Nazaré is where the biggest waves ever surfed have been ridden. From roughly October to March, large Atlantic swells meet the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater canyon that funnels the ocean towards Praia do Norte and builds waves that can be taller than a ten-storey building.
How the big wave season works
Giant waves cannot be booked. They depend on storms far out in the Atlantic, and the best days usually come between November and February. Each winter, the World Surf League also runs the Nazaré Big Wave Challenge, a tow-surfing competition with a waiting period that has recently run until 31 March. The organisers watch the forecast every day and call the contest at short notice, with a yellow alert up to 72 hours before and a green light 24 hours before.
That is why we mark this season with dates to be confirmed: the waves, and the contest day, are announced only when the ocean decides.
Where to watch
The classic spot is the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, the red lighthouse on the headland above Praia do Norte. From the cliffs around it you look straight down on the waves and the jet skis towing the surfers in. Inside the fort, a small exhibition shows some of the boards used on record-breaking days.
How to get there from Lisbon
Nazaré is about 120 km north of Lisbon, around 1h30 by car. On big days the road down to the lighthouse fills with cars and parking becomes difficult. With a private driver you are dropped as close as possible and collected when you are ready, and you can change plans on the day if the forecast moves.
Our Nazaré & Peniche day trip covers the lighthouse, the clifftop quarter of Sítio and the peninsula of Peniche. Tell us you want to follow the swell and we will keep your date flexible where we can.
Suggested route
- Sítio da Nazaré, the clifftop quarter with the view over the town and the beach.
- The lighthouse above Praia do Norte, the heart of the big wave days.
- Alcobaça Monastery, 15 minutes inland, a UNESCO-listed Cistercian abbey with the tombs of Pedro and Inês.
- Óbidos, the walled medieval town, on the way back to Lisbon.
Good to know
- Even without giant waves, Praia do Norte in winter is spectacular. A flexible date gives you the best chance.
- The paths around the lighthouse are steep and exposed. Bring a windproof jacket and shoes with grip.
- Never go down onto the beach on big days. The shore break is dangerous.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see big waves in Nazaré?
Usually between November and February, on days with large Atlantic swells. The waves depend on the forecast and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
When is the Nazaré Big Wave Challenge?
It has no fixed date. It runs within a winter waiting period and is called at 24 to 72 hours notice when conditions are right.
Where is the best place to watch?
From the cliffs around the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, the lighthouse above Praia do Norte.
Plan your trip to Nazaré Big Wave Season
Tell us your date and group. We reply by email within 24 hours with a route and a confirmed price. No payment is needed to enquire.
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Sources and official information: Nazaré Big Waves news and alerts. Dates and programmes can change; always check the official sources before you travel.
