We have to mention Praia do Norte, as it is a must see when you are in this area. This is where the giant waves can be seen in wintertime and where worldrecords are made and broken surfing the giant waves.
Located to the north of the imposing Nazaré Promontory, better known as “Sítio”, Praia do Norte is not a supervised beach and its feel is a little wild, with dunes that preserve the original vegetation.
The rough sea is dangerous for swimming but is much appreciated by surfers who find spectacular waves here. One such wave, 30m high, was ridden by the Hawaiian Garrett McNamara, in November 2011, and was nominated “Biggest wave” in 2011 by the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards. From then onwards, this has been the place to be to surf the giant waves.
The formation of such big waves here is explained by the location of the Nazaré canyon, the biggest underwater ravine in Europe, 200km long and a depth that can reach 5000m. Its headwall, less than 1km off the coast, affects the characteristics of the swell, as it presents itself from the west, creating the giant waves.
Also a must in our opinion: the little surf museum located inside the Forte of São Miguel!