Surfing a 22 metre wave at Nazare. Wish I could say I took the photo but I didn’t. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

We had seen the documentaries on surfing the largest waves in the world at Nazare, just north of Lisbon, so we had to have a look at what the fuss was about. Unfortunately for us the timing was all wrong.

Best I could do. The largest wave we saw at Nazare.

Apparently the big action happens between October and March and is caused by North Atlantic storms pushing a mountain of water along a 3 mile deep under sea canyon that starts 200 km off out. The canyon rises sharply just off shore at Nazare and creates these waves. Its now a huge tourist attraction each winter, bringing millions of Euros into the town.

Just an ordinary beach normally. Very coarse and shelly sand making the beach walk more challenging.

Castle lighthouse on the headland where most of the video is shot from.

Caves at the bottom of the headland.

After Nazare we headed about 25 km into the hills to a bush camp site. The drive along the ridges was just gorgeous.

Private and secluded camp site amongst the Australian Blue Gums. Feels just like home.

Tomorrow we drive to Lisbon for a few days exploring the capital.

David & Collette