Did you know that here, in Portugal, very close to us, there is a place where 30-meter waves arise and Guinness Book records are set on them? This place is called Nazaré.
Nazaré (port. Nazaré;) is an urban village in Portugal, the center of the municipality of the same name within the district of Leiria. Population - 10.1 thousand inhabitants (village), 15.1 thousand inhabitants (municipality). The village and municipality are included in the economic and statistical region of the Central region and the Oeshte subregion. According to the old administrative division, it was part of the province of Estremadura.
In fact, Nazaré is an ordinary fishing village. The main fishing village of the country. There is even a fisherman's museum here. Other attractions include the Sitiu Quarter with a panorama, the Church of Our Lady, and other nonsense. We are interested in surfing and this is what this village has become famous for in the last 5 years.
Yes, one of the main attractions of the city today is the waves and surfing opportunities that exist thanks to the Nazaré Canyon (“Canhão da Nazaré”), an underwater geomorphological phenomenon that creates giant waves. We are talking about the largest underwater gorge in Europe, stretching along the coast for almost 170 km along the coast and reaching depths of up to 5000 m in some places.
In 2011, Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara became famous throughout the world when he conquered the world's largest wave on a sandy bottom, reaching 30 meters, on the beach of Praia do Norte, and received the Billabong XXL Global BigWave Awards for this. and broke the Guinness Book of World Records. Just like him, every year a large number of surfers from all over the world come to Nazaré to surf.
Here on the cape there is a lighthouse, inside of which they made a museum named after. Garrett Vasilievich McNamarrovsky. Here stands his board produced by the Mercedes Benz concern, on which this Guinness Book record was set. You can also watch a short video about the process of preparing for the record. Impressive though. A brave man.
Friends, I never tire of inviting you here to visit, to travel with you and show you all the beauty of this place!
I will be very glad to meet you.
Always yours
Stanislav Sushenkov
SurfDiscovery
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For fans of big waves and surfing enthusiasts, Nazaré (Portugal) is a well-known resort located an hour's drive from the country's capital. The town was founded at the beginning of the 16th century.
It is here that, due to the peculiarities of the sea landscape, there are waves up to 30 meters high. Only the most courageous athletes can tame the roaring and raging elements. Every year, the best surfers from all over the world come to Nazaré. Otherwise, Nazaré is a small fishing town, there are many cafes and restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Photo: waves in Nazaré (Portugal).
general information
Tourists call Lisbon the heart of the country, and Nazaré its soul. And this soul is passionate, beautiful and noble. You can fall in love with the town endlessly and also endlessly admire the big waves of Nazaré in Portugal.
The population of the city is slightly more than 10 thousand inhabitants. It is located in the Leiria region, which is famous for its centuries-old fishing traditions and the legend of the miraculous rescue of the monarch by Our Lady. For many decades, pilgrims from all over the world have come to Nazaré, but the town gives an incredible feeling of unity with nature and allows you to enjoy beautiful landscapes.
Local residents honor ancient traditions, prefer to wear ancient clothes, and folk songs can often be heard on the streets. Women in Nazar today wear seven skirts and, in the old fashioned way, mend nets and dry fish, sitting on the shore. Many tourists have the feeling that time has stopped here, but this has not stopped the city from becoming one of the most visited resorts in the country. All conditions for a comfortable stay have been created here.
The town is divided into two parts. The upper one is ancient; the main attractions of Nazare in Portugal are concentrated here. In the lower town there is a beach, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, shops and all the tourist infrastructure.
On a note! It is better to buy souvenirs in the lower part of Nazaré, as they are cheaper here.
Features of the holiday
If you love the ocean, then Nazare will be beautiful for you, regardless of the season. The high season begins in the second half of May and lasts until the beginning of autumn; during the rest of the year, elderly people and surfers come here.
Resort in summer
If your main goal is a beach holiday, summer is best for this. However, it should be taken into account that the Atlantic coast is quite cool; the water here does not warm up above +18 degrees. In addition, the ocean is often stormy. On weekends, the beach is filled not only with tourists, but also with the local population.
At the height of the high season, temperatures vary from +17 to +30 degrees, but in the sun it feels like +50 degrees. There is almost no rain, the vegetation becomes sparse and faded, and fires often occur.
