My Father is obsessed with large waves, does anyone have any insight as to take him to Peniche or is Nazare a better choice. ( *aware of the whole Mother Nature thing, just because you show up, doesn't mean she's going to put on a show ) Just wondering if one is 'typically' better than the other

Isn't Nazare the spot where there can be record-breaking waves ? Many photos out there recently.

True I've come across these reports/photos also.

I once stayed several days in Nazare and don't recall any rough wave action - but that could have been an anomaly for sure. But IME the seas ain't always very rough though can be record-setting at times.

https://picasaweb.google.com/stuarttower/Portugal
Nazare' has occasional high surf, although the water was smooth as glass when we were there (see pix)...further down the coast at Caba Da Roca and along the Atlantic-hugging highway to Cascais, there is visibly high surf. Not sure about Peniche, although it is a much smaller town than Nazare'. The views of the Ocean from Sitio (you can drive up to the town or take the funicular.) over-looking the city of Nazare' and the Atlantic, outstanding coastal views. Dad might like both Cabo da Roca and the highway continuing to Cascais for surf...either that, or come to California. We done got it all, Mme. or Sir Dragontail!

Dragon Fly...you can scroll down to the #200's or go through all the pix which cover a goodly chunk of beautiful Portugal. Lisbon, Evora, Alentejo region , Marvao, Belmonte in the Sieras, Obidos, Nazare, Cascais, Sintra, etc, Have fun.
stu

I know Nazare well, but not Peniche. The best place for watching the waves is from Sitio - the small village "above" Nazare, accessible by funicular. You should go either to the fort there or to Praia do Norte - the waves always seem to be big there, even when the sea is calm on the Main beach.

Do not attempt to swim or even paddle on Praia do Norte - the sea is treacherous. A sea canyon just offshore means huge waves year round, although I'm told that October is the best month for high waves.

Ter, you might enjoy the Portugal remembrance pix (taking in Nazare', Sitio, Cabo da Roca, etc) above in my post to the OP's question. Portugal is very photogenic even for an amateur.

Thank you all for your kind and helpful replies!

Baleal and Peniche are the hotspots for bodyboarders, windsurfers, etc. We have seen spectacular waves there!
http://www.surfertoday.com/windsurfi...ts-in-portugal

Tower - your photos bring back lovely memories. We even bought a little boat from the workshop in photo 686 (we were renting close by)!

Ter///I have one sitting on my desk..pleasureable to look at. Late wife loved it also.