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 recommend taking the funicular(Acensor) downtown to access the Nazare beach. Bus service is also available from Sitio to downtown. The last option is to walk down the steps to Nazáre praia. the path down offers the iconic instagram views of Nazare. When swimming down in Nazare, 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..

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 pm. 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 to parking lot and is very unorganized. However, it is a nice beach with a small bar serving snacks and beverages.

- 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 very steep stairs. No bathrooms at the beach.

- Praia de Paredes da Vitória ( North of Nazare) about a 20 minute bike ride, steep hills at end. Good Family beach and very popular in the summer. Chaotic parking as nearby lots fill quickly. Nice boardwalk and biking paths along the ridge of the beach. Several Restaurants in area, bathrooms/Showers available as well. Surf school holds regular classes. Fun little bar at top of hill called Cabana da Lou and near another parking lot that isn’t as populated.

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

Beaches 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. Very crowded in the summer.

Foz do Arelho - Big lagoon beach, Great for Kite Surfing, paddle boarding, safe area for young children. Lots of restaurants in the area. About 30 minutes drive, Nadadora exit. Lot’s of parking but very crowded in the summer. Other side of Lagoon is Parque de Merendas das Salinas, hiking and biking paths here. Lots of bird watching too.

Stand up Paddle Rental available nearby

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