Nazaré in autumn
As the temperature drops, the waves become stronger, the weather is quite windy, it rains, but in sunny weather the locals wear T-shirts.
Helpful information! An umbrella in Nazar will not save you from the rain, as strong gusts of wind simply turn it over. It is best to stock up on a waterproof jacket with a hood.
The most comfortable months for relaxation are September and the first half of October. At this time, the temperature remains at +20...+25 degrees, there is little precipitation.
Nazaré in spring
Early spring here is quite cool, the temperature does not rise above +10 degrees, and it rains regularly. The weather becomes comfortable for relaxation only in May.
Nazaré in winter
The average temperature varies from +8 to +15, this is the ideal time for extreme surfing and just to watch brave athletes. It is during the cold season that Nazare in Portugal has the biggest waves in the world.
Surfing
This amazing surfer's paradise was found by Hawaiian athlete Garrett McNamara. He holds the world record - Garrett was able to conquer a huge wave of 24 meters (although some who like to exaggerate say that the height was 34 m). Since then, surfers from many countries have come to Nazaré to test their courage and bravery.
Interesting fact! The secret of the constant big waves in Nazar is that opposite the town at the bottom of the ocean there is a canyon, the flow of water entering it pushes a huge amount of water to the surface in the form of high waves.
If you just want to watch the athletes, go up to the cape, where you can enjoy a beautiful view and take a deep breath of iodine-filled air.
When traveling along the Portuguese Golden Circle, Nazaré is a frequent stop to eat, as it serves delicious fish and seafood dishes.
What else to do in Nazaré:
- take the ancient tram to Sitiou;
- eat in one of the restaurants;
- admire the surfers;
- watch the sunset on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and drink port wine - the famous drink of Portugal.
What to watch and where to go
The beach is a strip of sand 150 meters wide and about 1.7 km long, which is located between the harbor and the cliff. On the rock there is the São Miguel Arcanjo fort, built in the 17th century, a lighthouse and an observation deck where tourists come to see the city from a bird's eye view.
The beach has a developed infrastructure, soft, clean sand and many cafes and taverns. There is no natural shade on the beach, but in the summer, canopies are installed here to protect from the heat. During the cold season, there are practically no vacationers on Nazaré beach and you can admire the beauty of nature almost alone.
On a note! Not far from the beach there is a fishing market where locals bring their catch.
Sitiou District
This is the historical district of the city, where all the sights are collected, and offers panoramic views of Nazaré.
Temple of Our Lady What to visit in Sitiou:
- Church of Our Lady;
- Fort of Archangel Michael;
- lighthouse;
- chapel where the Black Madonna was previously kept.
The area is located on a hill and sells delicious nuts and dried fruits. The souvenir shops contain many beautiful handicrafts and shells from the depths of the ocean. The place is atmospheric; in the evenings people come here to relax and sit in a cozy cafe. There is a toilet on the square, clean and tidy.
If you want to give yourself a little thrill, take a walk along the path that runs right over the cliff. Walk to the lighthouse while the bells ring and listen to the sound of the ocean waves. You can always use the funicular; it operates until 23-00.
Miradore do Suberco viewpoint
The observation deck is located at an altitude of 110 meters, offering views of the city of Nazare, the beach and the ocean with its big waves.
A beautiful legend is associated with this place, according to which the Madonna appeared here to the residents of Nazaré. The saint saved the knight Fuas Rupinho from death, who lost his way in the fog and without the help of the Virgin Mary would have fallen off a cliff.
The observation deck is a place visited by tourists, so it is quite crowded. From here the beach looks like a large anthill with people scurrying around and colorful awnings. Just behind the beach you can see a port with boats of local fishermen.
The two parts of the city - upper and lower - are connected by a path, which is better to walk along at night with a flashlight, since it is not illuminated. If you don’t want to walk, use the funicular, which operates from 6-00 to 23-00. The lower part of Nazaré is a labyrinth of streets that are intertwined in a bizarre way.
Most of them are for walking only. Mount San Bras rises in the southeast direction. You can also consider a new microdistrict under construction.
The fort is a surfing museum and is used as a lighthouse, which was installed here in 1903. This is a traditional fortification that protected the settlement from enemy attacks.
