Praia do Norte Surf Forecast and Surf Reports (Beira, Portugal) (2024)

FAQs

How big are the waves in Praia do Norte? ›

Guide to the surfing beach with the world's biggest waves

Waves can be over 30 meters tall (almost 100 feet), so they're exciting for experienced surfers, but can be dangerous for everyone else. They're formed by Europe's largest canyon, which is underwater and 5km (over 16,000 ft) deep, off the coast of Nazaré.

Praia do Norte ('North Beach') is a beach located in Nazaré, portuguese West region, which due to its giant white breaking waves is famed for its surfing conditions. Nazaré's waves were listed on the Guinness Book of Records for the biggest waves ever surfed.

The Portuguese town of Nazaré can deliver 100-foot (30.4 meters) waves. So, how can we explain the Nazaré Canyon geomorphologic phenomenon? In the 16th century, Portuguese people and the army protected Nazaré from pirate attacks in the Promontório do Sítio, the cliff-top area 110 meters above the beach.

Bathymetry of Nazaré

The reason the waves in Nazaré get so big is not by coincidence. It is because what lies beneath… The wave at Nazara Praia do Norte is in fact not one wave, but two waves. You will understand more clearly if you take a closer look at the the ocean floor shape a.k.a. bathymetry of the Nazaré canyon.

Nazare consistently sees the biggest waves in the world, sometimes breaking at over 80 feet during the peak season from October through March.

The prime time for surfing in Portugal is from late September to April, with consistent swells and favourable weather conditions. However, the summer months (June to August) are also popular, especially for beginners, due to warmer water and smaller waves.

Hossegor, France: Located on the Atlantic coast of France, Hossegor is synonymous with powerful and reliable waves. As the “Surfing Capital of Europe,” it attracts surfers from all corners of the globe.

1. Ericeira. Ericeira, the only World Surfing Reserve in Europe, presents top-tier waves.

Nazare is a magical place with a lot of surprises... There may also be large waves in September and April but the peak of winter is closest to December, with more severe sea storms that can generate larger swells.

Can you swim Nazare? ›

Can you swim at Nazare? Yes, you can swim in Nazare! The sea on Nazare's Praia do Norte is much too dangerous for swimming, but the main beach, Praia da Nazare, is a great option during the summer. About 15 minutes down the coast, there is another excellent beach with much calmer waters called Sao Martinho do Porto.

With a strong Atlantic swell building and surf hitting 30 to 40 feet, it was a monumental day at the 2024 Nazare Big Wave Challenge as Brazil's Lucas Chianca and Maya Gabiera stormed the podium to win the men's and women's individual divisions.

On January 5, Marcio Freire, a big-wave pioneer and legend, sadly became the first surfer to die at the spot.

Steudtner rode a 115 feet tall wave at Nazare, Portugal.

West Coast of Algarve is well-known due to the hot weather, great surf condition all year round, wild and protected nature. For many riders the Algarve became Europe's favorite secret spot, since the south-western corner provides a great alternative. Both coasts, south and west, produces waves in any size of swell.

1. Nazaré, Portugal. Nazaré, Portugal is famous for its record-breaking waves, particularly in the big wave surfing community. The waves at Nazaré are some of the biggest and most powerful in the world, attracting surfers from all over to tackle these massive swells.

Puerto Rico's big wave beach, Tres Palmas is for the pros only! With strong waves rideable from 12 to 25 feet, the reef break far from the shore is well worth the paddle.

Las Islitas, one of the villages and surfing spots on Matanchén Bay, is documented by the Guinness Book of World Records as having the "World's Longest Surfable Wave" at 5,700 feet (1,700 m).