Pinsteps. The Giants of Nazaré: Waves, Records, and Legends
Places to visit in in Назаре Languages: en

Nazaré, Portugal, is renowned for its colossal waves, particularly at Praia do Norte, attracting surfers worldwide. These massive waves result from the Nazaré Canyon, Europe’s largest underwater canyon, which amplifies ocean swells into towering waves. 

In October 2020, German surfer Sebastian Steudtner set a Guinness World Record by riding an 86-foot (26.21 meters) wave at Nazaré.  Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa previously held the record with an 80-foot (24.38 meters) wave in November 2017.  Among female surfers, Brazilian Maya Gabeira broke records by surfing a 73.5-foot (22.4 meters) wave in February 2020. 

While many surfers have faced injuries at Nazaré, fatalities are rare. Tragically, on January 5, 2023, Brazilian surfing legend Márcio Freire died while practicing tow-in surfing at Nazaré. 

The combination of the Nazaré Canyon’s unique underwater topography and powerful Atlantic swells creates some of the world’s most formidable surfing conditions, offering both thrilling opportunities and significant risks to big-wave surfers.


Pictures uploaded by @Evgeny Praisman
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Evgeny Praisman
A Walk Through Nazaré: From Ocean to Legend. Sep 14, 2024

Start your journey at Nazaré’s beach, where the scent of the sea and the bustle of fresh seafood restaurants set the tone. From here, make your way to the historic funicular, a 19th-century marvel connecting the lower town to Sítio, the cliffside district perched high above.

At the top, visit Ermida da Memória, the small chapel tied to the legend of Dom Fuas Roupinho. In 1182, while chasing a deer on horseback, he narrowly avoided plunging off the cliff when he prayed to the Virgin Mary, who miraculously stopped his horse. Nearby, the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, built in the 16th century, stands as a guardian over Praia do Norte, where the world’s largest waves draw surfers from across the globe.

On your descent, stroll through the nostalgic streets of Nazaré’s lower town, where tiled facades, narrow alleys, and the rhythm of local life immerse you in the town’s enduring spirit. This walk captures Nazaré’s dual essence: the raw power of the ocean and the intimate charm of its community.

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Evgeny Praisman (author)
Здравствуйте! Меня зовут Женя, я путешественник и гид. Здесь я публикую свои путешествия и путеводители по городам и странам. Вы можете воспользоваться ими, как готовыми путеводителями, так и ресурсом для создания собственных маршрутов. Некоторые находятся в свободном доступе, некоторые открываются по промо коду. Чтобы получить промо код напишите мне сообщение на телефон +972 537907561 или на epraisman@gmail.com и я с радостью вам помогу! Иначе, зачем я всё это делаю?
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