The museum exhibition is dedicated to Garrett McNamara and the huge wave he conquered. The surfer managed to ride the entire length of the wave and stay on his feet.
It was after this event that Nazaré became famous and became a center for surfing and a favorite place for nature lovers. The museum exhibits include photographs of a surfer, colorful posters with views of Nazare, and detailed descriptions of the area.
The lighthouse is equipped with several observation platforms, they are installed at different heights. A shaky, unsecured staircase leads to one of them, so getting there is quite difficult and requires some courage. Not only tourists, but also local fishermen gather at the sites.
The lighthouse offers a picturesque view of the new Nazare district and the city beach. There is a staircase leading from the lighthouse to the ocean; you can go straight down to the water and feel the salty splashes on your face.
Located in Sitiou Square. This is a very beautiful, elegant building. The legend of the Madonna is associated with it, namely about a small sculpture of the Black Madonna. It is believed that the sculpture traveled around the world and came to the village from Nazareth; the city was named after this legend. The Black Madonna was brought to Portugal by a monk, and since then the sculpture of the saint has been kept in the town. Every year hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and believers from all over the world come to touch it.
The building of the landmark was reconstructed three times, the last reconstruction was carried out in the 17th century. A strangely shaped staircase leads to the entrance. Bells are installed under exquisite, beautifully shaped domes. Inside the temple looks very luxurious and solemn. The premises are decorated with arches, columns and gilding. There is an organ in the church, and opposite the musical instrument there is an altar with a sanctuary. In comparison with Catholic buildings in European countries, the local Church of Our Lady looks elegant and festive.
To the right of the main entrance is the Museum of Religious Arts, which can be visited completely free of charge. The exhibits include ancient church vestments, sculptures and paintings on biblical themes and household items of priests.
There is a souvenir shop near the exit. Is it possible to leave an attraction and not buy a souvenir as a souvenir?
How to get there
The town of Nazare is located in the Leiria region, approximately one hour by car from the capital of Portugal. If you are traveling from Porto, the journey will take two hours. You need to take the A8 highway. This is a toll road.
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By bus
For tourists who travel without personal transport, the best way to get to Nazaré is by bus. In Lisbon, flights depart from the Sete Rios bus station, you can get here by metro - Linhea Azul line, the necessary station is Jardim Zoologico. In the resort of Nazaré, public transport arrives at a bus station located near the center.
All buses are new and comfortable, equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The frequency of departure of flights is approximately once an hour. Please note that on weekends and holidays the number of flights is reduced.
You can also travel from Lisbon by train, but the journey will take longer as there is no train station in Nazaré. Trains arrive at the village of Valado de Frades (6 km from the resort). The final destination of the journey can be reached by taxi or bus (operated by Rodoviária do Tejo).
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Nazaré (Porugal) is a unique town, attractive and surprising at any time of the year. You can come here in winter, when Nazare has big waves, or in summer to relax on the beach. The resort offers a holiday for every taste - you can enjoy the soft sand on the beach, go shopping or taste local dishes, keep fit on the gym, do extreme sports or visit the sights.
How big the waves are in Nazaré can be seen in the video.
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The pretty seaside resort town of Nazare is located on the west coast of Portugal. During the summer it is always crowded with tourists who flock to the long sandy beaches to relax, swim and sunbathe. But when winter comes, only the most serious thrill seekers stay here. At this time, the beaches of Nazaré are dangerous. Large waves up to 30 meters high regularly roll along the rocky coastline.
Nazaré's monster waves attract surfers from all over the world, but until recently the surfing potential of the area was little known outside of Europe. Nazaré only made headlines in November 2011 when Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara conquered a record-breaking giant wave measuring 24 meters from base to crest. In January 2013, McNamara returned to Nazaré and broke his own record by surfing a wave 30 meters high. In October of that year, Brazilian hero Carlos Berl rode a wave that seemed even bigger. Nazaré on the Atlantic coast has become a legendary destination in the world of big-time surfing. 
Where do colossal waves appear here with such regularity? The answer lies in Nazaré's rare underwater geography. Near the coast is the largest underwater gorge in Europe - Nazaré Canyon. This huge canyon stretches for 200 kilometers from the deep plain of the Atlantic Ocean almost to the very coastline, pointing towards the city like an arrow. At its deepest point, the canyon floor extends almost 5 kilometers below the surface, rising sharply next to the coast of Praia, where the largest waves have been recorded. 
