The Atlantic winter concentrates the storms and large swells associated with big waves. February is an especially interesting month within this window, but giant waves are never guaranteed.
PORTUGAL · SPORT + SURFING
PORTUGAL — NAZARÉ — BIG WAVES
To see the Atlantic gain monumental scale in front of the Nazaré Lighthouse.
DURATION4 days
BEST TIMENov–Mar
EXPERIENCESport + Surfing
COUNTRYPortugal
THE JOURNEY
Route map
Nazaré → Site → Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo → Praia do Norte
The map loads when you reach this section.
FEATURED
Key highlights
1North Beach
2Nazaré Canyon
3Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo
4Garrett McNamara and the Modern History of Big Waves
5Atlantic storms and giant waves
In Praia do Norte, the Nazaré Canyon raises walls of water that have transformed the Portuguese village into synonymous with big waves. Between Atlantic storms, a historic lighthouse and the memory of Garrett McNamara, the destination lives for the sea on a monumental scale.
SEASONALITY
When to go
A STARTING POINT
Suggested base itinerary
DAY 1
Lisbon → Nazaré
Arrival at Lisbon Airport (LIS) and land transfer to Nazaré, with first contact with the Atlantic and the Sítio.
DAY 2
Praia do Norte — territory of big waves
Day dedicated to Praia do Norte and reading the sea conditions.
DAY 3
Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo — history of giant waves
Visit to the fort, the lighthouse and the context that projected Nazaré worldwide, including the passage of Garrett McNamara.
DAY 4
Nazareth — swell or closing day
Flexible window to follow a special condition before returning to Lisbon.
THE EXPERIENCE
The spirit of the journey
Nazaré allows you to observe the phenomenon of giant waves from land, especially in the surroundings of the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo. As the greatest conditions depend on storms and swells, the itinerary favors flexibility and daily reading of the Atlantic.
YOUR WAY
I want to design my trip now!Customize your trip
This itinerary is a foundation of inspiration. Pace, sequence, hotels, experiences and number of days can be adjusted to design the trip that makes sense for you.