Edition 42 - Nazaré

10.01.2022 • 16.01.2022

It took one wave. In fact, not an ordinary wave. A giant wave surfed by Hawaiian surf legend Garrett McNamara in 2011.This breath-taking 30-meter-high wave would change forever the fate of a picturesque coastal town known as Nazaré.

The once fishing village of Nazaré, a very popular beach resort in Portugal, became a worldwide phenomenon after the McNamara effect. On November 1st 2011, the Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara surfed a 78 feet (23,77 meters) wave during the ZON North Canyon Show in Praia do Norte beach, in Nazaré! Since then, Nazaré - or as the surfers call it, "Naza" - has caught the world's attention. But Nazaré is more than its incredibly big waves. It is a deeply fascinating destination with countless secrets to unveil.

Nazaré Big Waves

The Nazaré Canyon is the reason why the waves are so big and so high breaking. This makes Nazaré a hotspot for big wave surfing.

Monuments & Attractions

Sítio in Nazaré

The Sítio district, at the town’s highest point (accessible by a funicular), is without doubt the best viewpoint in the area. But it is also associated with the cult of Our Lady of Nazaré who, according to the 12th century legend, was invoked by the alcaide (commander of a fortress or castle) Dom Fuas Roupinho who, while stalking a deer, was about to fall down into an abyss with no possible salvation.

Ladeira panoramic swing

A truly unrivalled view over the endlessness of the Atlantic, the beach of Nazaré.

Dry Fish Museum of Nazaré

The Dry Fish Museum was developed by the City Hall of Nazaré, including three main centres: fish drying, interpretation centre and fish treatment.

Nazaré Surfer Wall

Nazaré's giant waves draw surfers from afar, 35 boards now displayed at S. Miguel Arcanjo Fort.