By The Sea Nazare B&B is a surf camp in Nazare, Portugal. With a 4.4★ Google rating from 303 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
Learn to surf in the famous beach of Nazaré, Portugal with our local, experienced and certified teachers. Our school is situated on the beach with all the fascinates you need. We also rent boards, wetsuits, standup paddles and bodyboards. Come have this great experience with us.
Northspot is a surf camp in Nazare, Portugal. With a 4.7★ Google rating from 253 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
A Resort located in the heart of Nazaré, at the seaside that offers endless possibilities and activities to make your stay unforgettable.
The Surfer's Place is a surf camp in Nazare, Portugal. With a 4.9★ Google rating from 17 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
Zulla Nazaré Surf Village - Hotel, Surf School, and Terrace Bar. Enjoy our village and our surf lessons in Nazaré.
Nazaré is the undisputed capital of big wave surfing, where pros chase down record-breaking liquid mountains. While not a beginner's paradise, it offers thrilling challenges for experienced surfers and a breathtaking spectacle for all.
Nazaré, once a sleepy fishing town on Portugal's Silver Coast, has exploded onto the global surf scene as the undisputed capital of big wave surfing. The town itself retains its traditional charm, with cobbled streets and fishing boats, but the energy shifts dramatically when the swell rolls in. The iconic lighthouse at the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo becomes a grandstand for a truly awesome spectacle, as surfers on jet skis tackle liquid mountains.
The main event in Nazaré is Praia do Norte, home to the biggest surfable waves on the planet. Thanks to a deep underwater canyon that funnels and amplifies the Atlantic's power, this break produces monstrous waves that can exceed 80 feet. These are strictly for the world's elite big-wave surfers. For the rest of us, there's Praia do Nazaré, the town's main beach. While it doesn't have the same colossal size as its northern counterpart, it's still a powerful and challenging beach break with fast, punchy waves, especially in winter.
The big wave season in Nazaré runs from October to April, with the most consistent giant swells typically arriving between November and February. This is when you'll have the best chance of witnessing the XXL surf that made the town famous. The summer months, from May to September, are much calmer. While you won't see the record-breaking giants, the waves at Praia do Nazaré can still be fun and punchy for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Let's be clear: Nazaré is not a beginner's destination. The waves, even on the main beach, are powerful and unforgiving. This is a playground for experienced, confident surfers. Praia do Norte is exclusively for the pros. Intermediate surfers might find some manageable days in the summer at Praia do Nazaré, but should always exercise extreme caution. If you're just starting out, it's best to head to the more sheltered breaks of nearby Peniche or Ericeira.
It's the sheer, raw power of the ocean. There's nowhere else in the world where you can witness such a dramatic and consistent display of giant waves. The unique underwater topography of the Nazaré Canyon creates a natural wonder that draws surfers and spectators from all corners of the globe. The combination of this incredible natural phenomenon with the charm of a traditional Portuguese fishing village makes Nazaré a truly unforgettable surf destination.
The best time to surf in Nazaré depends heavily on your skill level and what you're looking for. The giant, world-record waves that Nazaré is famous for occur during the winter months, typically from October to March. This is when the Atlantic storms send massive swells towards the coast, amplified by the underwater Nazaré Canyon. This period is strictly for professional big-wave surfers. For experienced surfers looking for powerful, but not giant, waves, the shoulder seasons of April, May, and September can offer great conditions. Summer, from June to August, sees smaller, more manageable waves, but the main beach break can still be powerful and is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. Beginners should be extremely cautious and consider other surf spots in Portugal.
Nazaré is not a beginner's surf destination. The waves here are notoriously powerful and challenging, even on smaller days. Praia do Norte, the site of the giant waves, is exclusively for elite, professional big-wave surfers with extensive safety teams. The main beach, Praia da Nazaré, offers more accessible waves but is still considered an intermediate to advanced spot due to its powerful shorebreak and strong currents. There are no beginner-friendly waves in Nazaré itself. If you are new to surfing, we highly recommend checking out our beginner surf camps in Portugal for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
The water temperature in Nazaré ranges from an average of 14°C (57°F) in the winter to 19°C (66°F) in the summer. A good quality wetsuit is essential year-round. In winter, a 5/4mm or 4/3mm wetsuit, along with booties, gloves, and a hood, is necessary to stay warm. In the summer, a 3/2mm wetsuit is generally sufficient, though some may find a 4/3mm more comfortable on cooler days or for longer sessions.
Packing for Nazaré depends on the season. For surfing, your wetsuit is the most critical item (a 4/3mm or 5/4mm for winter, and a 3/2mm for summer). Given the power of the waves, it's advisable to bring your own trusted surfboards. For everyday wear, pack layers. Even in summer, the Atlantic breeze can be cool. Include warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes for exploring the town. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the Portuguese sun can be strong year-round. Check out our complete surf trip packing list for more ideas.
Nazaré has two main surf areas. Praia do Norte is the legendary big-wave spot, located on the north side of the headland. This is where you'll see the monstrous waves, and it is a spectacle to watch from the lighthouse, but it is not a place for the average surfer. The main town beach, Praia da Nazaré, is a long, sandy beach break that offers powerful and often hollow waves. It's more protected from the giant north swells but still packs a punch and is best for experienced surfers.
Nazaré is a traditional Portuguese fishing town with a rich maritime culture. You'll see local women in their traditional seven-layered skirts and fishermen mending their nets on the beach. The local cuisine is heavily focused on fresh seafood. Be sure to try the grilled sardines, "caldeirada" (a fish stew), and "arroz de marisco" (seafood rice). The town has a vibrant atmosphere with numerous cafes, restaurants, and a bustling daily market where you can buy fresh produce and local handicrafts.
The cost of a trip to Nazaré can vary widely. Accommodation can range from budget-friendly guesthouses to more luxurious hotels. A meal at a local restaurant can cost between €10-€20. If you're looking for a complete package, our Nazaré surf camp options offer great value, including accommodation, surf guiding, and more. Transportation is relatively inexpensive, with bus tickets from Lisbon costing around €10-€15.
Safety is the number one concern in Nazaré. The waves at Praia do Norte are extremely dangerous and have claimed lives. Surfing there requires years of experience, physical and mental preparation, and a dedicated safety team. The waves at Praia da Nazaré, while smaller, are still very powerful and can have strong currents and a dangerous shorebreak. It is not a safe place for beginners or even inexperienced intermediate surfers. Always surf within your limits, and if in doubt, don't go out.
Nazaré offers plenty of attractions besides surfing. The main highlight is watching the big wave surfers at Praia do Norte from the Farol da Nazaré (lighthouse) and the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo. You can also take the funicular up to the Sítio neighborhood for breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. Explore the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town, relax on the beach, and indulge in the delicious local food. The nearby town of Óbidos, a beautiful medieval walled town, is also a great day trip.
