Nazaré

Nazaré is a charming coastal town that has become one of the world's premier big wave surfing destinations while preserving its authentic Portuguese fishing village character. The town is divided into three distinct areas: Praia da Nazaré (the main beach and town center with colorful fishing traditions), Sítio (the clifftop neighborhood with historic sites and panoramic views), and Praia do Norte (North Beach, where the legendary giant waves break). What makes Nazaré's waves so extraordinary is the massive underwater Nazaré Canyon, the largest in Europe at 5,000 meters deep, which funnels and amplifies Atlantic swells into monstrous waves. In 2011, professional surfer Garrett McNamara surfed a record-breaking 78-foot wave here, putting Nazaré on the global surfing map. The current world record was set in 2024 by Sebastian Steudtner with a 93.73-foot wave. These colossal waves occur from October to March, drawing thousands of spectators to São Miguel Arcanjo Fort for breathtaking (and sometimes terrifying) views of surfers tow-in surfing these liquid mountains. Outside of big wave season, Nazaré is a delightful traditional Portuguese beach town. The main beach, Praia da Nazaré, is perfect for swimming in summer with golden sand stretching for miles. The town maintains strong fishing traditions - you'll see colorful boats, fishermen mending nets, and women in traditional seven-petticoat skirts drying fish in the sun. Sítio, reached by funicular or a winding road, offers the Nossa Senhora da Nazaré sanctuary, stunning cliff-edge viewpoints, and the legendary story of Dom Fuas Roupinho who was saved from plunging off the cliff by divine intervention. The town offers excellent seafood restaurants, a lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches with natural caves (including a mini Benagil-style cave at Praia do Norte), and a unique blend of maritime heritage and modern surf culture.