The 22 best surf spots in Europe

Are you planning a sports holiday on the beaches of Europe? Discover our mini-guide of the best surf spots in Europe!

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Europe offers superb beaches and surf spots. It also focuses on many dream tourist destinations, from Portugal to Greece and the United Kingdom. With its 10 million km2, the continent meets a plurality of climate influences. It also has a leading historical and cultural heritage in the world. Over 4,000 kilometers separate Scandinavia from the Mediterranean coasts. The result is a large amount of beaches styled by the winds where surfing all year round. All, with more or less powerful waves depending on the topography of these beaches. Whether sandy, rocky or at the foot of high cliffs, they are playgrounds for surfers.

Are you travelling across Europe and looking for good surf spots? We have concocted a guide to the best surf spots in Europe!

1. La Gravière, Landes

This sandy beach in Hossegor (40) is one of the most popular in Europe. The rollers are powerful, thanks to the winds that blow permanently. World renowned, this spot offers a shore-break where to surf up to 3 or 4 meters from the edge. This is a surf spot for the confirmed.

2. Lafiténia, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Located in Saint-Jean-de-Luz (64), Lafiténia Beach is emblematic of the Basque coast. Wild in winter but caught in the summer, it forms a bay surrounded by cliffs. You will appreciate it for its tranquility, to surf far from urban areas. Go by east/southeast wind, with a swell of 1 to 3.5 meters. However, the area is very busy in the summer. It is a rocky beach, rather intended for the confirmed.

3. Lacanau, Gironde

Here is one of Europe’s most beautiful surf spots for you. France is generous in surfing spots, especially along its Atlantic facade. Lacanau, in Gironde, is a world-renowned spot. Beach spots can be very frequent, especially in summer. You don't know where to surf? See the Barrière, La Centrale or Alexandra!

4. The Baie des Trépassés, Finistère

Located at the end of the Pointe du Raz (Finistère), the Baie des Trépassés is one of the best surf spots in France. The sandy beach and continually hit by large rollers. Go if you already have a small level, if you master your board. The best time to surf is between autumn and spring.

5. Perros Guirec, Côtes d’Armor

Surfing on the Côte de Granit Rose in Brittany, do you think? At first sight, Brittany is not really a land with surf spots. We know her better for her storms, galettes, fest-noz and pubs. However, if you come to Perros-Guirec, you will find a beautiful water plan where to surf. This is an ideal spot if you start. If you already have a small level, surf between September and May to find the swell.

6. FuerteventuraSpain

To the Canary Islands , on the islands of “eternal spring”, it is good all year round. In the Atlantic Ocean, Fuerteventura offers beautiful waves all year round. But the best time is from October to May. A multitude reef breaks de lave jalons the island. Also, its vast beaches will delight you if you like gliding. « Fuerte » is one of the best surf spots in Europe because all levels can go there. Superb beaches and beautiful rollers all year!

7. El Quemao, Lanzarote

Surfers like Lanzarote a lot. This island of the Canary Islands is called "Hawai of Europe". The beach of El Quemao offers waves among the most powerful and fast in Europe. There are beautiful waves all year round. In winter, the big swells attract the experienced. If you’re a beginner, focus on summer because the rollers will be smaller.

8. Beach of Sotavento, Spain

Want to surf in the middle of a barren, lunar and turquoise water lagoon? Throughout the year, the winds shave the beach of Sotavento. It is a paradise for surfers from all over Europe. Go instead to the rising tide if you’re starting in the art of slip!

9. Somo Beach, Spain

Located next to Santander (Spain), Somo Beach is accessible at all levels. It’s a beach-break , a beach whose waves crash on the sand near the edge. You can slide at the top of the waves all year round.

10. San SebastianSpain

Here is one of the best surf spots in Europe. The beach of Zurriola is a surfer, known internationally. This beach is very popular all year round. So, unless you come early or late in the day, be sure to cross the world!

11. Los Lances, Spain

The Costa de la Luz (Andalusia) is home to spots among the best in Europe. The beach of Los Lances in Tarifa is part of it. The waves, medium, are ideal for learning or perfecting. Go to any time of the year: the beach is as large as it is beautiful.

12. Nazaré, Portugal

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the beach of Nazaré north of Lisbon , attract surfers from all over the world. This is where the world competition of the Nazaré Canyon takes place. If you go surfing in Nazaré, know that the waves are among the largest in the world.

13. Supertubos, Peniche, Portugal

Historic city and first fishing port Portugal Peniche is one of the best surf spots in Europe. At first sight, the beach of Supertubos looks like a Hawaiian beach. But we're good in Portugal. It is globally known for its waves known as pipelines. They create huge tubes in which surfers are engulfed.

14. Praia do Guincho, Portugal

To the west of Cascais (Lisbon region), Guincho beach is 250 metres away. It is referenced as one of the best beaches to surf in Portugal. The national surf and bodyboard championship takes place every year. The beach is part of the Serra National Park of Sintra. Go all the more if you are a confirmed surfer because its waves are high and powerful. However, if you're a beginner, this surf spot is not recommended due to the strong currents.

15. Arrifana Beach, Portugal

Employ your board and direction the beach of Arrifana, to tame the beautiful waves of the Algarve. Arrifana, at the foot of monumental cliffs, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. It offers stunning panoramic views of the Côte Vicentine. The beach opens on a 500-metre bay where waves are broken all year round. It is unfortunately very popular all year round.

16. Castelejo and Cordoama, