to legend, the Virgin Mary saved a local nobleman from riding his horse off the cliff while chasing a deer in dense fog. The church houses a statue of Our Lady of Nazaré that gave the town its name.
Explore Praia da Nazaré
The main town beach offers a completely different experience from Praia do Norte. Sheltered by the headland, Praia da Nazaré has much calmer waters suitable for swimming during the summer months. Traditional fishing boats still line parts of the sand, and you can watch locals dry fish in the sun using centuries-old methods.
Eat Fresh Seafood
As a fishing town, Nazaré serves some of the freshest seafood in Portugal. Grilled sardines, caldeirada (fish stew), and arroz de marisco (seafood rice) top local menus. Restaurants near the beach and in Sítio offer everything from casual grilled fish to Michelin-recognized dining.
Day Trip to Óbidos
The medieval walled town of Óbidos sits just 40 minutes south of Nazaré. Known as the “town of queens,” Óbidos features cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses with colorful trim, and a castle you can walk around. Do not miss tasting ginjinha, a sweet cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups, which has become an Óbidos tradition.
If you visit during winter, the Óbidos Christmas Village transforms the town into a magical holiday destination with markets, lights, and festive entertainment.
More Surfing in Portugal
If watching Nazaré’s giants inspires you to try surfing yourself, Portugal offers world-class waves for all skill levels. The big waves at Praia do Norte are strictly for elite professionals with jet ski support teams, but plenty of beginner-friendly beaches exist nearby.
Costa da Caparica stretches 24 kilometers south of Lisbon, with waves suited to every ability. For those staying closer to the capital, surfing in Cascais and Carcavelos provides excellent options with surf schools and equipment rentals. Check out our complete surfing in Lisbon guide for more details on where to catch your first Portuguese wave.
Planning Tips for Your Nazaré Big Waves Visit
Where to Stay
During big wave season, Nazaré fills up quickly when major swells are forecast. Book accommodations with flexible cancellation policies so you can adjust based on wave predictions. Hotels near the town center or close to Praia do Norte in the Sítio area work best for wave watching.
Winter rates are generally lower than summer rates, despite being peak surf season. However, when a big swell is announced, rooms book fast as surfers, photographers, and spectators descend on the town.
What to Bring
Atlantic winter weather means you should prepare for wind, cold, and potential rain. Bring warm layers, a windproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. The clifftops can be significantly colder than the sheltered town below.
For photography, a telephoto lens helps capture surfers on the waves. Binoculars also enhance the experience by letting you see details of the surf action from the fort.
Stay Safe
While watching the waves is safe from designated viewpoints, treat the ocean with respect. Massive waves generate a dangerous surge and spray that can reach surprising distances. Stay behind barriers, follow instructions from local authorities, and never venture onto Praia do Norte during major swells unless you are an experienced big wave professional with a support team.
Experience Nazaré’s Big Waves for Yourself
Watching Nazaré’s monster waves ranks among the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles you can witness in Europe. The combination of geological wonder, world-class athletes, and raw ocean power creates an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
Whether you time your visit for a major swell or simply explore the town during a quieter period, Nazaré rewards curious travelers. The surf museum, clifftop viewpoints, traditional fishing culture, and excellent seafood make it worth the trip even on flat days.
Ready to witness Portugal’s big wave capital? Our Óbidos and Nazaré Full Day Tour combines the best of the Silver Coast in a single stress-free day trip from Lisbon. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on experiencing two of Portugal’s most remarkable destinations.
