Over 10 million people visit Portugal’s picturesque coastline each year, but few realize the country is home to some of the biggest surfable waves on the planet. Nazaré, a small fishing town north of Lisbon, has gained international recognition as the site of record-breaking big wave surfing, with swells reaching staggering heights of up to 100 feet. Portugal’s Atlantic coast offers a diverse range of surf spots, from beginner-friendly beach breaks to powerful reef setups that challenge even the most experienced wave riders.
Beyond Nazaré, Portugal boasts a vibrant surf culture and numerous other surf destinations along its picturesque coastline, making it a must-visit destination for wave riding enthusiasts. From the world-class waves of Peniche and Ericeira to the hidden gems along the shore, Portugal’s diverse surf offerings cater to surfers of all skill levels, offering an unparalleled surfing experience.
Key Takeaways
- Portugal’s Atlantic coast is home to some of the biggest surfable waves on the planet, with Nazaré’s Praia do Norte (North Beach) gaining international recognition.
- The country offers a diverse range of surf spots, from beginner-friendly beach breaks to powerful reef setups that challenge even the pros.
- Beyond Nazaré, Portugal boasts a vibrant surf culture and numerous other surf destinations along its picturesque coastline.
- Portugal is a must-visit destination for wave riding enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled surfing experience.
- The unique geography and geology of Nazaré, with its undersea canyon, amplify the size and power of the waves, drawing big wave surfers from around the globe.
The Birth of Nazaré: Surfing’s Biggest Wave
Nazaré was virtually unknown in the big wave surfing world until the late 2000s, when local bodyboarders tipped off Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara about the massive waves crashing onto Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. McNamara first visited the area in 2010 and quickly recognized the potential of this location, with its unique Nazaré Canyon funneling massive swells towards the shore.
Nazaré’s Humble Beginnings
Prior to McNamara’s discovery, Nazaré was a sleepy fishing village, its powerful waves largely overlooked by the global surfing community. But the town’s geography, with the deep underwater canyon just offshore, held the key to producing some of the largest surfable waves on the planet.
The Discovery of Praia do Norte
In 2011, Garrett McNamara returned to Nazaré and famously rode a 78-foot wave, setting a new Guinness World Record. This monumental achievement put Nazaré on the map as a premier big wave surfing destination, drawing top international surfers to challenge the unruly sets crashing onto Praia do Norte.
Garrett McNamara’s World Record
McNamara’s record-breaking ride in 2011 cemented Nazaré‘s reputation as the site of the biggest surfable waves on the planet. This achievement paved the way for a new generation of big wave surfers to tackle the canyon’s colossal walls of water, further solidifying the town’s status as a global hub for the sport.
Nazaré’s Undersea Canyon: A Natural Wonder
The key to Nazaré’s mammoth waves lies in its unique geological formation. The town is situated along a vast undersea canyon that runs from 140 miles offshore right up to Praia do Norte, abruptly stopping at the shoreline. This remarkable underwater feature reaches depths of over 3 miles – three times the depth of the Grand Canyon.
The Geology Behind the Massive Waves
This deep Nazaré Canyon causes water to rapidly transition from very deep to very shallow, amplifying the power of incoming swells and focusing their energy onto the beach. The canyon’s bathymetry – the measurement of its depth – is what allows the region to produce some of the largest surfable waves on the planet.
How the Canyon Amplifies Swells
As massive Atlantic swells approach the coastline, they encounter the abrupt change in depth created by the Nazaré Canyon. This sudden transition from deep to shallow water causes the waves to grow in height and power, culminating in the towering walls of water that have made this location famous among big wave surfers.
Tow-In Surfing: Conquering Giants
The ability to surf Nazaré’s monstrous waves was only made possible by the advent of tow-in surfing in the mid-1990s. This technique, pioneered in Hawaii, uses jet skis to tow surfers directly into the largest waves, allowing them to access breaks that would be impossible to paddle into. Tow-in surfing revolutionized big wave riding, enabling surfers like Laird Hamilton to tackle waves over 50 feet tall.
The Evolution of Tow-In Surfing
While tow-in surfing fell out of fashion for a time, it has become an essential tool for conquering the giants of Nazaré. Teams of surfers and jet ski pilots now work in tandem to catch and ride the biggest waves at this renowned big wave destination. The combination of jet ski-assisted take-offs and the surfers’ skill and courage has pushed the boundaries of what was once thought possible in the realm of tow-in surfing.
