Nazare is a small town located on the “silver coast” of Portugal. In the summer, Nazare offers sandy beaches and top-quality restaurants. In winter, however, Nazare is known for its giant waves attracting surfers from around the world.
The season for giant waves falls on the months October – March. The waves can reach up to 30 meters during this time. Although this is not recommended, giant waves can be observed from the beach called “Praia do Norte”. One of the best observation points is the platform of the lighthouse “Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo” (shown in the picture). There every year the spectators gather to see the daredevils trying to set the next record in giant wave surfing.
Giant waves in Nazare are something special in the world scale. Just off the coast of Nazare, the underwater canyon ends. When the masses of water from the Atlantic Ocean are “pushed out” from the depths of the canyon, they form huge waves. Some of the giant waves reach the “northern” beach, others crash into the rocky coast of Nazare.
