Yesterday’s weather forecast was wet and windy, so rather than walk around the city we decided to take a drive up the coast. Here are a few of the day’s highlights.Â
Cabo da Roca
Our first stop was the Cabo da Roca lighthouse. Â It is located on the westernmost point of continental Europe and is one of Portugal’s oldest lighthouses. We were accompanied by several tour busses who had similar plans to view the lighthouse. Â
Ericeira
Ericeira is a popular holiday and surfing destination north of Lisbon. The town is quite this time of year but I could imagine the endless stretch of sandy beach filled with visitors in the summer. Â We were most impressed by the huge waves crashing on the rocks. Â It is easy to lose track of time watching the rhythmic waves and excitedly waiting for the really big ones. Â Here is where I also have to thank my niece, Jamie, for indulging in a goofy picture to remember the day.Â
Nazaré
Nazaré is home to some of the world’s largest waves and is famous for extreme surfing. A deep marine trench creates unique conditions that amplify marine swells and produces enormous waves. The waves routinely reach 60 feet and can peak at 130 feet. This NPR article from 2013 provides a description of the waves and includes a short video clip.  Even watching the videos is not for the weak of heart. I found myself nervously holding my breath as the monstrous waves towered above the tiny surfers. But I couldn’t stop watching.Â
High on the headland above the waves is the Farol da Nazaré lighthouse and Miguel Arcanjo Fort. The fort includes a small tribute to the extreme surfing in the area. Â
While many are familiar with Nazaré’s culture of extreme surfing, fewer are aware that the conditions also support extreme hair. Thank you, Jamie for demonstrating!
We also stopped at the Igreja Nossa Senhora da Nazaré church to view the Black Madona statue which is said to have been craved in Nazareth, leading to the town’s name.Â
Oh, and what town tour is complete without a random deer with a surfboard? I would love to tell you more about this majestic creature, but our efforts to understand the history left more questions than answers. Â You will have to research this one on your own.
2 Comments
Jen
You’ve (rich?) taken some amazing photos. They are really good. Love the one with the colorful surfboards!
Sara
Thanks. We have both been taking pictures. And Jamie has taken a few during her visit too. It is a group effort!