The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Europe
Explore one of the world’s most amazing surf meccas: Europe. Yep, surfing in Europe is booming. From the salt-washed cliffs of Portugal all the way to the roaring beach breaks of France, there’s oodles to get through. You might just need that wetsuit though…
An introduction to surfing in Europe
Ever since the Spanish ambassador to Hawaii fetched back the first ever boards in the 1880s, people have been uncovering the potential of this glorious continent.
These days, there’s oodles to sink your fins into. You can catch competition-ready tubes on rocky reefs. It’s possible to settle in happening surf towns with loads of apres and breaks for all. And you will find places to drive out to hidden Portuguese bays or delve into Spanish fishing villages where rollers beckon the more intrepid among us.
From the icy waters of the North Sea to the gleaming swells of the Canary Islands, European surf spots come in all shapes and sizes.
Take Hossegor, famed for its high rivermouth tubes and wind-sculpted beach slabs. Then compare that to the barrels of Portugal’s Supertubos. Or, look to the beginner-friendly coves of Cornwall. Or check the points that string through the Basque Country.
Adding to all that is the relative ease of planning a European surf trip. It’s just a short-haul flight from the UK to the continent’s best breaks, or an easy-ish long-haul from the US.
Car rentals are a cinch to score. And cheap.
Surf hostels rarely break the bank. In addition, there are some of the best surf camps on the planet strung out along the coastlines of Iberia, the Canaries, and the UK.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
Where to surf in Europe?
From the sheer fjords of Norway to the bath-warm waters of southern Portugal, Europe ranges across thousands of miles of Atlantic coast. That means there are oodles of countries where you can wax down the board and hit the waves. They offer myriad variety of breaks and conditions, too. There’s always something on offer in this corner of the world, no matter if you’re Kelly Slater or just starting out.
Portugal
Perhaps the most famous European surf destination of them all, Portugal has really embraced the rising popularity of the sport in recent decades.
The most popular regions are around Lisbon and the Algarve. The first has the iconic surf meccas of Ericeira and Peniche. The latter comes with warmer waters and more beginner-friendly waves.
Of course, a nod to the wild waves of northern Portugal, and the huge XXL breaks of Nazare, is also a must.
So, too, is a look towards Madeira, a rugged Portuguese island out in the Atlantic that gets year-round swells and has cobblestone reefs aplenty.
Where to stay? Take your pick! We have a guide to the best surf camps in Portugal, and the best surf hotels in Portugal, and the best surf hostels in Portugal. There’s something to suit everyone on any budget.
Read our ultimate guide to surfing Portugal
Spain
Put aside preconceptions of paella chefs and flamenco dancers – Spain isn’t all chilling on the Costa del Sol, you know?
Around the south coast, you can venture to Cadiz. By a gorgeous old town of cobbled streets and tapas bars, walled-up waves roll in after gathering a little punch from the Atlantic.
However, it’s San Sebastian that reigns supreme. A happening city, it’s the gateway to loads of attractive and challenging beach breaks in the Basque Country.
Check this complete guide to the Spanish surf for more info
France
Just a mention of the name Hossegor is usually enough to conjure frightful images of spraying overhead beach breaks that roar in tubes and walls against wind-blasted dunes. But you don’t have to contend with the winter monsters of La Graviere to enjoy surfing in this corner of Europe.
There are oodles of long, sandy beaches that have countless peaks going right and left (but mostly closing out) up the west coast.
Further north, Brittany comes with its own family-friendly surf breaks and unique Breton culture.
Where to stay? Star Surf Camps run the best camp in the country along the pine-studded beaches of Moliets (better in summer and for beginners). Alternatively, hit the mecca that is Hossegor with a stay at the fantastic JO&JOE hostel
We’ve got loads of extra guides to French surf destinations
England
The West Country and south-west regions of Old Blighty are world-famous for their waves. They’re almost singlehandedly responsible for nurturing the UK’s homegrown surf culture. It’s Cornwall that often tops the bill.
There are sheltered breaks on the English Channel there, along with others – liker Sennen and Polzeath – that pick up the brunt of the Atlantic.
Meanwhile, burgeoning surf scenes exist in Yorkshire and the north-east, where the locals brave the icy North Sea waters and wind swells.
