Surf Praia do Norte (Nazaré), Portugal

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Near the town of Nazare on the Atlantic coast of Portugal is found a prolific point break that is extremely reliable and known to reach epic proportions. Left and right hand breakers up to 4 meters are not uncommon at Praia Do Norte within Portugal’s Leira district, known for some of the largest waves in Europe. The big waves at Praia Do Norte are spawned from the Nazare Canyon (a rare geological condition that is best described as a gap in the continental plate). The growing reputation of this special surf spot has generated enough interest that the only tow-in competition staged in Portugal finds its home at Praia Do Norte. World Champion surfer, Garrett McNamara is reported to have surfed a 30 meter wave during the 2011 North Canyon Project competition, thought to be the largest wave ever ridden successfully. Bodyboarders are also drawn to the extreme waves found on Portugal’s West central coastline. German surfer Sebastian Steudtner broke the record in October 2020 when he surfed through an 86-foot (26.2 m) wave. Nazare is a historic small fishing town that attracts tourism to its quaint marinas, outdoor markets and picturesque beaches during summertime. Nazare is easily reachable by car or bus from the Portuguese cities of Lisbon (a 2 hour ride), Alcobaca and Leiria. Quality accommodations are available in Nazare along with good restaurants presenting local seafood at reasonable prices. Your dream of surfing some of the world’s greatest waves may not be complete without including a trip to the West coast of Portugal on your list to surf Praia Do Norte. Start investigating now how you can check this one off.

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