Nazare - Home of the Big Surf

luvinspud

Friday, May 24, 2024

Off the coast of western Portugal is a town called Nazare that is the home of 100 foot waves! In a very simplified explanation, the difference of depth between the Continental shelf and the Nazare Canyon deep in the ocean, help to make the monster waves that draw many big wave surfers to this location. When we visited, there was no swell but we were able to enjoy the beautiful beach and Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo (I call it the lighthouse) that is home to a museum of sorts to the big wave surfing that is attracted to the location.

We walked around town a bit and had lunch at a small restaurant. It was almost siesta time (2:30pm-6:00pm ish?) so many shops were closed. We were the only ones in the restaurant, but the owner was there with 1 server and they were super sweet. At the end of the meal they offered us a free bottle of wine! (Portugal has some wonderful wines that are very inexpensive. I'm talking $3-5 for a nice bottle of wine. It's no wonder people down a couple bottles at meals! It's cheaper than water.)

When we flew in, Dexter had the window seat. As we were landing he suddenly said, "I see Jesus!" Haha He was referring to this famous Lisbon landmark.
Forte de Sao from a distance.
Dexter and I enjoying the views.
The cliff was a little sketchy because there are no barriers, but this helps to show the perspective a bit.
A model of the beach and the deep canyon below.
Wooden birds lined the top of the Forte de Sao wall. They have the best view.
Atop the Forte de Sao.
Isn't this a lighthouse??? Maybe not. . .
This beach is actually north of Nazare Beach. It's Praia do Norte which leads to Praia da Areeira and seems to go on for miles!
Veado.. . read about the legend next. . .
about Veado and the legend.
Central Square of Nazare. I was on the lookout for roasted nuts, but siesta emptied the square.
Our now favorite restaurant in Nazare. . .
free wine!
Coming off the Vasco de Gama Bridge on the way back to Palmela from Nazare, I was able to take this photo of these awesome birds' nests in the electrical towers. There are so many of them!!!

This article was updated on June 6, 2024