Centro · Nazaré
North Beach (Nazare)
World surf records — where the Nazare Canyon amplifies waves above 26 metres.
Beach Information
About the Beach
North Beach in Nazaré holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wave ever surfed: 26.21 metres, ridden by Sebastian Steudtner of Germany in October 2020 and officially certified in May 2022. The wave was generated by the Nazaré Canyon, Europe's largest submarine canyon — 230 km long and 5,000 metres deep — which acts as an Atlantic energy amplifier with no parallel in the world.
The submarine canyon does not dissipate Atlantic wave energy before it reaches the coast; instead, it channels and concentrates it. The result is deep-water waves that arrive at North Beach with the full accumulated force of hundreds of kilometres of ocean. This phenomenon has been studied by oceanographers at the University of Lisbon and is the reason Nazaré became the global mecca of big-wave surfing.
WARNING: North Beach is NOT a swimming beach. Currents are extremely dangerous and bathing is discouraged even on calm days. Spectator access is via the Sítio viewpoint (cable car or road). Big-wave season runs October to March. Surfing at Nazaré Beach (to the south) is suitable for most levels in summer.
Experiences in the region
See experiences in Nazaré on GetYourGuide →Beach equipment
Editorial references
Guinness World Records (2022) · Wikipedia (Nazare Canyon) · nazarewaves.com
Editorial content curated by the Portugal Travel Hub team. Water quality per official APA analysis.
Before you go: confirm lifeguard hours, road access and capacity — especially in high season and after heavy rain.
Last updated: 2026-05-19.