Surf in Nazaré, the capital of the largest waves in the world.

Portugal is definitely a country that stands out internationally for its good gastronomy, its cultural diversity, its history... but also for having the biggest recorded waves in the world!

Specifically in the coastal population of I will be born, in the west of Portugal, the most amazing waves of all have been recorded, which have served to satisfy the thirst for adventure of surfers from all over the world. And there is no doubt about it: the biggest waves in the world are surfed in Nazaré! If you are a fan of surfing and adventure sports, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit with us the best of this spot Portuguese, and join the experience of surfing the most challenging waves of all.

The Brazilian Rodrigo Koxa He is the one who set the latest record, right on the beaches of Nazaré in 2017, when he successfully surfed a wave of no less than 24.38m in height, beating the record of 23.7m set by the American Garrett McNamara in 2011, also surfed in this town.

But what makes this geographical point so special compared to the rest?

First of all, it should be noted that Nazaré is one of the most beautiful and multicultural locations in Portugal and Europe, and although it does not have the fame that other cities in the country may have, for us it is a mandatory stop so that you can really delve into Portuguese culture and experience face to face this surfing mecca that has gained so much international fame.

Nazaré is a meeting point for travellers from all over the world, who upon arriving find themselves in a coastal town full of life, with magnificent beaches and interesting activities where culture and tradition can truly be felt. Everything you see in this location, from coast to coast, has been in the making for years and years, and seeing it first-hand is like travelling back in time to a better time.

It is also an excellent location for those who are touring Portugal, as it is very close to the main cities, but is significantly cheaper.

The view in Nazaré is truly beautiful. Next to the mouth of the Alcobaça River and up to the famous Nazaré Lighthouse, you can see the opening of a stunning blue coastline, which merges with the green of the mountains along which its streets and fishing areas unfold between large waves that break on its shores. It really is a spectacle of nature.

And there is something for everyone in this destination, which is no less touristy than the rest. The city of Nazaré receives thousands of tourists every year, among whom there are surfers ready for the greatest adventure of their lives.

Nazaré is not very big, but we are not lying when we say that it is very close to the main cities. It is located 120km north of Lisbon and 215km south of Porto. It has about 10,000 inhabitants and can be easily explored on foot, while enjoying its picturesque scenery and coastal landscapes, restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.

It may have maintained its cultural traditions very well, but as it receives more tourists, Nazaré has been modernizing and completely enchants its visitors, especially for the tranquility and peace that travelers need to free ourselves from the daily hustle and bustle and for the excitement of having arrived in this surfing mecca.

Nazaré actually consists of a single beach half along its coastline, divided into smaller ones. beaches with a long promenade that connects them all, with clear sand from end to end that dazzles with endless sheets of fish (horse mackerel, octopus and sardines) drying in the sun, very typical of the area, as well as the most classic beach shops/awnings with vertical stripes, which generate an incredible coastal atmosphere.

All this cultural and special atmosphere of the area is combined with the sporting expectation that this location supposes, which brings together surfers (especially in winter) to enjoy Nazaré not only as a tourist destination, but as a meeting point to study, witness, admire and face the biggest and fiercest waves that the world has to offer.

ORIGINS OF SURFING IN NAZARÉ

Nazaré became popular when American surfers began visiting the area during the summer in the 1960s. In late 2000, Dino Casimiro, a bodyboarder from Nazaré, contacted Garrett McNamara, a Hawaiian professional surfer, about the incredible waves at this spot. McNamara did not quite believe him and travelled to Portugal to check things out. On the cliff, the Hawaiian was able to see the 15-metre waves approaching him. In McNamara's words, "I've never really seen waves as big as the ones I've seen at this spot."

Such was the surfer's fascination with this place that he was convinced he would surf the world's first 100-foot wave. He didn't succeed, but he did not give up on his ambition to get the Guinness record and returned the following winter. So it was not a 100-foot wave, but 78 (24 metres). From that moment on, Nazaré became a very popular place for surfing lovers.

Following the Hawaiian's achievement, investment in surfing in the capital was launched, and a high-performance training centre for big wave surfers was created. McNamara has also bought a house there so as not to miss any of the impressive waves that take place in the Portuguese town.

THE CAPITAL OF GIANT WAVES

Nazaré, what have we done to deserve you?

Nobody warned us that this charming fishing village would become the ideal location for the formation of true water skyscrapers: the most extreme waves that surfers have ever dared to surf and which for many represent the greatest challenge to “graduate” as a surfer.

