Farol da Nazaré
Nazaré, Portugal
The lighthouse above the biggest waves ever surfed, at their best in winter.
The Farol da Nazaré, also called Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, is a fort with a red lighthouse on Estrada do Farol in Nazaré, Portugal. It sits on the cliffs directly above Praia do Norte and serves as a backdrop for big-wave surfers. Lonely Planet calls it a lovely place to visit, especially at sunset.
According to a travel blog, big waves mostly occur from October to March, when Atlantic storms send large swells; offshore lies the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater trench about 5,000 metres deep and 230 kilometres long. In the fort's rooms the "Surfer Wall" shows surfboards of international surfers who have ridden the big waves at Praia do Norte; a split board belonging to Alessandro Marcianò shows that not everyone comes away unharmed.
For road trippers: enter "Farol de Nazaré" in your navigation, not "Praia do Norte". You cannot drive up to the lighthouse; the car park is behind the church near the hospital, and the access road is one-way. From there it is a short walk. Check the exhibition's opening hours beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Nazaré, Portugal
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 39.6048, -9.0853
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camping Orbitur ValadoCampsite3 km from Farol da Nazaré
- Área de Serviço com Zona de Pernoita para Caravanas e Autocaravanas AlcobaçaMotorhome stopover11 km from Farol da Nazaré · 24 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposalWi-FiFree
- Parque de Campismo Baía AzulCampsite12 km from Farol da NazaréCaravansWi-Fi
- LandshauseMotorhome stopover14 km from Farol da NazaréMotorhomes
- Litoral outdoorMotorhome stopover17 km from Farol da NazaréMotorhomesWaste disposalFree
- Casa AzzurraMotorhome stopover25 km from Farol da NazaréMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Portugal · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Farol da Nazaré?
Farol da Nazaré is in Nazaré, Portugal, at GPS 39.6048, -9.0853. It is about 11 km from Alcobaça.
Can you camp near Farol da Nazaré?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Orbitur Valado, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Farol da Nazaré?
Farol da Nazaré is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Central Portugal: Templars and granite villages.
What is there to see near Farol da Nazaré?
Places worth a stop nearby: Alcobaça Monastery (11 km), Batalha Monastery (23 km), Óbidos (28 km) and Cabo Carvoeiro (39 km).
When is the best time to visit Farol da Nazaré?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)