📝 About
Large, unassuming beach near Nazaré that's popular with surfers due to its huge waves.
🏖️ Beach Conditions — 1011
Data: IPMA · Open-Meteo
📈 Today's Hourly Forecast
🔵 Wind (km/h)
💨 Gusts (km/h)
🌊 Waves (m × 10)
📷 Photos (7)
💬 Reviews (5)
★★★★★
2026-02-16
Such an amazing spot to watch surfers and nature do its magic. Stunning viewing spot during highly (winter) season.
★★★★★
2026-01-17
Massive waves, serious surfers, and a raw atlantic vibe
★★★★★
2025-11-06
The famous "Praia do Norte" where the spectacle is simply magnificent !
Indeed, for the past ten years or so, this place has been a meeting point and a challenge for the world's best surfers who tackle waves that can reach up to 30 meters. They are known as big wave surfers. For an amateur, positioned near the lighthouse perched on the cliff overlooking the ocean, the spectacle of the waves and the feel of the salt water on their face unfolds from above, because the danger is very real. These giant waves are born from the convergence of the high swell of the Atlantic and the 500-meter-deep underwater canyon of Nazaré, which plunges right at the foot of the cliff. This channels the waves and amplifies them to the point of creating these "monsters of the Atlantic."
For surfers, rigorous preparation is essential. But how do you even reach the starting point of the wave? Thanks to tow-in surfing: the surfer is transported on a jet ski attached behind them with their board, and then followed by the jet ski, which ensures their safety in case of a fall. On November 1, 2011, Hawaiian Garrett McNamara set the world record for the highest wave surfed at Praia do Norte. That day, he jumped from a helicopter, was towed, and surfed a wave estimated at 23.77 meters, the equivalent of about six stories. His record is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records and by the World Surf League (WSL), which awards prizes every April for the best surfing performances of the year. On December 11, 2014, Frenchman Benjamin Sanchis attempted to ride a wave estimated at around 30 meters. Unfortunately, he fell mid-ride and had the fright of his life. This earned him the WSL's Wipeout of the Year award for 2015! Then, on November 8, 2017, Brazilian Rodrigo Koxa officially broke Garrett McNamara's record by surfing a 24.38-meter wave at Nazaré. Finally, on October 29, 2020, German Sebastian Steudtner set the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed by riding an 86-foot (26.2-meter) break, thus erasing Rodrigo Koxa's record.
On the women's side, after numerous appeals and a petition signed by nearly 20,000 people, Brazilian Maia Gabeira succeeded in having the record for the biggest wave surfed by a woman officially recognized. She earned this title in 2018 by surfing a 20.72-meter wave, also at Praia do Norte. She surpassed this record in 2020 by surfing a 22.4-meter wave !
Indeed, for the past ten years or so, this place has been a meeting point and a challenge for the world's best surfers who tackle waves that can reach up to 30 meters. They are known as big wave surfers. For an amateur, positioned near the lighthouse perched on the cliff overlooking the ocean, the spectacle of the waves and the feel of the salt water on their face unfolds from above, because the danger is very real. These giant waves are born from the convergence of the high swell of the Atlantic and the 500-meter-deep underwater canyon of Nazaré, which plunges right at the foot of the cliff. This channels the waves and amplifies them to the point of creating these "monsters of the Atlantic."
For surfers, rigorous preparation is essential. But how do you even reach the starting point of the wave? Thanks to tow-in surfing: the surfer is transported on a jet ski attached behind them with their board, and then followed by the jet ski, which ensures their safety in case of a fall. On November 1, 2011, Hawaiian Garrett McNamara set the world record for the highest wave surfed at Praia do Norte. That day, he jumped from a helicopter, was towed, and surfed a wave estimated at 23.77 meters, the equivalent of about six stories. His record is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records and by the World Surf League (WSL), which awards prizes every April for the best surfing performances of the year. On December 11, 2014, Frenchman Benjamin Sanchis attempted to ride a wave estimated at around 30 meters. Unfortunately, he fell mid-ride and had the fright of his life. This earned him the WSL's Wipeout of the Year award for 2015! Then, on November 8, 2017, Brazilian Rodrigo Koxa officially broke Garrett McNamara's record by surfing a 24.38-meter wave at Nazaré. Finally, on October 29, 2020, German Sebastian Steudtner set the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed by riding an 86-foot (26.2-meter) break, thus erasing Rodrigo Koxa's record.
On the women's side, after numerous appeals and a petition signed by nearly 20,000 people, Brazilian Maia Gabeira succeeded in having the record for the biggest wave surfed by a woman officially recognized. She earned this title in 2018 by surfing a 20.72-meter wave, also at Praia do Norte. She surpassed this record in 2020 by surfing a 22.4-meter wave !
★★★★★
2025-09-23
Big wave only in winter but still a beautiful and stunning beach
★★★★★
2025-07-29
Definitely a beautiful beach to chill out at or people watch. There are some amazing waves here but weak season for surfing this place is usually packed. There is a tiny free parking lot, it’s recommended that you have high clearance vehicle and 4x4 is a huge plus. Overall this is a great place to come relax and enjoy the beauty of the area.
ℹ️ Details
Portugal
Beach
€€
7 views