And nobody warned us that we would be able to witness such feats as those we see in Nazaré, Portugal, at the hands of the brave surfers who venture into its waves. It is a true physical and psychological test - only for expert surfers - who humbly present themselves to tame the great forces of nature, which not everyone manages to complete. They are not called extreme sports for nothing!

The surfing mecca that hides Nazaré

Nazaré will not disappoint you with its blue skies and its beautiful and powerful light from the Atlantic Ocean, but as we approach the point of the big waves, the imposing sea is felt, and an almost stormy and salty atmosphere is generated. Nothing more appealing to the professional surfers of our era!

The surfer aesthetic reigns in this area, because the truth is that it has become a meeting place for those who practice this extreme sport. The destination is there, and they go with the objective of testing their skills.

Nazaré brings together surfers in winter, waiting for the waves that are most conducive to practicing this extreme sport.It is from November onwards that it starts to fill up with surfing enthusiasts, and it is also the time when the Big Wave World Tour takes place, which holds events and competitions in this and other big wave locations around the world.

Nazaré has definitely deserved to become the surfing mecca that it is. But what is the origin of all this? Where do the giant waves in Nazaré come from?

THIS IS THE REASON WHY THERE ARE SUPER WAVES IN NAZARE

The “blame” lies with the Nazaré Canyon, the deepest gorge on the entire European coast. The geographical location of this coast in Portugal is the reason why such gigantic waves form in the distance in the Atlantic Ocean and break in Nazaré.

This is because there is a canyon in this area (Nazaré Canyon) submerged in the depths of the ocean that is understood to be 230 km long with a depth that varies between 50 and 5000 meters.

Although the canyon is a big part of the equation, the history of these waves comes from two sources: Nazaré beach and North beach (continental shelf). Both have different characteristics that, when combined, promote this phenomenon.

The phenomenon is as follows: The waves that move over the Nazaré Canyon do not lose their speed and change their direction due to the depth of the area, but then the continental shelf is much less deep, and the waves that pass over it lose speed without changing their direction.

The genius happens in front of the Nazaré Lighthouse, about 200m from the coast, where both waves join together and generate a mind-blowing peak of water. During your visit, you can observe the magic from there at the Lighthouse, or from the Miradouro de Suberco, which offers panoramic views of the entire coast.

To give you an idea of ​​where the town of Nazaré is, we can summarise that the southern current travels from Praia do Norte while both types of waves (which travel at different speeds and depths) face each other near Cabo Sitio.

This is how we owe everything to the combination of climatic, environmental and natural factors that occur in this location and to the coastal current, which (in short) meets with a large difference in depth between the canyon and the continental shelf, creating the perfect geographic environment to form these super waves, which can reach up to more than 30 meters in height.

It is this kind of waves that attracts thousands of surfers, the biggest waves in the world.

THE EXPERIENCE OF TRAVELING TO NAZARÉ

Nazaré is an amazing place to visit, whether you are a surfer, surfing enthusiast or just a tourist in Portugal.

As we have mentioned before, it is a location that can serve as a central spot to visit the rest of the surrounding towns and cities such as Leira, Fátima, Alcobaça, Batalha… and the fact is that from Nazaré to Porto you will spend only an hour and a half on the journey, and the same from Lisbon. So it is a good opportunity to take advantage of its excellent gastronomy, culture, its great waves and its affordable prices, so that it can be the starting point for your tour of other incredible places in Portugal.

The days in the fishing village of Nazaré are very peaceful and pleasant. When you walk through its cobbled streets you can always smell the smell of grilled fish, and you can hear the waves breaking in the distance echoing in your ears.

The beaches of Nazaré are spectacular with soft sand, but it is true that the water at the beach is quite cold, even during the summer.Although they are all really small portions of the same beach that stretches a kilometre and a half from Cabo Sitio to the fishing port in the south. Some of the beaches have currents that can become quite strong, so it is not unusual to find a lifeguard on duty; the recommendation is always to take precautions.

But the reality is that they are all great, and the best thing is that they offer all kinds of water sports activities such as kayaking, water skiing, paddle boards and more.

TOURISM IN NAZARE

Cape Sitio/Site of Nazaré

Considered today as one of the most outstanding districts of Portugal, and of the Villa de Nazaré, located on the top of Monte Sitio. It offers countless wonderful views of the coast. It is an interesting point for the history that precedes it, which consists especially of great pilgrimages that ended up at the church of Our Lady of Nazaré, which has also become a great figure for the locals.

