Nazaré · Portugal
Surfing Nazaré (Praia do Norte)
A big wave in Nazaré, Portugal, for pro surfers.
- TypeBig Wave
- LevelPro
- Size10 – 100+ ft
- Best monthsOct-Mar
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Praia do Norte in Nazaré is home to the biggest waves ever surfed. An underwater canyon runs straight towards the beach and focuses the swell, so on a big winter north-west swell the waves can reach 20 metres or more.
It's a tow-in spot for big-wave professionals, with jet skis, safety teams and a lot of experience. For everyone else, the place to be is the lighthouse at the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, which is one of the best places in the world to watch big surf.
On small days the beach breaks are still powerful, with heavy shorebreak and strong currents. Most travellers who want to surf go to the beaches south of the town or to Peniche, about 45 minutes away.
39.6033, -9.0705 · Big NW groundswell; an underwater canyon focuses it · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Nazaré (Praia do Norte)
Nazaré (Praia do Norte) is at its best from October to March. Conditions it likes: Big NW groundswell; an underwater canyon focuses it. This is how the year looks across Lisbon Coast:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| October to March | Prime | Consistent NW-W swell, mild city winter |
| April to May | Good | Reliable swell, warming water, fewer crowds |
| June to August | Quiet | Smaller waves, packed beaches, strong summer thermal wind at Guincho |
In season: January · February · March · October · November · December
Waves near Nazaré (Praia do Norte)
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coxos | Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos | Right Point/Reef | Advanced / Pro | 75 km |
| São Lourenço | Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos | Right Rivermouth | Advanced / Pro | 75 km |
| Ribeira d'Ilhas | Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced / Pro | 75 km |
| Crazy Left | Ericeira Town & South | Left Reef | Advanced / Pro | 77 km |
| Reef (Pedra Branca) | Ericeira Town & South | Left Reef | Intermediate / Advanced | 77 km |
| Foz do Lizandro | Ericeira Town & South | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 79 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Nazaré
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Nazaré surf guide →
A week here costs from about $315 with flights from Europe, or around $920 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Nazaré (Praia do Norte): common questions
When is the best time to surf Nazaré (Praia do Norte)?
Nazaré (Praia do Norte) works best from October to March. Ideal conditions: Big NW groundswell; an underwater canyon focuses it.
Is Nazaré (Praia do Norte) good for beginners?
No. Nazaré (Praia do Norte) is a wave for pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Foz do Lizandro in Ericeira Town & South, about 79 km away.
How crowded is Nazaré (Praia do Norte)?
Nazaré (Praia do Norte) is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Nazaré (Praia do Norte)?
Nazaré (Praia do Norte) is in Nazaré, in the Lisbon Coast region of Portugal (39.6033, -9.0705). The nearest wave we cover is Coxos, about 75 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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