The big wave season in Nazaré is roughly between October and March, the Portuguese winter season. The size of the waves then depends on multiple factors, such as winds, tides, and storms.
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This town has such a unique atmosphere I haven't seen anywhere else in the world. Nazare beach itself is really scenic and big and I can easily see why it's so popular with the locals and tourists alike. If you are visiting Nazaré in summer, definitely plan to spend some time here, with or without kids.
While sharks do inhabit the waters off the coast of Nazare, Portugal, the chances of encountering one are incredibly rare. The sharks found in this region are typically deep-sea species that do not pose a significant threat to beachgoers.
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.
WHY ARE THE WAVES IN NAZARÉ SO BIG? This is possible because of the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater geomorphological phenomenon that allows the swell to form to perfect giant waves. It is the largest underwater canyon in Europe, about 170 kilometers along the coast, reaching a staggering depth of 5,000 meters.
For experienced surfers, the best time of year for surfing in Portugal is late winter to early spring, especially between September and April. During these months, swells are definitely more powerful, producing heavy waves measuring around 2– 4.5 meters (6 – 15 feet) that are better left to advanced surfers.