The most surfing town in Portugal: giant waves that reach 30 meters high

There's something about the surfing scene that's captivating, even if you don't get on a board and have no intention of doing so. That mix of relaxation, barefoot people smiling all day long, and that contagious good vibe that's impossible to resist make places with waves special for everyone. In Nazaré , you notice it as soon as you arrive. Here, the waves aren't just part of the landscape; they're a living legend and part of its identity.

This small coastal town in Portugal has earned a place on the world surfing map for its giant waves , which can reach over 30 meters high between October and March. The secret? An underwater canyon off its coast that multiplies the force of the Atlantic. The best place to see them is from the Nazaré Lighthouse , at the Fort of São Miguel Arcángel, where locals and tourists gather, cameras in hand, every time the sea roars.

Much more than a wave

Although Nazaré is a mecca for giant waves, it's not all adrenaline and waves. When the sea calms, its main beach transforms into an ideal place for strolling, sunbathing, or eating ice cream with your feet in the sand—those kinds of activities everyone enjoys. With colorful umbrellas, a long promenade , and beachfront restaurants, the atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed.

And if you're more into gazing than surfing, Praia do Norte offers the whole spectacle without even moving from your towel: the roar of the waves, the tiny figures of surfers defying gravity, and that Atlantic horizon that never stays still are part of the daily show.

A town divided in two

Nazaré is divided into two levels. The lower part, by the sea , is the liveliest, with whitewashed houses, shops, terraces, and that unique fishing village atmosphere. The upper area, known as Sítio , overlooks the cliff like a balcony overlooking the ocean. To get there, you can walk uphill or take the funicular , an attraction in itself that connects both neighborhoods in just three minutes, with panoramic views included.

Above, the Hermitage of Memory , the Suberco viewpoint (with one of the best views of the Atlantic) and cobblestone streets decorated with tiles, so typical of Portugal, await you.

Traditions that are still alive

But what truly makes Nazaré special is that, as famous as it has become, it hasn't lost its roots . The proof is on the beach itself: there, butterfly-cut fish are still dried in the sun, draped over nets just as they were decades ago. Some older women still wear the traditional seven-skirted dress, and it's not unusual to see them selling their wares while telling their stories.

Nazaré's relationship with the sea goes back a long way. Before surfers, fishermen ruled here. And although boards have replaced nets in many photos today, the spirit remains seafaring .