Why does Portugal have such big waves?

The Nazaré North Canyon is a underwater canyon and the main responsible for the generation of the big waves at Praia do Norte - Nazaré - Portugal, in conjunction with other nature elements, sometimes in a favorable way, like the big Atlantic Ocean swells, the collision of two waves directions, the wind, the tides, the ...



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Praia do Norte is the largest wave in Europe (and the world). This psycho wave is the product of a deep-sea canyon (the Nazare Canyon) that cuts through a seabed almost five kilometres deep in some places.

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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.

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Praia do Norte | Nazaré, Portugal Home to several Guinness World Records - including the largest wave ever ridden and biggest wave ever surfed by a woman - Nazaré's Praia do Norte is a rare natural phenomenon. Despite being a beach break, it is so powerful and heavy that some call it the surfboard-breaking machine.

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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.

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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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