Giant winter North Atlantic storms focus all their strength on Nazaré. Their energy is channeled into a narrow canyon in the same way that a magnifying glass focuses the energy of the sun into a small point on paper. Near the coastline, the seabed rises sharply, so large waves arise completely suddenly. Directly offshore, the sea becomes shallow enough to stop the giant waves. All other favorite surf spots have similar underwater geography.
Just an hour from Lisbon lies a tiny village called Nazaré. This place is especially loved by fans of extreme water sports, namely surfers. On the beaches of this village there are giant waves that only the bravest can conquer. If you also love this way of spending time, go on holiday to Nazaré, Portugal. The village is warm even in winter, so you can relax here throughout the year. Holidays in Nazaré in 2019, Portugal is an excellent option, it has everything: entertainment and attractions, reasonable prices.
About the main attraction of Nazaré - the wave:
Apart from the giant waves, the village of Nazare is no different from other small settlements in Portugal. This is a very cozy place, there is a luxurious expansive beach surrounded by high cliffs, ancient sights and wonderful fish taverns and restaurants.
The holiday season here starts in May and lasts until September. Tourists come here thanks to the mild climate and healing sea air. In winter, the temperature does not drop below + 10º. At this time of year, storms, wind and rain are common here, but such weather does not deter tourists. In the summer season, the water temperature is + 19º. The highest value occurs in the month of July.
How to get there?
This village is located an hour's travel from the state capital. Getting here is very easy - just take the A8 highway. If you do not have your own car, you can go by public transport. An express bus will take you from the capital to the village bus station, located in the very center of Nazaré. Another option is the railway. Trains depart from the capital several times a day.
You can move around the village on foot or by cable car. The fact is that the central part of the village is much higher compared to the beach. The length of the cable car is over three hundred meters. It was built in 1889, later electrified and became completely safe. The length of the route is 318 m. The funicular ride will take you no more than three minutes and will cost 1.5 euros.
Where to stay
You can stay in Nazar in one of the hotels. The average cost of living is about 3,000 rubles per night. At the same time, the hotels are completely ordinary; their star rating is no higher than 3, but there are also several fours.
Miramar Hotel & SPA
The Miramar Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the beach. The complex has a Turkish bath and a relaxation area. Those who lead a healthy lifestyle can visit the gym. The apartments, thanks to large windows, can enjoy picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean. The rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay. You can have a snack in the cozy restaurant, which serves national cuisine. In particular, seafood dishes and other Portuguese delicacies are in demand. Here you can have fun in the billiards room or go to the spa. The price category of the holiday ranges from 4,300 rubles. per person.
Hotel Ancora Mar
This hotel is located in the city center. Beaches nearby. Despite the fact that the hotel is awarded two stars, it is very comfortable here. An option for a budget tourist. The rooms have simple interiors with wooden furniture. The price includes a buffet. You can relax in the rooftop pool, which offers picturesque views. Holiday price category - from 2800 rubles. per person.
Hotel Praia
Excellent apartments equipped with everything you need. You can have a snack at the hotel bar, which serves delicious cocktails. For sports enthusiasts, a gym is available. This is an excellent option for couples with children, as the restaurant offers dishes from the children's menu. There is also a children's playground on site. Price category from 5500 rub.
Shopping
It is better to purchase goods in designer stores, workshops and antique shops. Thus, you can buy a quality item for little money.
- An excellent option would be a beautiful fringed scarf in the national style, products made from cork oak, or ceramic souvenirs.
- If you want to buy a more sophisticated gift, you should pay attention to jewelry and handmade leather shoes.
- Tourists should pay attention to strong alcoholic drinks, in particular port and wine. A bottle of quality wine would be an excellent option, as Portugal is famous for its wine regions.
The wine here is very tasty, regardless of the variety. The price of a bottle ranges from 200 rubles. If you want to try something more delicious and exclusive, you should go in search of an old wine store that has a wide range of collectible wines. Green wine is popular among the local population and goes well with seafood and fish.
Cork souvenirs
What is there from this material? Craftsmen know how to make beautiful wallets, bags, and jewelry. This is an excellent material that is pleasant to work with, it is hypoallergenic and practical. Tourists are very fond of products made from it. The price category of such products ranges from 700 rubles. up to several thousand (exclusive designer items).
