Sítio
Zulla Nazaré's Surf Village
Walking distance to the lighthouse
{TBC} min walk to the Farol
Check current prices
Nazaré · Portugal
Nazaré big waves, right now
Live wave height at Praia do Norte, a 7-day big-wave forecast, and a straight answer on whether it's worth the drive.
Live · Praia do Norte · updated 19 October 2026 · 05:07 UTC
Wave height
1.5 m
5 ft
Period
9 s
Swell direction
NNW
337°
Wind
5 km/h
3 mph · ENE
Big Wave Score today
How big and powerful the waves at Praia do Norte are today, from 0 to 100.
16/100
Quiet dayNothing big at Praia do Norte — a good day for the town.
Significant offshore wave height; breaking waves at the headland can be much larger.
7-day forecast
Where to stay for a big-wave day
Sítio is the clifftop, closest to the lighthouse and the viewpoints — which matters when a swell arrives at first light. Praia is the town beach, flatter and nearer the restaurants. Pederneira is the quiet old town above both.
Praia
Miramar Hotel Spa & Apartments
Spa and sea views, 800m from the beach
{TBC} min walk to the Farol
Check current pricesPederneira
Hotel Miramar Sul
Hilltop infinity pool, away from the crowds
{TBC} min walk to the Farol
Check current pricesWhen are the big waves in Nazaré?
The season runs from October to March, with the most reliable swells between November and February. Plan around an incoming Atlantic swell rather than a fixed date.
Big-wave season guideWhere to watch from
The clifftop beside the lighthouse looks straight over Praia do Norte. The path to the north offers another perspective; follow local safety signs and stay back from the edge.
Explore the viewing spotsGetting there from Lisbon
A day trip works best when you leave time for the clifftop and the town below. Use the itinerary to plan your stops and decide between driving and a guided trip.
Plan a Lisbon day tripThings to do in Nazaré
Small forecast? There is still the town beach, the funicular and the old town to explore. Add a walk or a food-tasting tour to your day.
Explore NazaréPlan the trip
Popular Nazaré experiences
Nazaré walking tour with funicular & local guide
2-hour guided walk through the old town and Sítio, including the funicular ride up the cliff.
Walking tour with food tastings & wine
Stroll Nazaré with a local foodie guide — try dried fish, pastries and a glass of regional wine.
Frequently asked questions
How big do the waves in Nazaré get?
Praia do Norte produces the largest surfable waves on Earth. The biggest days come when a strong Atlantic swell lines up with the underwater canyon just offshore. Our Big Wave Score above rates each day from Quiet to Big-wave day.
When is the best time to see big waves in Nazaré?
The season runs from October to March, with the most reliable swells between November and February.
Where do you watch the big waves from?
From the clifftop viewpoint beside the Farol, the lighthouse fort on the headland, and the cliff path to the north of it. Both outdoor viewpoints are free.
Is it worth going if the forecast is small?
Often not for the giants — but the town beach, the funicular and the old town make a good day out regardless. The Big Wave Score tells you which kind of day you would be getting.