Surfing has the reputation of being a sport that involves traveling - always searching for the perfect wave and the perfect spot. There is a bit of a cliched image of the VW van, traversing the roads, off the beaten path, loaded with boards and wetsuits and heading for the coast. Indeed, surfers and travelers are quite similar, sharing this same appetite for discovery and adrenaline and so, this article will please both!
Traveling across Europe to 14 of the most outstanding surf spots is both an awesome way to discover the old continent and to encounter some of the best waves in the world. From the most predictable, in Spain and Portugal to the often overlooked, in Norway or Germany, this article will make you pack your board, take your car and head straight away on an adventure!
1. Peniche: Portugal
Situated 90 kilometers (56 miles) away from Lisbon, Peniche, on the southern Portuguese coast, is spectacularly set on a headland, surrounded by the sea. The lively city has many activities and interesting things to see, such as its walled historic center and its seaside fort but its main attraction is its shore, that’ll blow every single surfer’s minds.
Known as “Supertubos”, the most popular surfing area of Portugal features a fabulous variety of incredible waves, that rival other world-famous destinations. This is surely one of the best surfing destinations on the whole continent.
Baleal Surf Camp - Peniche, Portugal
Address: R. Amigos do Baleal 2, 2520-052 Peniche, Portugal
Website: Baleal Surf Camp - Peniche, Portugal
2. San Sebastian: Spain
In Basque country and close to the Pyrenees, the charming Spanish town of San Sebastián is an unmissable stop for surf travelers. As a matter of fact, thousands of surfers from all over the world make their way to San Sebastián’s Zurriola Beach, also known as Playa de Gros, to catch its memorable wave, the Monpas. This wall of water can generate good tube-riding sections and is the most powerful in the area.
Even though this place is for experienced surfers, the beaches feature local surf clubs and four surf schools, ideal for complete beginners willing to taste the ocean and they offer year-round surfing sessions, with the biggest waves usually occurring in the winter.
San Sebastian
Address: San Sebastian, Spain
Website: San Sebastian
3. Mundaka: Spain
Mundaka is a picturesque fishing town, located in the province of Biscay, in northern Spain’s Basque coast and within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Internationally renowned for its surfing scene, its wave, the Mundaka, is surely one of the greatest in Europe! From autumn to spring, experienced surfers gather on the estuary, protected by UNESCO, to surf in the clean the water and enjoy this unforgettable wave!
Mundaka Surf Shop and Surf School
Address: s/n, Portu Kalea, 48360 Mundaka, BI, Spain
Website: Mundaka Surf Shop and Surf School
4. Biarritz, France
On the Atlantic coast in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in French Basque country is Biarritz, one of the French jewels for surf wanderers. Situated under the impressive Rocher de la Vierge (the well-known rocky outcrop, topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary), lovers of ocean sports, both beginner and experienced, enjoy the many beaches here, in this paradise worth visiting.
Jo Moraiz Surf School
Address: Boulevard du Prince de Galles, 64200 Biarritz
Website: Jo Moraiz Surf School
5. Hossegor: France
For many, the best surfing spot in Europe is found in the west of France. Hossegor’s waves are powerful and found not far from the neighboring town of Biarritz, at roughly 42 kilometers (26 miles) away. Its fast and clean waves rise up to 6 meters (19 feet) and draw an ever-growing number of surfers from around the world, who come to experience the four very distinctive surf spots of the city’s beaches.
Hossegor Surf Club
Address: 22 Impasse de la Digue N, 40150 Soorts-Hossegor
Website: Hossegor Surf Club
6. Lacanau: France
Lacanau is reputed to be one of the best surfing beaches in France, thanks to its many, world famous professional surf festivals and competitions. Actually, the area offers several beaches, with six scattered along the 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) of the city’s sandy beaches and it is accessible to all surfers, both beginner and pro. But, beware, once the sea gets agitated, prepare yourself to ride some monsters!
Ocean Ride Surf School Surf Camp
Address: 105 Résidence Horizon Marin, 33680 Lacanau
Website: Ocean Ride Surf School Surf Camp
7. Sennen Cove: England
Located at the very end of Cornwall, a wonderful region in its own right, Sennen Cove has a lot to offer experienced surfers, with some of the best waves on the English coast! Highly regarded by local and non-local surfers alike, its huge blue rollers will just blow your mind and, even if the water gets a little chilly in the winter months, it is still an awesome destination to write down on your European surf itinerary!
