Waves of Wonder: The Magic of Nazaré and Supertubos 🏄🏼‍♂️

Newsletter #13

The PorTuguese PosTcard Newsletter:

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📌 Nazaré and Supertubos in Peniche

Explore the Iconic Beaches of Nazaré and Supertubos, where the Waves Capture your Mind!

Dive into the exhilarating world of Nazaré and Supertubos, Portugal's premier surfing destinations.

These legendary spots are not just about high-adrenaline rides- they are a fusion of natural beauty, cultural richness and historical fascination.

In Nazaré, witness the towering waves that are as historic as they are thrilling, famed for drawing surfers and spectators from around the globe.

Just a short drive away, there is another surf haven- Supertubos (”Supertubes”).

This spot offers the perfect tube-shaped waves that fulfill every surfer’s dream of harnessing the ocean’s dynamic energy.

Explore the unique landscapes, vibrant local life and the magnetic allure of these iconic surf paradises.

Whether you're an experienced surfer or an enthusiast of coastal beauty, Nazaré and Supertubos are home to a story waiting to be narrated!

🌊 Exploring Nazaré: More Than Just Waves

• Historic Charm Meets Ocean Thrills

Wander through the streets of Nazaré and you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.

This ancient fishing village that dates back to the 16th century has now become a tourist hotspot due to the record-breaking high waves that are formed on the shore.

The Sítio da Nazaré is a historic neighborhood perched atop the cliffs with a panoramic view of Nazaré below.

This elevated part of town offers breathtaking vast views of the Atlantic Ocean, the expansive beach below and the surrounding landscape. It is considered the heart of old Nazaré and holds a special cultural and religious significance.

The Sítio is also famous for its scenic viewpoint, the Miradouro do Suberco (Suberco Viewpoint), from which visitors can take in the stunning sea views and watch the powerful waves that have made Nazaré a world-renowned surfing destination.

The Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo (São Miguel Arcanjo Fort), is a historic fortification located on the cliffs of Nazaré.

This fort stands as a prominent landmark overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is a key feature of the town’s coastal scenery.

Originally built in the 16th century, the fort was intended to protect the town from pirate attacks and other maritime threats.

Today, the fort is not only a popular tourist attraction due to its stunning location and extensive views but also serves as a cultural hub.

It houses a small chapel dedicated to São Miguel Arcanjo, the patron saint of Nazaré, which has been a site of local religious importance for many years. Additionally, the fort hosts a lighthouse and a surfing museum.

• A Photographer's and Surfer’s Paradise

Prepare your cameras and surfboards for Nazaré, a big wave surfing Mecca!

In the top 10 of the biggest waves surfed on record, Nazaré appears seven times and fills the whole podium.

The current World Record belongs to Sebastian Steudtner who rode an 86 ft (26,21 meters) wave in October 2020 at Praia do Norte, Nazaré.

Here’s what is under the surface- the Canhão da Nazaré (Nazaré Canyon), an underwater geological marvel, stretching more than 120 miles in length and over three miles deep at its greatest depths.

This canyon is the secret behind Nazaré's legendary waves, acting like nature’s own wave machine.

The canyon’s distinct geography channels the swell with remarkable accuracy, producing the massive waves Nazaré is renowned for.

• Water Excursions

And just when you think you’ve seen all that Nazaré has to offer, there’s something that will make your heart skip a beat.

You can experience everything from high-speed boat stunts that rock your body in every direction, to diving into the colossal underwater canyon and cruising along the coast to watch playful dolphins surround your boat.

Nazaré offers every imaginable experience for you to delight in the ocean, from simply relaxing as you enjoy nature to adrenaline-pumping activities.

• Gastronomic Delights by the Sea

What's a visit to a Portuguese town without indulging in its culinary treasures?

In Nazaré, the Caldeirada Nazarena (Nazarene Fish Stew) takes center stage. This is a savory stew brimming with the freshest catch of the day, from clams to crabs.

It's a dish that truly embodies the spirit of the sea, with each spoonful delivering the ocean’s best offerings.

🏄🏼 Discovering Supertubos: A Surfer’s Hideaway

• The Pipeline of Europe

Supertubos, located in Peniche, is a world-renowned surf spot famous for its powerful and fast barrel waves, earning it the nickname "The Portuguese Pipeline".

This beach is celebrated for its consistent surf conditions that attract professional surfers and surf enthusiasts from around the globe.

Each year, it serves as one of the key venues for the World Surf League and hosts the annual MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, where the world’s top surfers come to compete and test their skills against some of the most perfect tubes in the world.

The beach’s unique underwater topography, with a sharp and shallow sandbank, creates the hollow, tubular waves that make it a surfer’s paradise.

Its reputation as a high-quality surf destination, makes it a pivotal stop in the international surfing circuit, offering challenging conditions and spectacular wave formations.

🌊 Embrace the Adventure

Are you drawn to the allure of Nazaré and Supertubos?

These places boast ancient forts, local culinary delights and some of the best surfing waves you’ll encounter.

Whether you're surfing alongside the impressive waves or exploring the vibrant local life, each moment will add something unique to your journey!

Fascinating Facts- Marly Explains:

Reader’s Corner- Your Stories:

📝 Would you like to share your experience with our community? This is a dedicated space for you to do it! Selected stories will be featured in upcoming editions.

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We believe that together, we can create a richer and more engaging newsletter!

💌 Return next week as our newsletter takes you to another captivating location in Portugal, to explore its unique culture and storied heritage.

Your Team,