Big waves (Nazaré)

During our stay in Nazaré, the conditions for the formation of spectacular waves were met twice. Needless to say that these same conditions were not favorable for our navigation. On the other hand, it gave us the opportunity to visit beautiful places.

Nazaré

Nazaré is known for its fishing tradition. At the height of Portuguese maritime exploration, the city was also an important shipyards, producing several ships and caravels, using the timber from the King’s Pine Forest near Leiria.

The original settlement of Nazaré is located on top of the cliff (called Sitio). It was a place of pilgrimage since the 12th century, associated with the legend of Our Lady of Nazareth. The new part of the town developped facing the beach. Both are connected through the ‘Elevator’.

The carnival was in full swing during our stay.

More recently, the town became famous as a surfing spot. For a long time, the big waves were synonymous with danger for the fishermen. Until one day, some locals had the idea of inviting surfers to compete against them.

Wave watching

The giant waves of Nazaré are born from the meeting of the ocean current and the canyon current. This underwater canyon, 5 kilometers deep at its lowest point, rises from the ocean floor and stops near the cliff of Sitio, making the lighthouse a perfect observation point.

When certain conditions are met, the waves of Praia do Norte can reach 24-30 meters. They were about 10-12 meters high on our observation days.

Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara put Nazaré on the map by surfing the world’s largest breaking wave (23,77 meters) at Praia do Norte in 2011. His achievement, entered in the World Guinness Book of Records, was later broken several times. German big wave surfer Sebastian Steudtner surfed a wave measured at 28.57 metres in Nazaré.

The swell can produce impressive rolls in front of the south beach as well.

Medieval town of Obidos

Obidos is a well best-preserved medieval towns with a maze of streets and white houses.

The castle is now a historic hotel, where one can experience the royal life.

It is possible to walk on the fully intact Moorish wall that surrounds the historical centre and stretches in a completed loop of 1.5 kilometers.

Surprising Leiria

On the search of a Leroy Merlin hardware store, we discovered the lovely town of Leiria. We met the most friendly and helpful people here.

With the arrival of spring, we hope for a change in the weather patterns that will allow us to continue our journey up the atlantic coast.