The best surf destinations in Europe
Whether you're catching waves or simply soaking in the view from the shore, the beach holds a special kind of magic for all visitors. If you’re seeking inspiration for your next adventure, check out this list of Europe's top surf destinations.
Surfing in Europe (especially for 'goofy-footers') doesn't get much better than Mundaka, located in a small fishing town in the Basque Country. Surfers flock to the beach from autumn to spring in hopes of finding their perfect wave.
The northern Spanish coast has become a popular surf destination thanks to its constant exposure to swell and affordable lodgings. Surfer Magazine describes Mundaka as "one of the world's best left-hand sandbars".
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Another popular European destination amongst surfers is The Bubble in Fuerteventura (Canary Islands). The best time of the year to surf in the Canaries is from fall through winter, but one can experience waves all year round.
The remote islands are located on Morroco's western coasts, and offer a great combination of good surf, good food, and great weather.
Located in the most Southwestern region of France, the small town of Biarritz offers ideal conditions for all surfers. Fast-paced beach breaks offer some of the best waves in Europe.
La Grande Plage is the town's most famous surf spot. The beach stretches out for two kilometers, offering a wide variety of breaks.
Hossegor stands proud as one of the best surf destinations in Europe for its notorious powerful waves, which Surfer Magazine describes as "brutal". These high-risk, high-reward swells have created countless unforgettable moments for surfers daring enough to take them on.
Located North of Biarritz, Hossegor is labeled as the best surfing spot in western France. The town is 42 kilometers away from Biarritz.
Another popular surfing destination in the Bordeaux area, which offers several beaches for a wide range of surfers. The wide beach often experiences intense tides that can be dangerous, beware!
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"Forever shifting sandbanks rule the breaks. West and northwest swells provide the power. The combo means one day can be beautiful tubes... The next is mushy whitewash," according to Surf Atlas.
The UK has a couple of hidden gems around its coasts, Sennen Cove being one of them. Located in Cornwall, the water gets a little chilly in the winter, but ideal waves are up for grabs.
Only accessible by car, crowds tend to be manageable. However, it's a solid five-hour drive from London.
Watergate Bay is another great destination in the UK. The beach is located in Newquay, and it's generally regarded as a more beginner-friendly spot.
Surfing in Ireland has exploded in the past decades, making it a popular surf destination for surfers all around the world. It might lack the sunny beaches of Portugal and Spain, however, great waves are accessible all year round. A destination only for those brave enough!
Peniche is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Portugal, however, it's one of the many on the peninsula. It's nicknamed 'Supertubos' (mega-barrels) for its powerful breaks and jaw-dropping waves.
It's best accessed with a car, located just 90 kilometers from Lisbon, making it an ideal surf location in Europe.
The picturesque Spanish town offers some of the best surf in Northern Spain. Located in the Basque Country, San Sebastian offers year-round surfing, experiencing bigger waves in winter.
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