Frequently Asked Questions
about Big Waves and Beaches

Where are the Big Waves?

Praia do Norte is around the corner from Casa Coop. The season for Big Waves varies, but the competition season typically runs from November to end of February.

How do I find out about the waves?

There are various apps available that will show you the waves predicted during a period of time. One app is Magic Seaweed, it will show you the predicted waves on a particular date. Additionally, there are webcams on different sites which you can view real time such as this one. You can learn more about why the waves are so unique by taking a visit to Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo in Nazare ( 2 euro entry fee). Additional information about the North Canyon can be found here.

Watching Big Wave Competitions

Most tourists like to go to the Farol (lighthouse) area to view. Keep in mind that traffic and crowds are quite big and maneuvering in a car is very difficult. Luckily, you are right around the corner from viewing the competition. You can easily walk down the path towards Praia de Norte and find a viewing area on the cliffs that most tourists are not aware of. However during competitions, you will not be allowed on the beach. If you download the app Maps.me you can find the path noted in this picture.

Can I swim in Praia do norte?

During the summer the waves are not large. However, the currents in the area are very dangerous. Errant waves have and can pull a person very quickly out to sea, even if they are just walking on the edge of the water . We do not recommend that you swim at Praia da Norte,. Deaths occur every year on these beaches due to disregard for the power of the ocean.
If you would like to swim, we suggest you go down to Nazare. Many people swim near the cliff side of the beach as it is safer. Additionally , there are several beaches nearby that are calmer and better for a family day at the beach.

You can learn more about the beaches and lifeguard’s available at the beaches by clicking here .

Swimming Beaches

Nazaré PraIa - Parking in in downtown Nazare is very crowded in the summer. We reccomend taking the funnicular downtown to access the Nazare beach. Bus service is also available from Sitio downtown. The last option is to walk down the steps to Nazáre praia which offers a scenic view. When swimming downtown, it is best to stay closer to the cliff side of the beach as the water is calmer. Lifeguards are on duty all summer in that area as well. If there are red flags raised, you will not be allowed to go into the water. We reccomend you heed the warnings,

You can also rent a beach hut inexpensively for the day ( ask any attendant, English & French are widely spoken) . Public bathrooms available in the area as well. Many, many restaurants available. As an FYI, you will hear a siren every day at 1:00 pm, this is testing the warning sirens, but also signals lunch break. Most restaurants are full from 1:00 to 2:00. Advance reservations may be necessary especially on the weekends.

Other Nearby Recommended beaches

Beaches North of Nazaré

Playocean Link where you can find more information, select Beaches of ESTREMADURA to find beaches closer to Nazaré

Here are a few of our favorites

If you rent bikes, you can easily bike to these beaches from our home.

- Praia da Légua - small beach, steep drive down and parking is very unorganized. Waves can still be problematic here. Heed the flag warnings.

- Praia de Vale Furado Small parking lot and unorganized street parking can fill up quickly in the summer. To access the beach, you will need to go down the stairs which are steep. No bathrooms at the beach, lifeguards on duty in the summer. Great restaurant nearby called MAD, reservations needed on weekends, cash only.

- Praia de Paredes da Vitória ( North of Nazare) about a 20 minute bike ride, steep hills at end. Parking in nearby lot fills quickly, but if you go past beach area, there is more parking. Plus nice boardwalk along the ridge of the beach. Good beach for Children as there are streams that flow down to the beach and make it safe for kids to play in.

- Polvoeira Beach - (North of Nazare and a bit farther north of Prai de Paredes). Expansive beach lots of unorganized parking. No restaurants in area but lovely calmer beach water.

- Praia Velha ( farther up past São Pedro de Moel), good parking options, cool beach cafes and very calm water. Big walking and biking path. Great to go to during sunsets.

Beach South of Nazare

- São Martinho do Porto ( south of Nazare) parking lots are farther to the south and is a very popular spot in the summer. Shallow bay great for young children. Paddleboarding rentals, boadwalk, restaurants all available in the summer.

Foz do Arelho - Big lagoon beach, Great for Kite Surfing, paddle boarding, safe area for young children. About 30 minutes drive, Nadadora exit. Obidos Castle nearby

*There are other beaches a bit closer, but they do not have lifeguards. Due to riptides common on the Atlantic Ocean we recommend going to beaches only where there are guards present. If you do not see a Yellow shirt guard in the vicinity it may not be covered. Also heed the warning Flags, green flags indicate safe conditions, but are not guaranteed..

Surfing Schools

If you want to learn to surf, there are several businesses that can provide safe lessons. These two are schools that we know of in Nazare, but do your own research.

-Nazare Water Fun

-Zulla Surf School