But when winter arrives, only the most serious thrill seekers stay.
At this time, the beaches are dangerous.
Massive waves up to 100 feet high regularly break along the rocky coastline.
Nazare on the Atlantic coast has now become a legendary spot in the world of big wave surfing.
A massive wave breaks at Nazare in Portugal.
Photo credit:Jorge Santos/Flickr
How does Nazare manage to generate waves of colossal size with such regularity?
The answer lies in Nazare’s rare undersea geography.
Just off the coast of Nazare is the biggest underwater ravine in Europe called Nazare Canyon.
Photo credit:Rafael Marchante/REUTERS
Crowds seen watching on the cliffs at Praia do Norte.
Photo credit:Pedro Miranda/Demotix
Crowds seen watching surfers from the cliff at Praia do Norte.
Photo credit:Pedro Miranda/Demotix
Sources:NPR/Telegraph
