Massive wave breaking at Praia do Norte, Nazaré, at sunset

Nazaré · Portugal

The biggest waves on Earth.

Your independent guide to Praia do Norte — when the giants come, where to watch them, and how to plan the trip.

Today's conditions Big-wave season

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Should I go to Nazaré today?MAYBE2.5 m at 13 s from the NW with a light N wind (4 km/h) — worth a look, but the period is only 13 s, so the swell has less punch than it looks.

Welcome to Nazaré

A sleepy Portuguese fishing town with a 100-foot secret.

Between October and March, an underwater canyon funnels Atlantic swell into the cliffs at Praia do Norte, producing the largest surfable waves ever ridden. The rest of the year, it's a colorful town beach with great seafood, easy day-trip access from Lisbon, and a clifftop lighthouse with one of the most cinematic views in Europe.

Lone surfer at the bottom of a huge breaking wave

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Live Conditions

Real-time wave height, period and direction, plus the live cam.

Massive wave breaking at Praia do Norte, Nazaré, at sunset

Oct – Mar

Big-Wave Season

When the giants come, the major tow-in events and the best viewing spots.

Wide sandy town beach with colourful fishing boats and cliffs behind

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Where to Stay

Hand-picked stays from budget guesthouses to clifftop hotels.

Whitewashed houses and red rooftops of Nazaré below the headland

Plan your day

Things to Do

Lighthouse, canyon boat trips, market mornings and clifftop walks.

Rental car on a scenic Portuguese coastal road

Transport

Getting to Nazaré

All ways in — car, bus, train, private transfer, plus routes from Porto.

Red lighthouse on the Nazaré clifftop above the ocean

Day-trippers

Nazaré Day Trip from Lisbon

The full itinerary, tours and timing for a one-day visit from Lisbon.

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Where to stay in Nazaré

Three neighbourhoods, three very different bases — here are three places to start.

Sítio

Zulla Nazaré's Surf Village

8.7· 938 reviews

Walking distance to the lighthouse

Check current prices

Praia

Miramar Hotel Spa & Apartments

8.0· 1,443 reviews

Spa and sea views, 800m from the beach

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Pederneira

Hotel Miramar Sul

8.2· 3,468 reviews

Hilltop infinity pool, away from the crowds

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Browse all stays

Plan the trip

Popular Nazaré experiences

The Nazaré funicular climbing the cliff between the beach and Sítio

Top pick

Nazaré walking tour with funicular & local guide

2-hour guided walk through the old town and Sítio, including the funicular ride up the cliff.

Book on GetYourGuide

Plates of Portuguese petiscos and a glass of red wine on a table

Foodie favourite

Walking tour with food tastings & wine

Stroll Nazaré with a local foodie guide — try dried fish, pastries and a glass of regional wine.

Book on GetYourGuide

Rental car on a scenic Portuguese coastal road

Rent a car in Lisbon

The easiest way to do Nazaré + the Silver Coast in one trip.

from €19/dayCompare deals

Swell alerts

Be there when the giants come.

We watch the long-range models so you don't have to. One short email when a proper big-wave swell is heading for Nazaré — usually two or three a winter.

48-hour lead time
Best viewing spot for the swell direction
Live cam links and event updates

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