Nazare's Big Waves: When and Where to Watch

Nazaré is home to some of the biggest waves ever surfed. In winter, swells funnelled by a deep underwater canyon rear up off Praia do Norte, and big-wave surfers ride them while crowds watch from the clifftop lighthouse. Here’s when and how to see the giant waves.

Quick answer: the big waves come mainly from October to March, on days with a large Atlantic swell. Watch from the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo lighthouse above Praia do Norte. Check surf forecasts and local news for big-swell days, and arrive early. Nazaré is about 1.5 hours from Lisbon.

Why go

Few places let you watch the world’s best big-wave surfers from a few hundred metres away, standing on solid ground. On a big day the headland fills with people, jet skis tow surfers into walls of water, and the spray drifts up over the fort. Even on a quieter winter day, the size and noise of the sea are worth the trip.

Why the waves are so big

The Nazaré Canyon is one of the largest underwater canyons in Europe. It runs for about 230 km and reaches depths of around 5,000 metres, ending close to the shore. When a big North Atlantic swell arrives, the canyon focuses its energy onto Praia do Norte and the waves grow very quickly as they hit shallow water.

The beach became world-famous after Garrett McNamara surfed a record-breaking wave here in 2011. Since then the records have kept coming. The German surfer Sebastian Steudtner holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wave surfed, a ride of 26.21 metres (86 feet) at Praia do Norte in October 2020. The women’s record also belongs to Nazaré: the Brazilian Maya Gabeira rode a 22.4-metre wave here in February 2020.

Most of these giants are surfed by tow-in: a jet ski pulls the surfer onto the wave, which moves too fast to catch by paddling. The rescues are often the most dramatic part to watch.

When to go

• Season: the giant waves usually arrive between October and March, with the biggest swells often in the middle of winter. Nothing is guaranteed, and some weeks are flat.
• Big-wave contest: the World Surf League runs the TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge with a waiting period through the winter. The 2025/26 window ran from 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026, and the event is only called on when waves of over about 8 metres are forecast, with alerts one to three days ahead. Check the WSL for the 2026/27 dates.
• Time of day: mornings often have lighter winds and cleaner waves. Arrive early on a forecast big day.
• Summer: no giant waves, but Nazaré’s main town beach is calm, sheltered and good for swimming.

Where to watch

• The lighthouse fort: the classic viewpoint on the headland. Inside is the Surfer Wall, a small exhibition of boards donated by big-wave surfers, with displays on the canyon. There is a small entry fee. Hours are shorter in winter, so check before you go.
• The clifftop paths around the fort, which give a wide view along Praia do Norte.
• Praia do Norte from the beach itself, keeping well back from the water.
• Miradouro do Suberco in Sítio, the viewpoint over the town beach and the bay, for the classic postcard shot.

Sítio, the clifftop quarter

Give yourself time in Sítio on the way to the fort. The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré stands on its large square. On the cliff edge is the tiny Ermida da Memória chapel. Legend says that in 1182 the knight Dom Fuas Roupinho was chasing a deer in the fog when the Virgin stopped his horse right at the edge of the cliff, and he built the chapel in thanks.

Getting there

• By car: Nazaré is about 120 km north of Lisbon, mostly on the A8 motorway, which has tolls. See driving in Portugal.
• By bus: Rede Expressos runs coaches from Lisbon’s Sete Rios terminal to Nazaré bus station, usually taking around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. There is no train station in the town itself. See Portugal by bus.
• Up to the headland: the Ascensor da Nazaré funicular has linked the beach town with the clifftop quarter of Sítio since 1889. It had long maintenance closures in September 2025 and again in February 2026, when a replacement bus ran between the beach and Sítio, so check before you go. From Sítio it is a walk of about 15 to 20 minutes down to the fort.
• Parking: on big-wave days, the car parks near the lighthouse fill fast. Parking in town and taking the funicular or bus up is often easier.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough to watch the waves and see Sítio. A full day lets you add lunch in the beach town and a walk along the seafront. Nazaré also pairs well with Óbidos or the monasteries at Alcobaça and Batalha on a day trip from Lisbon.

Food

Nazaré is a fishing town, so eat fish. Look for grilled sardines and other fresh fish, fish stews and caldeirada. On the town beach you may still see fish being dried on racks in the sun, a local tradition, with the dried fish sold by women in traditional dress. See the Portuguese seafood guide.

Practical tips

• Forecasts: big waves need a large, long-period swell and the right winds. Follow surf forecasts and big-wave event announcements.
• Get there early: on big days, parking and the fort fill up fast.
• Safety: stay well back from the water and the cliff edges. Rogue waves can sweep the beach.
• Bring layers: the headland is windy and cold in winter, and the spray carries.
• Binoculars or a zoom lens: the surfers are a long way out.
• Festival: the town’s biggest religious festival, in honour of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, takes place in Sítio in September, with 8 September as the main day.
• Carnival: Nazaré’s carnival, in February or early March, is one of Portugal’s liveliest. See carnival in Portugal.

FAQ

When is the best time to see the big waves in Nazaré?

Between October and March, on days when forecasts show a large, long-period Atlantic swell. Mornings are often cleanest, and some weeks bring no big waves at all.

Can you see big waves at Nazaré in summer?

No. Praia do Norte is much calmer in summer, and the town beach is good for swimming.

What is the biggest wave surfed at Nazaré?

Sebastian Steudtner’s 26.21-metre ride in October 2020 is the Guinness World Record. Maya Gabeira holds the women’s record, at 22.4 metres.

Is the Nazaré funicular running?

It has had long maintenance closures (September 2025 and February 2026), with a replacement bus to Sítio, so check before you go.

Stay in Nazaré

See the best hotels in Nazaré and the Nazaré guide.

More: surfing in Portugal, the Silver Coast and Portugal in winter.

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