Jet Ski Assist for Big Wave Surfing
The use of jet skis has been a game-changer for big wave tow-in surfing at Nazaré. These powerful machines allow surfers to be towed directly into waves that would be virtually unattainable through traditional paddling. The jet ski pilots skillfully maneuver the surfers into position, enabling them to harness the full power of Nazaré’s massive swells and ride them to new heights of achievement.
| Technique | Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Tow-in Surfing |
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| Paddle-in Surfing |
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Nazaré’s Amphitheater: A Spectacle for Spectators
Nazaré’s unique geography provides an ideal natural amphitheater for spectators to witness the big wave action. The towering cliffs of the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo and the stubby red Nazaré Lighthouse perched atop them offer unparalleled vantage points to view the massive waves crashing onto Praia do Norte. This setting, with the historic fort and lighthouse framing the immense surf, has become an iconic visual that captures the sheer scale and power of Nazaré’s waves.
The close proximity of the spectators to the breaking waves, some of whom can even shout encouragement to the surfers, adds to the thrilling experience of watching these feats of wave riding. The Nazaré amphitheater allows onlookers to fully immerse themselves in the spectacle, feeling the raw energy of the ocean’s might as it collides with the shoreline.
The Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo
The Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, a historic military structure perched atop the cliffs overlooking Praia do Norte, offers one of the best vantage points for spectators to witness the big wave action in Nazaré. This centuries-old fortification provides an elevated, panoramic perspective of the surf, allowing onlookers to fully appreciate the sheer scale and power of the waves crashing onto the shore.
The Iconic Lighthouse
Complementing the dramatic setting of the fort is the Nazaré Lighthouse, a stubby red beacon that stands as an iconic symbol of the town’s connection to the sea. Situated at the edge of the cliffs, the lighthouse provides another excellent viewing platform for spectators, offering a unique angle to observe the big wave surfers navigating the unruly sets.
wave surfing portugal: A Mecca for Big Wave Riders
With its reputation as the site of the biggest surfable waves on the planet, Nazaré has become a Mecca for big wave surfers from around the world. Top names in the sport, including Garrett McNamara, Justine Dupont, Kai Lenny, and Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca, have made Nazaré a mandatory stop on their annual quest to ride the largest waves.
International Surfers Flock to Nazaré
The allure of potentially conquering the elusive 100-foot wave, a holy grail in big wave surfing, continues to draw these elite athletes to Nazaré’s shores winter after winter. As a result, the small Portuguese town has become a hub for international big wave riding talent seeking to push the limits of their sport.
The Quest for the 100-Foot Wave
The pursuit of the coveted 100-foot wave, surfing’s holy grail, continues to drive big wave riders to Nazaré. While this milestone has yet to be achieved, experts believe it is only a matter of time before a surfer conquers a wave of that magnitude at the Portuguese break. As the equipment, safety protocols, and skill of the athletes continue to progress, the race is on to be the first to ride a 100-foot wave at this unique and extraordinary surf spot.
The Professional Era: Big Wave Events in Nazaré
As Nazaré’s reputation as a premier big wave surfing destination has grown, the town has played host to several high-profile professional competitions that have further cemented its status in the sport. In the winter of 2016-17, the World Surf League (WSL) held the inaugural Nazaré Big Wave Challenge, a strictly paddle-in event that was won by Australian surfer Jamie Mitchell.
The Nazaré Big Wave Challenge has continued annually, with subsequent victories going to Brazil’s Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca and South African Grant “Twiggy” Baker, further solidifying Nazaré’s place as a true proving ground for the world’s top big wave riders.
The Nazaré Tow Challenge
In 2019-20, the WSL launched the Nazaré Tow Challenge, a tow-in event that saw the “Young Bulls” team of Kai Lenny and Chianca dominate the competition. This specialized event has highlighted the crucial role of tow-in surfing in tackling the massive waves that Nazaré is known for, with teams of surfers and jet ski pilots working in tandem to catch and ride the biggest swells.
These professional big wave events in Nazaré have attracted the world’s best big wave surfers to the small Portuguese town, further cementing its status as a premier destination for challenging the limits of the sport.
Nazaré’s Impact: A Surf Town Transformed
Nazaré’s emergence as a global big wave surfing destination has had a profound impact on the small Portuguese town. Once a sleepy fishing village, Nazaré has experienced a tourism boom, with the annual influx of surfers, spectators, and media crews drawn to witness the massive waves. The refurbishment of the historic Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo and the construction of a high-performance training facility for local big wave surfers are tangible signs of the town’s transformation.
Additionally, Nazaré’s mayor has expressed hopes of attracting major hotel developments to capitalize on the increased visitor traffic. While some locals have mixed feelings about the changes, there is no doubt that big wave surfing has become an integral part of Nazaré’s identity and economic future.
| Indicator | Nazaré Before Big Wave Surfing | Nazaré After Big Wave Surfing Boom |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Visitor Numbers | Approximately 50,000 | Over 1 million |
| Hotel Capacity | Limited, mostly small family-run establishments | Rapid growth in hotel developments, including major chains |
| Local Business Revenue | Primarily from fishing industry | Significant increase from tourism, hospitality, and supporting services |
| Employment Opportunities | Seasonal, focused on fishing | Year-round, diverse range of tourism-related jobs |
The table above highlights the dramatic economic transformation that Nazaré has undergone since becoming a global hub for big wave surfing. The town’s once-sleepy fishing economy has given way to a thriving tourism industry, with the annual influx of surfers, spectators, and media crews driving significant growth in visitor numbers, hotel development, and local business revenue.
