The best surf destinations around the world

Regardless if you surf or simply enjoy watching the sport while having your toes stuck in the sand, the beach is a magical place! There's simply no better place to let go, soak up some sun, and sneak in a couple of waves. If you are looking for some inspiration for your next adventure, here is a list of some of the world's best surf locations!

Hawaii is more than just a coveted vacation destination, it is the birthplace of modern surfing. The archipelago owes its popularity to its heavy reef breaks like Banzai Pipeline, Jaws, and Waimea, however, there are many beginner-friendly waves like Thousand Peaks and 'Pops'.

Surfer Magazine highlights the best time to visit Hawaii's north shores is during winter months, when the combination of powerful swells and strong offshore winds provide some epic conditions. If you are looking for more beginner-friendly waves, Hawaii's southern shores provide some great surf during the months of summer.

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Up and down the Californian coast, you can find some of the world's most crowded yet jaw-dropping waves on earth. You can find a wide range of waves from Ocean Beach San Francisco, down past Rincon to Baja. Renowned surf locations like Pleasure Point, Malibu, Redondo Beach, Dana Point and San Onofre have great waves but crowded line-ups.

Generally, surfers looking for a more rugged and raw surf experience tend to travel north, away from the crowded Southern California line-ups. Nevertheless, there are some hidden gems down the coast between L.A. and San Diego!

When it comes to surfing in Europe, Portugal has stolen the spotlight in recent years. According to Tripaneer, "Portugal has strengthened its position as Europe's number one surf spot. This is all thanks to its irresistible combo of outstanding wave variety, top-notch surf camps, great weather, chill vibes, booming surf culture, laidback surf towns, and delicious food."

Much like California, the Portuguese coast is gifted with some incredible breaks. From the uncrowded waves near Porto to the iconic locations in Peniche and Ericeira (near Lisbon), one can find top-quality waves. Algarve is another great location, where one can find waves of all sorts.

Portugal is also home to some of the world's biggest waves! The giant wave of Nazaré is arguably one of the most daunting waves on earth. According to the Guardian, the iconic fort overlooking Nazaré received 335,000 visitors in 2019!

Morocco has emerged over the last decade as a major surf destination. The North African country is home to some of the most hypnotizing right-hand waves on the planet. Morocco is a sensory overload.

According to Surfing Magazine, "Surfers who have Morocco on their travel wish list are often seeking long, flawless, righthand breaks." Taghazout is one of the main destinations for surfers, where one can soak in the laidback bohemian vibe of the town. But be aware, there is no ATM in Taghazout.

Just across Morocco, you have the Spanish Canary Islands, also referred to as the 'Spanish Hawaii'. The Canary Islands are amongst the best places to learn how to surf. "Corralejo, Famara, Las Palmas, Playa del Ingles are renowned surf hubs for beginners, with friendly waves all year round," according to Tripaneer.

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The mesmerizing landscapes of Nicaragua, alongside some of the most consistent surf spots in the world, are simply very hard to beat. Places like San Juan del Sur are big destinations for beach tourists looking to surf at Playa Maderas, Playa Hermosa, or Playa Yankee. You will most likely catch a barrel or two down there! Very affordable country and is less crowded than neighboring Costa Rica.

Right across from the border is Costa Rica, another tropical paradise with over 300 days of offshore winds a year! Costa Rica is an ideal location for both beginners and experienced surfers looking to improve their skills even further. Surrounded by the Pacific and the Caribbean coastlines, there are plenty of waves up for grabs. Great locations like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa offer quality waves all year round.

Surfing has always been a part of Brazil's culture, and its energetic scene attracts surfers from all over the world. Music, soccer, and good music are some of the many things one can enjoy on flat days! If you are planning a trip over to Brazil, make sure to stop by Maresias, located in Sao Paulo. Consistent waves all year long, however, winter swells pump up the size considerably!

Itacare is another great surf location in Brazil, located just south of Bahia. The diversity in waves allows surfers of all levels to enjoy Engonhoca Beach to the fullest!

Australia is another great surf destination with endless waves from coast to coast! Legendary surf breaks like Noosa and Snapper Rocks are great long rides, home to some of the world's best surfers. Australia's eastern coast is filled with magical locations!

The Indonesian archipelago is blessed with a diverse range of waves, a pleasant atmosphere, and year-round warm water, a top destination for many surfers! Indo waves pack a punch, but its pristine reefs shape some incredible barrels.

Bali, also known as the Island of Gods, is a great place to learn how to surf and enhance your skills. Nusa Dua is a magical surf break, surrounded by thick jungles and big Hindu temples. Australian surfer and photographer, Jason Childs describes Nusa Dua as "Bali's best surf spot, it creates a spiritual experience when surfing."

South Africa is another great location for surfers to visit. Where two great oceans meet, one can find endless waves! 'J-Bay' is regarded as one of South Africa's most iconic surf spots, with great waves all year long. "J-Bay is South Africa's pride and joy. It's everything a surfer could ever want; speed, power, and flow in one wave," shared Jordy Smith during a Red Bull interview.

Jordy Smith describes South Africa as a diverse country with all kinds of waves. "In Cape Town, it's the summer months that are amazing, if you're looking for offshore, perfect blue water barrels, very similar to Western Australia. It's a little bit colder, but that's kind of the look and feel that you get."

Much like the Californian coast, Mexico enjoys some great waves up and down its Pacific coast! Puerto Escondido is one of Mexico's most renowned surf spots, due to the immense size of the wave. Surfer Magazine describes the giant wave as the "Mexican Pipeline," a challenging wave only recommended for experienced surfers.

Known for its crystal-blue water and epic surf breaks, Sri Lanka has increasingly gained the spotlight as one of the world's best surf destinations. Surfers from all over the world gather at iconic breaks like Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa, make sure to check them out!

Jamaica has emerged over the years as a hidden surf gem in the Caribbean Sea. The island is home to some great surf breaks near Bull Bay, arguably the Jamaican surf capital. The eastern part of the island is the most exposed and tends to receive good swell all year long!

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