Where to stay? The guys at Cornish Wave do a great 5-day package that includes a handful of surf lessons, video feedback, and accomodation in cool glamping tents.
We’ve got a complete ultimate guide to English surf
Wales
Stunning landscapes combine with reliable waves all along the relatively unknown Welsh coast.
There is loads to be said for heading out to Pembrokeshire with the board in tow. The Wide and exposed sands of Freshwater West are a real Atlantic swell magnet.
Then you’ve got the Gower Peninsula near Swansea. Miles of peaks wait on that one’s Llangennith bay – one of the most breathtaking areas of shoreline in the world, let alone the United Kingdom.
Read our ultimate guide to Surfing in Wales
Ireland
Ireland is the buffer between the Atlantic Ocean and the islands of Great Britain. It shields Wales and England from all the most ferocious swells that pump off Iceland and the upper lattitudes each year, which is why it’s got big-wave potential (just check out what Mullaghmore looks like in full swing!).
Bundoran in County Donegal has established itself as the main hub. It’s a great town, with reef breaks and beach breaks that suit all levels, plus some nice stays close to the shores.
Beyond that, Co Sligo is a must, and the Kerry Ring can offer some more secret and remote breaks that you’ll have to have a car to seek out.
Unravel the secrets of surfing in Ireland with our complete guide
Scotland
Scotland is a frontier for surfers. Three regions combine to offer consistency and adventure in a jaw-dropping destination where mountains roll to the sea…
The north coast is known for its pounding slab barrels at Thurso. The western islands, specifically the Outer Hebrides, are swell magnets where you can surf in complete solitude on white-sand beaches. The east gets good winter windswell coverage from the North Sea; think mushy beach break galore.
There’s so much to be seen up here and it’s so wild and beautiful that we rank Scotland as one of the very best places to do a surf roadtrip in Europe. Just so long as you don’t mind cold water.
Plan your adventure with our complete guide to surfing in Scotland
Canary Islands
When folks in other parts of Europe are dusting down their snow jackets, the locals of the Canaries are basking in sun.
In addition, strong cross-Atlantic swells hit these Spanish islands in the winter months, so you can hop south from the ski fields to find consistent point breaks, beaches, and even barrels working like clockwork.
The Canaries get popular in summer with families and learner surfers. For that, the glowing white beaches of Fuerteventura and north-western Lanzarote are perfect!
Where to stay? The Canaries have some of the best surf camps in the world. We have a complete guide here. We especially love the full packages from Lanzasurf in Caleta for beginners.
Read our ultimate guide to surfing in Canary Islands
Norway
Cold-water surfing mecca Norway has hit the surf mags big time on account of the barreling right point at Unstad. It’s got much, much more than just that Lofoten jewel though…
There are long beaches for beginners, Arctic bays with peeling points, and surf camps on the beach. We’d say it’s the prime Euro territory for an off-the-beaten-track surf escape.
Check out our in-depth guide to surfing in Norway right now
Denmark
Denmark is blessed with a long coastline along the North Sea. It strings the western edge of the Jutland Peninsula, which is mainly long runs of beach spotted by old WWII bunkers.
The waves here peak with good windswell and easterlies, but there can be some epic moments when a NW groundswell finds its way through. Fall is the key time, and the key area is around Klitmøller, a part of the Jutland coast known as the Cold Hawaii (perhaps a little hopefully!).
Read all about surfing in Denmark right now
Iceland
Iceland is still very much the frontier of European surfing. For the hardy folks who don’t mind donning 5-7mils of rubber, it’s a land of black-sand beaches and volcanic reefs overwatched by smoking volcanos.
The swell is super consistent given the fact that Iceland is right up in the stormy North Atlantic. Sadly, winds can mess with things a lot.
We think the best way to do this is to travel to Iceland, rent a car to see the island, and put the board in the back. The roads are good and if the swell lines up you shouldn’t be too far from somewhere that’s working.
Our guide to surfing in Iceland has the complete lowdown
Poland
Cold-water surfing mecca Norway has hit the surf mags big time on account of the barreling right point at Unstad. It’s got much, much more than just that Lofoten jewel though.
There are long beaches for beginners, Arctic bays with peeling points, and surf camps on the beach. We’d say it’s the prime Euro territory for an off-the-beaten-track surf escape.
