Why does Nazaré Portugal have the biggest waves?

One reason that Nazaré has such big waves has to do with the fact that Europe's largest and deepest underwater canyon can be found right off of its coast. A Jet Ski steers away from a crashing wave during a big wave surfing session at Praia do Norte, or North Beach, in Nazaré, Portugal, Feb.



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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.

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Are there any areas I should avoid? Nazare for the most part is very safe. We do recommend that you not drive to Nazare Beach, as there have been reports of car burglaries, with many victims being tourists. Take a taxi or walk to the beach.

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When conditions are calm offshore, you can actually have a very normal beach day at Nazaré. But just off the coast, the ocean floor is anything but normal. It's home to the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater trench that is 140 miles (230 kilometers) long and up to 16,000 feet (4,877 meters) deep.

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Nazaré is a coastal resort north of Lisbon and an increasingly popular destination among surfers and tourists. It makes the perfect day trip from Lisbon for independent travellers.

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Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal — 80 Feet It's also where the most enormous wave ever surfed was recorded, securing its place in the Guinness World Records. Swells here can tower up to an astonishing 75 feet and more.

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In fact, the waters of Portugal's coasts are rather cold compared to those of the Mediterranean Sea. A period of mental and physical preparation is necessary to enjoy a swim in the waters of the beaches of Portugal. However, there are some places where the temperature of the water is warmer and warmer.

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