Nazare
Nazaré is where surfing's largest waves are ridden—a Portuguese beach break that produces mountainous surf thanks to the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater trench that amplifies Atlantic swells to terrifying heights. Waves of 80-100+ feet have been documented here, and the world record for largest wave surfed continues to be broken at this spot. The wave breaks on sand, making it marginally more forgiving than reef breaks, but the size, power, and chaos are beyond anything else on Earth. Tow-in required at size.
Nazare surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (310°)
- Direction range
- 280° - 340°
- Size range
- 13.1m - 30.5m
- Ideal size
- 16.6m - 21.8m
- Height multiplier
- 1.15×
- Ideal period
- 20s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Beach/jet ski
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Nazare?
The Nazare profile favors mid tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Nazare?
The Nazare profile uses wind from E (90°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 45° to 135°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Nazare?
The Nazare scoring profile favors swell from NW (280° to 340°), a swell-height range of 13.1m to 30.5m, and a reference period of 20s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Nazare?
The main season at Nazare is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Sep, Apr. 1-6 big swells/month (Oct-Mar)
How do I get to Nazare?
The spot profile lists LIS as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 90 minutes. Beach/jet ski
What kind of wave is Nazare?
Nazare is a big wave break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Apr
1-6 big swells/month (Oct-Mar)
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Baleal
🏄 Europe's surf school HQ • Beginner paradise • Peninsula consistency
Supertubos
🇵🇹 Portuguese Pipeline • WSL Championship venue • Europe's heaviest tubes
Coxos
🇵🇹 Portugal's best • Heavy hollow right • Ericeira's crown jewel
Ribeira d'Ilhas
🏆 WSL CT venue • World Surfing Reserve • Europe's premier point
Praia Grande
Sintra beach break • Consistent Atlantic exposure • Easy Lisbon access
Praia do Guincho
💨 Lisbon's windy outlet • Dual-sport beach • Sintra backdrop
Plan a trip around Nazare
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.