Want to see the BIG waves of Nazaré live?

The latest attraction of Nazaré, Portugal - the giant waves - is both unique and uncertain.
Well, the big waves are not always there, they depend on the storms on the high seas that bring the big swells.

The Nazaré big waves frequency it's very different from the Niagara Falls (e.g.), another spectacular place to observe Nature but where it can be observed daily for much of the year.

Why do people go to see the big waves of Nazaré? 🌊

There are few places in the world with giant waves, but in Nazaré, they reach extreme sizes, and it’s possible to see them up close!
In the video below, tourists in Nazaré explain why they came to watch this natural spectacle — see their responses 🎥 (subtitles available on YouTube).

When to go and for how long to see the Nazaré biggest waves?

The Big Waves season in Nazaré - Portugal, is between October and March (winter season in Portugal, but September and April also work in some years). So that is the best time to see the Nazaré big waves.

- For those who need to book the trip in advance, a stay of at least 2 weeks in the region is recommended to ensure that you catch at least one day of giant waves; a three week stay increases the chances of catching big waves days.
In the months described, there’s usually between 1 and 6 large big swells. For more statistics see previous years news history . Even so, there is no guarantee that you will get a good day, but the probability is good.

- Another option for those who have more availability is to travel as soon as there is a good forecast. The forecasts only anticipate at most one week, and the longer the forecast range is the less certain it is. You can check the forecasts here.
For big wave the forecast should indicate a wave size higher than 3 meters, a wave period greater than 13 seconds and a bit offshore and north wind.

Usually, the Nazare North Canyon - big waves generator greatly amplifies the predicted size of the waves, generating waves up to 100 feet (30 meters) high!

How to get Nazaré big waves alerts?

Subscribe to our Big Waves Alerts by Email on the home page.
The website nazarewaves.com notifies you when there are good forecasts, follow it often.

Also follow our Facebook page where we publish alerts too.

For those who are closer to the zone you can check the state of the sea in real time via webcams footage and forecast - because the forecasts are not 100% reliable, there are many variables such as wind and wave direction (ex.), which influence and can vary on the hour and spoil a day with a perfect forecast. 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. View the publication history since 2015 to see when more large waves occurred.

The Place to Watch the Giant Waves at Nazaré

The giant waves take place on Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. The best place to observe is on sítio da Nazaré, next to the lighthouse - Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, on the north side of Nazaré. It is possible to visit the interior of the Forte de S. Miguel Arcanjo throughout the all the year from 10AM to 6PM (cost 2€, last entrance 30 min before close time).
You can also go down to the sand on the beach Praia do Norte for another perspective, via a dirt road, but be very careful by the sea as it is dangerous! Don't get too close. Several tourists drowned in the past, carried away by waves.

Usually there are always surfers present, and more and more, coming from all over the world. Many already spend the season of great waves in Nazaré, so if there are good waves (small to giant) they will surf, which is also good for tourists because it gives a better idea of the size of the waves.

How to get to Nazaré?

Tips for Watching Nazaré's Giant Waves: clothing, equipment, access, etc.

• Schedule: On days with a good forecast early in the morning, arrive early as finding parking and the long walk can take time on busier days.
• Parking: It’s recommended to park outside the perimeter of Sítio da Nazaré and walk or use the available public transport. The best option is to park farther away, near the Praia do Norte area, as parking near the lighthouse and Sítio da Nazaré will not be possible. Be prepared to walk more than 1 km.
• Viewing spots: Despite the large crowds, there’s plenty of space on the Praia do Norte hillside. This allows you to move around and alternate between different viewpoints. Arrive even earlier if you want to secure a prime spot in the front row or early entry to the lighthouse.
• Terrain conditions: Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, as the terrain can be slippery and is quite rough on the Praia do Norte hillside, where you get the best view of the giant waves.
• Equipment: It’s advisable to wear several layers of clothing, including protection against rain and cold, as the weather in Nazaré changes a lot throughout the day during winter. Bring an umbrella and a waterproof cover to sit on the ground and stay comfortable for hours, as the area can be dirty or wet and is mostly dirt.
• Food: There are restaurants more than 500 meters away, but they tend to be very crowded on big wave days. There are also small food trucks about 500m up the hill. However, it’s best to bring a kit with water, snacks, and fruit in a backpack to spend the day.
• Restrooms: There should be some portable toilets, but options are limited—you might have to use nature :)
• Lighthouse access: The Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo (Nazaré Lighthouse) is usually open (except on big wave competition days), but it’s still possible to watch the event from various surrounding areas, including the descent to the beach. Be careful near the cliff edge and the sea on the beach!

Watch a first-person video of a tourist walking to the spot where the big waves can be seen in Nazaré.

Annual big wave surfing event
WSL Nazaré Big Wave Challenge - World Surf League - Big Wave Tour

Big wave surfing event Tudor Nazaré Big Wave Challenge TOOK PLACE (Completed) on February 18, 2025 (8th edition with format variations). Check out the event report here:

The next big wave surfing event "Nazaré Big Wave Challenge" is expected to return during the winter season in Portugal 2025/2026 (October 1 to March 31), or earlier if there are 2 editions in the same season, as has happened in the past.
Follow the website NazareWaves.com for more information in the future, subscribe to our email alerts to be notified when the event date is confirmed.

History of big wave surfing competitions in Nazaré

More information about Nazaré

Nazaré is increasingly sought after by surfers, photographers and tourists from around the world. As for tourists, whether to see the surf or just to see the incredible strength of the sea, it is always an incredible experience, especially for nature/sea lovers or surfers. This is where the Atlantic Ocean shows all its strength! A unique site, due to the giant Nazare North Canyon - big waves generator , one of the biggest in the world (and there are few). It seems to be the best spot in the world to watch the giant waves from just a few feet away. You're sure to love watching the giant waves of Nazaré live.
If you have any questions, please ask the locals or us through Contact.

In this website we focused more on information for tourists who want to see the giant waves on the place, but there is also the most traditional tourism, which has been around for many years in Nazaré. In summer there is always a flood of tourists coming to the beach, on the southern side, on the main beach of Nazaré, the village beach. It is a nice place with great traditions and good food.

Praia do Norte beach at Nazaré, Portugal, is very versatile, has giant waves in the winter and "normal" waves during the rest of the year, sometimes with waves of world-class surfing and bodyboarding!

For pro surfers who want to surf the giant waves and need a support team with jet skis contact us for more information.

Also follow our Facebook page for other updates. See more information on nazarewaves.com and weekly forecasts. We wish you good luck on your trip and you can catch a day of giant waves in Nazaré.

Please share the site nazarewaves.com to your friends to help us improve the site.

Watch these Nazare promotional videos with the whole scenario:

Conclusion / Summary to visit Nazaré

Useful information for tourists

1. The largest waves in the world reach the coast at Nazaré in Portugal between October and March (not every day).
2. It is not possible to know more than a week in advance the forecast of the waves and the forecast may fail.
3. To increase the likelihood of seeing giant waves, you should stay for at least 2 to 3 weeks in the zone during the period referred to in 1) and check the live webcams before going.
4. The best place to watch the waves is by the Nazaré Lighthouse at Praia do Norte.
5. Lisbon Airport in Portugal is the closest to Nazaré, you can reach Nazaré by car, bus or train.
6. The annual WSL Nazaré Big Wave Challenge surf event takes place on 1 November to 31 March, the day of the event is confirmed only 1 to 3 days in advance.
7. There are other attractions in Nazaré besides the Big Waves.