Nazare

The break.

Big-wave beachExpertLocal heavy

Praia do Norte, the canyon

Nazaré is not a surf spot. It's a natural phenomenon. The Nazaré Canyon, one of the deepest underwater canyons in the Atlantic, funnels and amplifies swells into waves that reach 20, 30, even 30 metres. Garrett McNamara put it on the map in 2011 with a then-world record 78ft wave. Since then it has become the proving ground for the world's best big wave surfers. The village is a traditional fishing town that had no idea what was coming.

When.

October to March

Autumn and winter North Atlantic swell. The canyon only matters on the solid days.

Worth knowing.

1. 1. This is not a spot for regular surfers. The waves at Praia do Norte are exclusively for elite big wave athletes with jet ski support.
2. 2. The best place to watch is the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, the fort at the top of the cliff. Get there early on a big swell day, it fills up fast.
3. 3. October to March is the window. The biggest swells come from North Atlantic storms. Check Magic Seaweed or Windguru for the forecast, then watch. Don't paddle.

Go.

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