Soap
The town has a popular soap from the Klaus Porto brand, the production of which began back in 1887. At the same time, it contains only natural ingredients, and each bar is very beautifully packaged. The price of pleasure is from 1500 rubles.
Local entertainment and places of interest
Chapel
Nazaré is one of the country's calling cards; its central part is located on Cape Sitiou, which is often depicted on souvenir postcards. Here, on a steep cliff, the Hermida da Memoria chapel was built. It was erected in honor of one of the miracles that the Virgin Mary performed. Of course, this is a legend, but to believe it or not is a purely personal opinion.
If you wish, you can book a tour in SUVs and all-terrain vehicles around the outskirts of the town. In a few hours it is convenient to see most of the historical places of Nazaré, understand its culture, and touch history. The price of the tour includes lunch in a restaurant after a great time.
Sanctuary
Other interesting and noteworthy places in Nazare are the sanctuary called Nossa Senhora da Nazare, built in the 17th century, and the museum dedicated to Joaquim Manso. On the far outskirts of the cape there is another attraction, which is five hundred years old. It is called Fort Sau Miguel Arcanjo. This fort was built at the end of the 16th century. King Sebastian ordered the construction of the fortress to protect the area from pirate attacks and encroachments by the Algerians. Much later, peasants in this place drove away Napoleon's imperial army with pitchforks.
Museums
If you have enough time, spend some time visiting your local ethnographic or religious art museum. You should also pay attention to the Fisherman's Museum. In these museums you can see objects that tell about the centuries-old history of Nazaré, the traditional national costume, and the usual life of a fisherman. In the religious museum you will find an exhibition of paintings, statues and some historical documents telling about the peculiarities of the religious life of this area over the centuries.
The Fisherman's Museum is recognized as the most significant cultural institution in the city. Here the life and everyday life of representatives of this dangerous and ancient profession are recreated in the smallest detail.
Kitchen
Nazaré can be mentally divided into upper and lower parts. Below you will find a large beach with a picturesque promenade. There are many fish restaurants there where you can taste national Portuguese dishes. There are also many small shops open here where you can buy souvenirs and gifts for friends and relatives. And in the upper part of the village there are the main historical attractions.
National cuisine in general can be called Mediterranean cuisine. Popular ingredients: wines, olive oil and bread. Regardless of the supermarket, these products will be of high quality.
Fish
The pride of the Portuguese is baked cod bacalau, which is a symbol of the country. The dish is served with sauce, cornbread, potatoes, and olives. The fish is also grilled. Fragrant smells spread throughout the entire area. The fish comes with rice and vegetables.
Feijoada
One of the popular Portuguese dishes is feijoada, which is stewed beans with a stew, to which smoked meat and sausage are added. It is worth understanding that each establishment prepares this dish differently, and it may taste slightly different.
Caldo Verde
Those who like first courses should opt for a delicious soup with paprika, olive oil and smoked Portuguese sausage.
Offal
For the Portuguese, dishes with offal, pig ears and even cow hoofs are considered very tasty. Despite its unique ingredients, this dish has its own history. In the fourteenth century, residents had to deny themselves in order to adequately provide food for sailors traveling to Africa. The meat had to be given to them, and only the offal was left, which made a tasty dish.
Pastel de nata
For those with a sweet tooth, you should pay attention to the cakes with creamy egg cream, sprinkled with cinnamon. They are very popular among locals and tourists.
The best establishments
Restaurante Maria Do Mar
This restaurant is ideal for visiting families with children. This cozy place will amaze you the first time. There is a huge selection of fish dishes here, the food is simple and homemade. At the same time, there is a very nice hostess who is attentive to her guests. The portions are huge, so it’s advisable to take one for two. Even on weekdays you have to make reservations in advance.
Restaurante A Tasquinha
This excellent restaurant is very popular among tourists. The food here is prepared from high-quality fresh ingredients, which is why there are always a lot of visitors here. Polite staff who can help you order main courses and desserts. You can visit with the whole family.
