Praia do Norte big waves, Nazaré

Nazaré's North Beach is famous for the biggest surfable waves in the world, created by an undersea canyon that funnels the Atlantic swell. In winter (about October to March), surfers towed by jet skis ride waves more than 20 m high. Watch from the headland by the red-roofed lighthouse at the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, which has a small museum about the big-wave surfers.

Check the surf forecast: the biggest days draw huge crowds. In summer the sea is calmer, but the beach is still too dangerous for swimming; swim at the main town beach instead.