Check out our in-depth guide to surfing in Norway right now
The Netherlands
The North Sea shores of The Netherlands get loads of action in the winter. Yes, it’s rare for it to clean up but there can be sneaky long-fetch north swells and even some SW push throughs that make it up the English Channel.
The upshot? There’s a pretty buzzing surf community in this liberal land right now. Mostly, it’s centered on the beaches of The Hague, Scheveningen, Domburg, and Texel, which offer sandbanks and groyne waves galore.
In general, it’s a nice vibe and a good place for loggers and beginners.
Read all about surfing in the Netherlands right now
Italy
Poland has surf? You betcha. Okay, so it ain’t Hawaii folks, but there are A-frames and mushy peelers to ride all along the Baltic Coast here. The long Hel Peninsular is the epicenter of Polish surf culture and is just about starting to churn out its own pros and surf hotels.
Check out our guide to the surfing in Poland
Malta
Malta, a speckling of islands in the middle of the Mediterranean, has sea on all sides. The isle suffers from the same lack of swell as the other southerly, sunny nations in Europe. However, surf hits in the winter months with the stronger winds, feeding some surprising breaks into the west coast of the main island.
Read our ultimate guide to surfing in Malta
Greece
Imagine it: Sesssions on bath-warm Mediterranean waves by morning; long Greek lunches in a beach taverna, and sunsets over the Aegean. Sadly, Greece’s surf is as fickle as they come, so all that remains a dream.
There are opportunities to be had in this southerly corner of Europe, though. Some spots facing west out into the central Med can fire during the winter medicane season, while Crete is relatively reliable between Nov-March, too.
Don’t expect Hossegor. Just go with the flow and see where you can catch some waves around these beautiful islands.
Discover more about surfing in Greece in our complete guide
Surf camps in Europe
Along with Asia, Europe is one of the world’s meccas for surf camping.
Portugal undoubtedly leads the way. It has camps from Porto in the north all the way to the Algarve in the south. They offer intineraries that are packed with surf lessons, feedback, on-land practice, fitness, yoga – you name it.
Spain, France, and the UK also have a decent array of camp choices that do something similar.
We have a complete guide to all the best surf camps in Europe that we aim to update every single year to reflect what’s hot and what’s not on the continent.
As a taster, here are the current places we really, really like…
- The Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat Portugal (Peniche) – Salty Pelican are a brand that have stormed the surf-camp world in the last few years. They have a very new pad in Peniche, the best learner surf spot in Portugal if you ask us, that’s got a pool and a position literally across the road from the beach. This package is epic, offering up to 11 yoga classes, daily surfing, and great vibes throughout.
- Tiny Whale Surf Lodge (The Algarve) – Tiny Whale is a small-group surf camp that feels more like a family getaway. You surf both the south and west coasts of Portugal, so waves are all but garenteed and it’s easy to find something to match your ability. The lodge is downright gorge, perched on a hill between the olive farms of the Algarve.
- Lanzasurf Surf School (Lanzarote) – These guys make surfing in the Canaries super accessible and easy. Based in Caleta, they’re a top winter option when you want warm water and sun. The training is excellent and it’s not too expensive!
Month-by-month guide to the surf season in Europe
There’s never a time when there isn’t a wave in Europe. The continent spans masses of territory up the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. The swells tend to change from SW to NW from summer to winter but remain very consistent for places like Portugal and France. More protected destinations like Poland and Norway will need to hang on for windswells or push-through groundswells that can get more sheltered seas like the Med and the Norwegian Sea working.
Here’s a look at what to expect month to month from the surf in Europe…
- January-February – Winter storms batter the Atlantic Coast of Portugal and France. Expect heavy swells that turn even easy spots into something for the pros. Wetsuits will be needed. Canaries are the exception that proves the rule – January to March bring some of the best waves.
- March – The SW swells that roll into the central and Silver Coasts of Portugal bring something to delight intermediates. The Algarve is warming for beginners. The Canary Islands see easier waves and plenty of sun. The result? Early spring is a good balance for mixed-ability groups on a Euro surf trip.