Sennen Surfing Centre
Address: Sennen Cove, Penzance TR19 7BT, UK
Website: Sennen Surfing Centre
8. Tortuga: Italy
Andora, also known as Marina di Andora, is a town on the Italian Riviera, in the region of Liguria. It’s might not be the place you’d expect to go surfing but the characteristics of Liguria’s coastline offers the best conditions for surfing, all year round! Near the famous Tortuga Beach, an extensive sandy beach that also attracts holiday-goers, many surfers gather at the bay of Spiaggia d’Oro, of Diano Marina or San Remo, to check out the up to two meter (5-6 feet) high glassy waves. Italy definitely has something to attract wave riders, too!
Cinghiale Marino Surf Club & School
Address: Tortuga Beach Andora, Italy
9. Bundoran Beach: Ireland
When talking about surf, Ireland might not come to mind…but it should! In the county of Donegal is Bundoran, certainly the best surfing spot in Ireland, which displays awesome waves, all year round. More and more surfers are coming from all parts of the continent to experience the magnificent sandy beach, Tullan Strand, and its fabulous scenery. This is a surfer’s paradise, offering countless beach and reef breaks, in close proximity.
Surfworld Bundoran
Address: Main St, Drumacrin, Bundoran, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Website: Surfworld Bundoran
10. Unstad: Norway
Following the north roads, here’s another place you must stop! Suitable for all levels of surfers, Unstad is one of the best places to surf, in Norway. Discovered by local surfers back in the early 60’s, these fantastic waves, north of the arctic circle, offer a monster swell and the perfect barrels and the spot itself, are still relatively uncrowded. This is the perfect place for a peaceful break on your European surf trip!
Unstad Arctic Surf
Address: Unstadveien 105, 8360 Bøstad, Norway
Website: Unstad Arctic Surf
11. Wijk aan Zee: Netherlands
As the closest spot on our list to Amsterdam, Wijk aan Zee might be the best spot in the Netherlands, a country where most people assume you can’t surf. Wrong! Catching the great North Sea’s waves will change your mind. This hotspot is just as beautiful and atmospheric as any other on the continent and has very few reasons to envy to other surf destinations. A little tip: get here in autumn or winter for a much quieter surfing session.
Ozlines Surf
Address: Reyndersweg 3E, 1951 LA Velsen-Noord, Netherlands
Website: Ozlines Surf
12. Sylt: Germany
Thinking about Germany as a place for surfing might feel a bit weird, but, nonetheless, surfers will enjoy the anchor-shaped island of Sylt, in the Frisian archipelago of the North Sea. The epicenter of the German surf scene, Brandenburger Strand, is also here, as is Westerland, one of Germany’s notable touristic beach destinations. The western coast of Sylt is a fantastic surf spot and features barrels up to 2.2 meters (6-7 feet).
Southern Cape Surfing Surf School Sylt
Address: Strandstraße 1, 25997 Hörnum (Sylt), Germany
13. Vik: Iceland
Ever heard of Arctic surfing? Well, here’s the greatest opportunity to experience this, in Europe. Vik, Iceland is a brilliant surf destination and generates a swell that travels down a submarine canyon that breaks onto quality, black sand. This classic beach break can be found almost all of the time, with potential world class breaks during heavy weather. No crowds and clean waves, this place is a must!
Arctic Surfers
Address: Vik, Iceland
Website: Arctic Surfers
14. Vorupør: Denmark
Vorupør is on the west coast of Northwest Jutland. Here, surfers have the chance to ride a real Nordic barrel, that’s also a powerful left hander! Blessed with some of the best weather in the region, this hotspot might be one of the sunniest places in northwestern Europe. At this uncrowded spot, you’ll have a good time and enjoy the beautiful colors and light of the area, while riding.
Surfcompagniet Nr. Vorupør
Address: Vorupør
Experience Europe differently!
With these 14 great surf destinations across Europe, get ready to enjoy the great diversity of this continent and experience a memorable surf trip!
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