Tips for watching the surf competition in Nazaré (tourists)

• Schedule: Go early if you want to secure a good spot to watch. The walk can take time, and finding parking may also take longer than expected.
• Parking: It’s best to park outside the Sítio da Nazaré perimeter and walk or use available public transport. The ideal option is to leave the car farther away, near the Praia do Norte area, as it won’t be possible to park near the lighthouse or Sítio da Nazaré. Be prepared to walk more than 1 km.
• Viewing spots: Despite the large number of visitors, there is plenty of space on the hillside facing Praia do Norte. You can usually move around and switch between viewpoints freely.
• Terrain conditions: Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, as the terrain can be slippery.
• Gear: It is advisable to dress in layers, including protection against rain and cold, as some rain is forecast and the weather in Nazaré changes a lot throughout the day. Bring an umbrella and a waterproof cover to sit on, as the ground may be dirty or wet.
• Food: There are restaurants more than 500 meters away, but they will be very busy. There are also small food trucks about 500 m up the hill. Even so, bringing a small kit with water, snacks, and fruit in a backpack is recommended.
• Toilets: There should be a few portable toilets, but options are limited—you may need to rely on nature :)
• Access to the Lighthouse: The Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo (Nazaré Lighthouse) will be closed to the public on the event day, but you can still watch from several surrounding areas, including the path down to the beach. Be careful near the cliff and the shoreline!
• Event changes: If conditions are not favourable, the competition may be postponed to the next day.