By the GoNazaré Team●21 October 2026
The Nazaré Canyon
The underwater canyon that turns Praia do Norte into the stage for the biggest waves in the world: how it forms, where to watch it and the best time of year.
The canyon that fires giant waves
The Nazaré Canyon has been on everyone’s lips for some time. The giant waves are the natural result of a phenomenon that starts to take shape about 500 metres off the Portuguese coast and ends at the rock walls of the Nazaré Fort and Praia do Norte.
Where and how do these giant waves form?
Experts describe it as an underwater gorge of tectonic origin, linked to the Nazaré–Pombal fault.
The Nazaré Canyon works like a swell amplifier. Thanks to this gorge, waves travel faster and reach the coast with almost no loss of energy.
That is exactly what you see at Praia do Norte. These waves are bigger than anywhere else on the Portuguese coast because of the canyon, which, together with the northerly currents, also acts as a sediment channel. That is why the beaches south of Nazaré have so little sand.
The big wave records
On 1 November 2011, Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara rode a 23.8-metre wave at Praia do Norte, recognised by Guinness as the largest ever surfed. That ride put Nazaré on the world map of big wave surfing.
In December 2014, Frenchman Benjamin Sanchis rode a wave that some estimated at over 30 metres, although it was never officially measured.
The record was broken again in Nazaré by Brazilian Rodrigo Koxa, with 24.38 metres in 2017, and by German Sebastian Steudtner, with 26.21 metres in October 2020, the current Guinness record.
Giant waves as a tourist attraction
Today thousands of people come to the Nazaré Canyon and Praia do Norte to watch surfers take on those enormous crests.
The attention around the surfers and the big brands linked to the annual big wave competition at Praia do Norte has filled the town’s hotels and restaurants.
Where the Nazaré Canyon is and how to get there
The canyon lies off Praia do Norte. The best way to get there is to drive up to the Sítio da Nazaré, park and walk down the ramp to the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort, also known as the Nazaré Fort.
Alternatively, at the Sítio follow the “Praia do Norte” signs; the walk takes no more than three minutes.
The best spots to watch the giant waves
There are several places to watch the phenomenon created by the Nazaré Canyon, but the best are those that let you see the waves up close:
- The Nazaré Fort, for a front-row view;
- The hills on the left of the ramp down to the Fort, with a view from above that is ideal for photos;
- The sand at Praia do Norte: drive there, park and walk to the rocks below the Fort.
Best time of year to see the waves
October to March is the best period, when the weather brings the right conditions. Even so, there are days when the waves do not “show up”, so if you want to see the Nazaré Canyon at full power, plan a few days in town.
The World Surf League big wave event
Every year, from autumn to the end of winter, the World Surf League keeps a waiting period open at Praia do Norte for its big wave tow surfing competition.
There is no fixed date or time, because it depends on the sea. The event is confirmed only a few days ahead, when the right swell arrives and the surfers are called in to ride the giant waves.
Guided tour
A local guide takes you to the Sítio, the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort and the town’s traditions, with the stories you will not find in guidebooks.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the giant waves in Nazaré?
Between October and March, when North Atlantic storms send strong swells. Check the swell forecasts and allow a few days, because the big waves do not show up every day.
Where is the best place to watch the Nazaré Canyon waves?
At the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort and on the hills to the left of the ramp that goes down from the Sítio to the lighthouse. You can also watch from the sand at Praia do Norte.
More about Nazaré
This article was prepared by the GoNazaré team, the Nazaré tourist guide. Please check dates, opening hours and prices before your visit.