The Biggest Wave Ever Surfed?
In 2020, German big wave surfer Sebastian Steudtner set a new world record by riding an 86-foot wave at Nazaré, breaking the previous record held by Brazil’s Rodrigo Koxa. This feat once again highlighted the incredible power and size of the waves at Praia do Norte.
Sebastian Steudtner’s 86-Foot Wave
Steudtner’s record-breaking ride underscored Nazaré’s reputation as the premier destination for big wave surfing. The massive swell that day, fueled by the unique bathymetry of the Nazaré Canyon, provided the perfect conditions for the German surfer to push the boundaries of what was thought possible.
The Pursuit of the 100-Foot Wave
However, the pursuit of the coveted 100-foot wave, surfing’s holy grail, continues to drive big wave riders to Nazaré. While this milestone has yet to be achieved, experts believe it is only a matter of time before a surfer conquers a wave of that magnitude at the Portuguese break. As the equipment, safety protocols, and skill of the athletes continue to progress, the race is on to be the first to ride a 100-foot wave at this unique and extraordinary surf spot.
Surf Spots Portugal: Beyond Nazaré
While Nazaré has captured the world’s attention as the epicenter of big wave surfing in Portugal, the country boasts a wealth of other renowned surf destinations along its Atlantic coastline. The towns of Peniche and Ericeira, located to the south of Nazaré, have long been popular surf hubs, offering a range of world-class beach and reef breaks that attract wave riders from around the globe.
Peniche and Ericeira
Peniche, a picturesque peninsula jutting into the Atlantic, is renowned for its powerful reef breaks like Supertubos, which host major professional surfing competitions. Just a short drive down the coast, the charming town of Ericeira is often referred to as the “Surf Mecca of Europe,” with a diverse array of surf spots catering to all levels of ability. From the long, peeling waves of Ribeira d’Ilhas to the hollow barreling waves of Coxos, Ericeira has earned its reputation as a world-class surf destination.
Hidden Gems Along the Coast
Beyond these well-known surf spots, Portugal is also home to numerous hidden gems, from remote beach stretches to powerful reef setups, that continue to be discovered by adventurous surfers seeking new challenges. Whether you’re exploring the rugged northern coastline or the sun-drenched southern regions, there are ample opportunities to find uncrowded waves and unique surf experiences. The diversity of Portugal’s surf locations, from beginner-friendly to big wave territory, make it a premier destination for wave enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Surf Camps and Lessons in Portugal
With its abundance of top-notch surf spots, Portugal has become a popular destination for surfers seeking instruction and guided experiences. Numerous surf camps and schools operate along the Portuguese coastline, offering lessons, equipment rentals, and guided sessions for wave riders of all abilities. These facilities provide an excellent opportunity for beginners to learn the sport in a safe and supportive environment, while also catering to more experienced surfers looking to hone their skills. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to push your surfing to the next level, Portugal’s diverse range of surf camps and instructors can cater to your needs and help you make the most of the country’s world-class waves.
For those looking to improve their skills or try surfing for the first time, Portugal offers a wealth of opportunities to take surf lessons from experienced instructors. From where to learn to surf in portugal, these lessons cover everything from basic technique to advanced maneuvers, ensuring you make the most of your time on the water. With the country’s consistent waves and picturesque settings, there’s no better place to embark on your surfing journey or take your skills to new heights.
Portugal Surf Travel: Planning Your Trip
For those looking to experience Portugal’s renowned surf scene, proper trip planning is key. The best time to visit for surfing generally runs from October through March, when the country’s powerful winter swells arrive. During this prime season, surfers can expect consistent, large waves at spots like Nazaré, Peniche, and Ericeira.
Best Time to Visit for Surfing
The October to March period is considered the prime surfing season in Portugal, as the winter months bring in the biggest and most consistent waves. This is an ideal time for experienced surfers to challenge themselves at renowned big wave spots like Nazaré, while also providing ample opportunities for intermediate and advanced riders to hone their skills at the country’s numerous world-class beach and reef breaks.
Accommodation and Logistics
When it comes to accommodations for your Portugal surf travel, the country offers a diverse range of options, from budget-friendly surf camps and hostels to luxury beach resorts, catering to a variety of traveler needs and preferences. Additionally, Portugal’s well-developed transportation infrastructure, with easy access to airports and rental car services, makes it simple to get around and explore the diverse surf locations along the coast. By doing your research and planning accordingly, surfers can maximize their time and ensure an unforgettable wave riding experience in Portugal.