- April – Surfing in Europe in April and May can offer a good mix of reliable swells and more relaxed days in the ocean. The likes of Nazare are dropping away in favour of surf towns like Peniche in Portugal. Moreover, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura offer warm seas where you might even get away with just a rash vest. France and the UK also start to get popular; Cornwall and the region around Biarritz in particular.
- May-June – Be sure to pack the sun cream if you’re off on a European surf trip in the early months of summer. Anywhere south of Brittany is liable to get some scorching days of sun for your riding. What’s more, as the powerful NW swell loses a little of its moxie, the beaches all down the Portuguese coast become more accessible to more levels. Canaries are hot and the waves decreasing in size for beginners in Caleta. Downsides include the summer onshores in Portugal.
- July – Surfing in Europe in July is a real pleasure. The oceans have cooked just enough to warrant a wetsuit of 3/2 in most places bar Scandinavia. Groundswells are tamer, offering waves of all shapes and sizes for all levels of surfer. Regions like Bordeaux, Basque Country, Galicia, and the Costa Vicentina could very well be at their finest at this time of the year.
- August – Hot, hot, hot – Europe’s sweltering in August. Everyone and their dog is planning a surf holiday when the temperatures up and school’s out, so be warned of crowds. Summer onshores across the Atlantic seaboard also mean lots of closeouts. Oh, and did we mention it’s busy? This might be a top time to explore more hidden surf destinations in Europe. Think about heading to the Porto region, Galicia, or Scotland.
- September – The latent heat in the ocean keeps things warm into September. However, crowds disperse at the end of the summer holidays, freeing loads of space on the peaks of popular learner destinations like Peniche, Ericeira, Cornwall, and the Canaries. Waves are a good mix of low-energy sets and more powerful swells that come from an early cooking of the winter storms. That makes the autumn a fine pick for mixed-ability surf groups (just like March).
- October-November – October is when Nazare starts roaring. In tandem with the Oahu North Shore on the far side of the world, the North Atlantic breathes life into the Nazare Canyon and offers waves that crash over 100 feet from tip to trough. The upshot? Portugal isn’t for the faint hearted at this time of year. France’s beach breaks also get wilder. And there’s a chill in the waters from the UK upwards, meaning you might need the gloves and booties if you’re heading Cornwall, Scotland, or Scandinavia for a ride.
- December – Be ready to be cold if you’re surfing in Europe in December. Yes, there are some corners of the continent that stay balmy but you’re likely talking 4/3 and a hood to boot. The Canaries are great in the mid-winter, though – there’s reliable sun and some of the most consistent surf of the year. Winter offshores in Portugal continue to help peaky breaks across the Lisbon coast, too. France and the UK is typically left to the most dedicated of riders.
Getting around Europe on a surf trip
Europe is so diverse, the surf options so varied, that there are plenty of ways to go about planning your trip.
We think you can roughly break it into three choices…
- Stay in one place and surf the local breaks – This means choosing a surf town and staying there. Europe has lots of places where the surf beaches are withing walking distance of the center or hotels (Peniche, Biarritz, Zarautz off the top of our head). The upside is, if you can get there on public transport, you won’t need a car. And transport in Europe is usually good enough to get you there. The downside is that you’ll be stuck in that location surfing the breaks you can walk to.
- Do a surf camp (so your transport is usually taken care of) – Surf camps aren’t just a good option for getting lessons and accomodation packaged into one price. They often also include transport to all breaks in a particular region, and sometimes (but not always) even transfers from a region airport. Some surf camps won’t venture far from local breaks, others will travel 0.5-1 hour or more to explore an area and get you surfing multiple spots. Either way, you won’t need a car to do one.
- Road trip it and drive yourself – see below…
As you can see, there are pros and cons to all the above. But it’s road tripping that offers by far the most flexibility and is the option we reccomend for more advanced, confident surfers, or beginner surfers who prefer to go it alone and not have planned itineraries governing thier days.
The good news is that roads are generally excellent across most of Europe and the UK, while car rentals from major airports are not only abundant but cheap.
We tend to search RentalCars for ours as we think they’ve offered us the cheapest rates over the years, plus they tend to do cancellation up to 48 hours before you travel. They list all the major brands, which you’ll need to research individually to ensure they offer a good service in whatever destination you’re traveling in (we can vouch for Centauro in Portgual at least).
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!