Beaches
As we have already noted, the beach in Nazaré is beautiful and convenient for water sports. It was here that Hawaiian surfer Harry McNamara set a world record by conquering a wave whose height was 34 meters. The highest waves here form in the winter months. Therefore, it is at this time that surfers from all over the world come here.
The reason for the formation of such high waves is very simple. Directly opposite the village, something resembling a canyon has formed in the ocean. Underwater currents reaching this canyon push the water out. At the same time, waves of gigantic sizes are formed.
The best and most convenient way to admire surfers is at Cape Sitiu. Even if you are not eager to go sailing on a board yourself, watching this riot of life is also a great pleasure. In addition, you will be able to breathe the air of the Atlantic Ocean filled with iodine.
Safety
In a small European town, you shouldn’t expect dirty tricks, robberies, or attacks. But it is worth remembering that people are different, and carefully monitor your valuables. Only waves on the beach can be unsafe. That’s why I’m going for a walk; I shouldn’t put my bags near the wave. To make swimming comfortable and safe, you need to familiarize yourself with the tide schedule on the beach in advance. But young children should always be kept in sight.
There is always a coast guard on the beaches that will come to the rescue in case of danger.
This resort will appeal to both active people and those who plan to take a break from civilization. Everything is beautiful here: sandy beaches with ideal topography for swimming and sunbathing, a warm welcome from residents, and delicious dishes. The warm coast of Nazaré is a great place to take a break from the noisy bustle and relax, stock up on positive emotions for a long time. And, of course, Nazaré is a great place for intrepid surfers.
Ocean, sand, beach, cocktail, sun lounger and waves 30 meters high. Yes, it's all in one place, but, fortunately, at different times. How can this be? We head to the town of Nazare on the west coast of Portugal. It is here, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, that you can see both a relaxed beach holiday and the biggest waves in the world.
This landmark of Portugal is located between the capital Lisbon and the city of Porto.
In summer, the small resort town of Nazaré, with a population of about 15,000 people, is the country's classic tourist destination. Its long sandy beaches are occupied by tourists from all over the planet. They bask in the gentle sun and swim in the Atlantic Ocean. In general, an ordinary relaxing holiday.
In winter, everything changes dramatically. Beach tourists are replaced by extreme sports enthusiasts and lovers of unusual natural phenomena. During this period, one can observe the formation of giant waves that hit the coast almost at arm's length. This phenomenon, incredible in its power and amazing in its beauty, attracts both travelers and the most desperate surfers.
Who produces the biggest waves on the planet
Let us remind you once again that almost everything amazing, beautiful, sometimes frightening, but fascinating on our planet is produced by nature. In this case, the creator of the giant waves was the atypical topography of the ocean floor near the city of Nazaré, in particular the underwater Northern Canyon of Nazaré. This depression in the bottom surface reaches almost to the very shore, forming a kind of springboard for ocean waves.
It should be noted that the Nazaré Canyon is recognized as the deepest in Europe and one of the deepest in the world. It is located not parallel to the coast, but perpendicular. Its length is 227 km, and its depth reaches 5 kilometers (this is almost half the depth of the Mariana Trench). As you approach the coast, the depth decreases sharply, creating a barrier in the path of the wave and increasing its height many times over. Conditions arise under which colossal masses of water must jump over this obstacle. Don't forget, all this happens in close proximity to tourists.
In the pictures below you can see the geological reasons for the appearance of huge waves.
Typical diagram of the formation of a giant wave But that is not all. The bottom topography alone is not enough to produce the highest waves. This requires a combination of many factors.
Hell of a cocktail for the biggest waves
The presence of the canyon creates special conditions for the creation of large waves. It splits the wave into two parts. One part increases its speed while passing through the canyon, and the second reunites with the first at the exit of the canyon into one large wave.
Opposing ocean current coming from the beach can add a few more meters.
For the birth of a giant wave, the wave period is important, which should be about 14 seconds. The wind, oddly enough, should be weak. The direction of the wave is very important; ideally it should come from the west or northwest. Added to these factors are storms in the northern part of the Atlantic that occur during the fall and winter. The combination of these factors can increase the average ocean wave several times.
How often do big waves appear?
Looking at the photos on the Internet, as well as on our website, you might think that giant waves in Nazaré are formed almost every minute. But that's not true. A little higher, you learned how many combined phenomena are required to produce a huge wave. This doesn't happen that often.
