Best surfing destinations in Europe
Best surfing destinations in Europe
Powerful cold-water reef breaks and popular beach breaks across Europe
Western Europe's Atlantic coastline has become synonymous with some of the biggest waves ever surfed, drawing big-wave specialists each winter, while other coastlines offer a more conventional, beach-break-driven surf culture suited to a wider range of ability levels.
The destinations on this list range from legendary big-wave spots suited only to highly experienced surfers to beginner-friendly beach breaks with established surf schools and rental shops. Water temperature varies considerably between the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean.
Checking swell forecasts before booking matters enormously for the bigger breaks, where conditions can shift from flat to genuinely dangerous within days. Surf forecasting apps have made checking conditions considerably easier than in past decades. Checking detailed swell forecasts a few days ahead also tends to make a noticeable difference to planning around the best conditions.
Lists by region
Town in Portugal
Nazaré
Giant Waves and Coastal Charm
An underwater canyon off this town gathers and focuses ocean swell into huge waves. Praia do Norte is listed in Guinness World Records for the biggest waves ever surfed. Sebastian Steudtner rode a 26.2 metre wave there in 2020. The lighthouse at Fort São Miguel Arcanjo is a popular place to watch the surfers.
Town in Portugal
Ericeira
Europe’s Surf Sanctuary by the Sea
Since 2011 this town has been named a World Surfing Reserve. About forty beaches nearby have good surfing conditions. Ribeira d'Ilhas, about 2 kilometres north of town, has hosted World Tour events. The town started as a fishing port and is about 35 kilometres northwest of Lisbon.
City in France
Biarritz
Surf, Style and Basque Flair
In 1957 a Californian friend of Peter Viertel rode a surfboard off this city. Viertel was in town to film The Sun Also Rises. The ride is recognised as the first time surfing was practised in Europe. Today the Côte des Basques beach hosts the Biarritz Surf Festival, founded in 1993.
Region in Portugal
Algarve
Golden cliffs and azure waters
Tonel, near Sagres, faces west and catches Atlantic swells. Gentler spots like Mareta and Martinhal are good for beginners because swells lose power around the headland. Arrifana has a beach break and many surf schools. Both coasts of this region have surf, since swells also wrap around the Sagres headland to the south.
Island in Spain
Canary Islands
Spain's volcanic paradise year-round
Fast hollow waves form tubes over a volcanic seabed on Fuerteventura. El Confital on Gran Canaria is a right-hand reef break on volcanic rock. Izquierda de Las Palmeras on Tenerife has long left-handers and surf schools. Lanzarote has El Quemao, a fast break for experienced surfers near the fishing village of La Santa.
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