In fact, if you visit on September 8th you can celebrate parties of, well, Our Lady of Nazareth. Today, thousands of pilgrims visit this town to celebrate the life and miracle of Fuas Roupinho in 1182. In addition to these celebrations, you can also be part of the “I will be born in a feast”, an annual 10-day event dedicated to gastronomy, crafts, culture and entertainment.

North Beachand (North Beach)

In the northern area of ​​the cape of Sítio we find Praia do Norte, one of the largest in Nazaré. This beach is truly beautiful for its environment and natural landscape, surrounded by dunes (Dunas de Aguieira) and pine forests, but it is really its big waves that have made it famous internationally. In addition, its location makes it an excellent destination for sport fishing as well as surfing, and also for enjoying a day of fun at the Norpark Water Park.

Nazaré Beach

Originally called Banhos Beach, Nazaré Beach is located in the bay of the Praia da Nazaré neighborhood. It is a completely urban beach, as it is integrated into the urban area of ​​the town. It is a beautiful beach, but it can have strong waves, ideal for surfing, swimming and bodyboarding.

Salgado Beach

South of Nazaré we find Praia do Salgado, also one of the most recommended beaches to visit on your trip to this town, located in Famalicão, Nazaré. Its southern area has an excellent rocky zone frequented by divers and fishermen. In addition, the Serra de Pescaría and the beach itself bring together an ideal space for practicing outdoor adventure sports and in contact with its natural beauty and landscape, for example, paragliding.

About Nazarene gastronomy

Gastronomically speaking, Nazaré is known for its fish and seafood in a variety of species and preparations. The truth is that the dishes they offer are really delicious, based on traditional recipes from the area, in which the Caldeirada stands out, which consists of a stew in which different types of fish are cooked.

So get ready to eat fish! You will also surely come across menus in the various delicious restaurants in Nazaré with dishes such as Massa de Peixe, Acorda de Mariscos, Cataplana de Peixe, and all kinds of fresh roasted or grilled fish, as well as rice with seafood, stews, soups, grilled sardines, chorizos, cod and others, very typical of the area.

Even dessert can have fish! Have you tried the Sardines Sweets? Well, this place is ideal to try different and original delicacies, such as the so-called Nazarenos and Támares and the famous Bolas de Berlin

Drying fish: A classic in Nazaré!

We have mentioned it before, but the truth is that we cannot leave without talking a little more about the traditional fish drying that you experience when you visit Nazaré, Portugal. You see it with your own eyes when you walk along the beaches, which seems more like a museum exhibition, a completely different experience. Although if you want to know more about this culture, there is a museum in the area that you can visit such as La Casa/Museo del Pescador or the Museo of Dried FishIn addition, there is the Dr. Joaquim Manso Ethnographic and Archaeological Museum, Museo da Nazaré, which is extremely interesting if you want to know a little more about the history of this town.

NAZARÉ: ABOVE, BELOW AND TO THE SIDES

You can visualize Nazaré by its upper area, its lower area, and then because visually it goes from one side to the other along its coastline, from end to end, which makes it a very pleasant and easy town to get around.

The upper part of Nazaré is the most original and oldest. You can access it by funicular 100m for only 1€, an experience in itself, for its cool views and for being home to the beautiful Sitio neighborhood. In the upper part you will find the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, enter the Fort of San Miguel, the Mirador de Suberco and the Nazaré Lighthouse that offers impressive views as we mentioned before. The lower part, on the other hand, houses and borders the beaches in the town, the houses, and most of the restaurants. It is here that you will find numerous hotels of all kinds, from the most luxurious to the most economical, souvenir shops, little streets, the fishermen's quarter and the port. From the beach, markets and more. You can also choose to stay in apartments arranged for this purpose both in the lower part and in the upper part to live the experience closer to the town.

Sounds amazing, doesn't it? A coastal town that claims to be quiet and calm, but in its nature it houses a wild ocean that seems to have been specially designed for surfing. Without a doubt, visiting Nazaré means getting to know its customs and traditions, its gastronomy, its people, its history, its beaches and its big waves. The experience of visiting this beautiful town is truly mind-blowing, from start to finish, and from top to bottom. Don't miss out on all the experiences that the coastal town of Nazaré has to offer!