Nazaré in Portugal is recognized as the big wave surfing capital due to Europe's largest submarine canyon.

The town's historical significance dates to a 12th-century miracle, which established it as a pilgrimage site.

Garrett McNamara's discovery of Praia do Norte's waves in the 2000s put Nazaré on the map for surfing.

McNamara's 24m wave ride in Nazaré set a Guinness World Record and attracted global surfing attention.

Surfers like Justine Dupont, Natxo González, and Sebastian Steudner have risen to prominence by surfing Nazaré's waves.

Nazaré hosts major surfing events, including the Nazare Big Wave Challenge, drawing tourists and surfers from all over.