The Big Waves season in Nazaré occurs from October to February. During these months there are usually between 1 and 6 giant waves and tens or hundreds of much smaller waves. If you want to see a truly huge wave, then plan to spend at least 2 weeks here, or keep an eye on the forecasts on surfing websites. For a large wave, the forecast should indicate a wave size of more than 3 meters, a wave period of more than 13 seconds and a slight northerly wind.
If you are already there, check the sea conditions in real time through the online forecast and webcams. But, even if all forecasts indicate ideal conditions for the occurrence of large waves, then everything can change in just an hour and ruin a day with a favorable forecast.
But in Peru you can see the longest sea waves in the world. They are much safer than the waves in Nazaré, and you can ride them for up to several minutes at a time, traveling hundreds of meters on the crest of one wave
The story of conquering the giant waves of Nazaré
There are people in the world who “don’t feed them honey,” just let them conquer the biggest waves. They are usually called surfers. They, probably, with the advent of boards, began to collect the best places on the planet for their hobby. They did not ignore the waves near the city of Nazaré. Surfers were first noticed here back in the 60s of the last century. Since then they have been frequent guests here. But there is no data on conquering huge waves. Only in November 2011 did the world learn about the taking of the largest wave. Then Gareth McNamara, a surfer from Hawaii, conquered a wave 24 meters high. The brave comrade did not calm down and in January 2013 he broke his own record, taking on a 30-meter wave.
Gareth was the first to describe the sensations of such adventures. This proved incredibly difficult due to the unpredictability of wave behavior.
In this event, McNamara involved three assistants and one wife (his own). At the moment of wave formation, the first assistant on a jet ski tries to drag the surfer as high as possible onto the crest, and stays close to him for safety net. Look at the photo of these waves, and you will understand that it is impossible to swim to them under your own power.
The second assistant runs a little further away and insures both of them. The third one keeps an eye on everyone else. And from the shore, a gray-haired wife watches everything and gives instructions to her husband on how best to catch the wave.
The first time everything went fine and no help was needed, but the second time proved the effectiveness of triple insurance. Then the first assistant was washed away from the jet ski by a wave, and the second assistant pulled out the surfer, and the third assistant pulled out the first one.
The danger of such adventures is extremely high, so surfers try not to climb waves 30 meters high unless absolutely necessary. They do it just for the records.
In October 2013, Brazilian surfer Carlos Berl rode a wave that was even bigger. But there is no absolutely accurate data on the height of the waves conquered, since it is quite problematic to take measurements.
Annual surf meeting in Nazaré
Despite the danger of such large waves, since 2016 a meeting or competition of surfers, the Nazare Challenge - WSL Big Wave Tour, managed by the World Surf League, has been taking place in Nazar. This competition brings together the best surfers from all over the world and lasts only one day. Moreover, it does not have a fixed date. It all depends on forecast sea conditions. The period of holding, or better to say waiting, is from October 15 to February 28. The day of the competition is confirmed 3 days before it takes place. This is the best that can be achieved with modern sea and wind forecasting technology.
This is a significant event for surfers. This is how one of the participants describes it:
“What followed after the starting signal was a dizzying, wild and unprecedented display of courage, stupidity and skill.”
Where is the best place to watch the biggest waves?
The best way to watch the giant wave is to stand on its crest on a surfboard. Any surfer will say that. Well, for ordinary tourists it is best to do this from Cape Nazaré, on which the lighthouse is located. Since the place is very interesting, you are unlikely to get lost. Fort San Miguel Arcanjo is also located here. You can also walk down to the sand on the beach via a dirt road, but be very careful. During the Big Wave season this is very dangerous.
Nowadays, in addition to the big waves, the attraction of Nazaré is the surfers who “ride” them. This, by the way, gives a good idea of the size of the waves. When you see a little man running away from a huge multi-ton wave, you can imagine how large and powerful not only the Russian language is, but also the Atlantic Ocean.
- As a rule, many famous surf spots have bottom topography similar to that near Nazaré, but on a smaller scale. The most famous are Teahupoo in Tahiti, Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii and Maverick’s Beach off the coast of California.
- Local fishermen have long been afraid of this place. Several shipwrecks have occurred here. At the bottom of the canyon there is a sunken German submarine from World War II.
