Praia do Norte Guide
Praia do Norte: Witness the Giants of the Atlantic Guide
Praia do Norte, or North Beach, in Nazaré, Portugal, is world-renowned for its colossal waves, attracting big wave surfers from across the globe. This stunning beach offers a dramatic and awe-inspiring spectacle, especially during the winter months when the waves can reach heights of over 80 feet. Even if you're not a surfer, Praia do Norte is a must-visit for its raw natural beauty and the sheer power of the Atlantic Ocean. The unique wave formation at Praia do Norte is due to the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater canyon that funnels and amplifies the energy of the waves as they approach the shore. This phenomenon creates the perfect conditions for massive swells, making it a legendary spot for big wave surfing. In 2011, Garrett McNamara surfed a record-breaking 78-foot wave here, solidifying Praia do Norte's place in surfing history. Visitors can witness the incredible waves from the clifftops overlooking the beach, offering a safe and spectacular vantage point. During the surfing season (typically October to March), you might catch a glimpse of professional surfers tackling these monstrous waves. Even outside of the surfing season, the beach is a beautiful place to walk, enjoy the sea breeze, and appreciate the rugged coastline. While Praia do Norte itself doesn't have restaurants directly on the beach, Nazaré's town center, just a short distance away, offers a wide variety of seafood restaurants and traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Transportation
From Nazaré town center, you can reach Praia do Norte by car, taxi, or on foot. It's a relatively short walk (around 30 minutes) from the center of town. There is also a tourist train that runs between Nazaré and Praia do Norte during peak season.