Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
São Martinho do Porto
POP 2700
In contrast to nearby Nazaré, São Martinho do Porto is no party town, but a happy place
where families and older paddlers enjoy the gentle lap of the waves on the omega-shaped
bay ringed by sheltered, safe, sandy beaches.
THE BIGGEST WAVE
A tiny black dot on a massive wall of water: footage of surfers riding monster waves at Nazaré has captivated the
world in recent years. Given the right conditions, the big ones here can be over 30m high - think an eight-storey
office building. The official world record of 23.77 metres for the biggest wave surfed was set here in 2011 by
Garrett McNamara, who nearly bettered the feat with another giant in 2013. The waves are so fast and tall that
surfers get towed in by jet-ski.
Why so big? Storms and winds in the Atlantic can generate mighty waves by themselves, but Nazaré has a pe-
culiarity that multiplies this potential: an offshore underwater canyon some 5km deep pointing right at Praia do
Norte beach. The energy of the ocean swells is concentrated by this feature, producing the massive waves.
Sleeping & Eating
Colina do Sol
( 262 989 764;
www.colinadosol.pt
;
sites per adult/child/tent/car €5/2.50/5-7/4; )
This well-
equipped, friendly campsite is 2km north of town, and about the same distance from the
beach, with disabled access, a children's playground, a pool and some sections shaded by
pine trees.
CAMPGROUND
€
Palace do Capitão
( 262 985 150;
www.palacecapitao.com
;
Rua Capitão Jaime Pinto 6; d €100-140, ste €180; )
This
perfectly preserved 19th- century sea captain's home directly across from the beach is a
place of distinction, with much of its original Victoriana still intact. Rooms are all differ-
ent and beautiful, with lots of character. Room 4 is particularly lovely and light, while the
upstairs suite (room 6) has its own sun terrace, accessed by a whimsical spiral staircase.
Service is helpful here.
B&B
€€
Hotel Atlântica
( 262 980 151;
www.residencial-atlantica.com
; Rua Miguel Bombarda 6; d €75; )
In a modern build-
ing, this welcoming place has spotless white-and-blue rooms with tiled floors to match.
HOTEL
€€
