Praia do Norte
Home of the biggest waves in the world
About Praia do Norte
The Cradle of Giant Waves
Praia do Norte, located in the fishing village of Nazaré, is world-renowned for its giant waves. This unique natural phenomenon is caused by the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater formation that amplifies swells from the North Atlantic.
History
Although Nazaré has been known for centuries for its fishing tradition, it was only in 2011 that Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara put Praia do Norte on the world surfing map by riding a 23.77-meter wave.
Since then, Praia do Norte has become a must-visit destination for big wave surfers and thousands of tourists who want to witness this spectacle of nature.
The Nazaré Canyon
The Nazaré Canyon is an underwater valley about 230 km long and 5 km deep. This unique geological formation channels the energy of Atlantic swells, creating perfect conditions for giant wave formation.
The Giant Waves
The waves at Praia do Norte are considered the biggest in the world, attracting elite surfers from all continents. In 2011, Garrett McNamara surfed a 23.77-meter wave, setting a world record. In 2017, Rodrigo Koxa broke that record with a 24.38-meter wave. The giant wave season runs from October to March, when the WSL Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge takes place.
Maximum recorded height
Year of the first world record
Big Wave World Tour
History
The discovery of Praia do Norte as a big wave surfing destination began in 2011, when Garrett McNamara surfed a 23.77-meter wave, setting a new world record.
Since then, Nazaré has become the world mecca of big wave surfing, hosting international competitions and attracting thousands of visitors annually.
In January 2018, Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira surfed the biggest wave ever ridden by a woman — 20.72 meters — at Praia do Norte. This record was later broken by Maya herself in 2020 with a 22.4-meter wave.
Location
How to Get Here
From Lisbon
120 km away, about 1h30 by car via A8
From Porto
180 km away, about 2h by car via A1 and A8
Discover More
Meet the heroes who challenge these waves and check real-time sea conditions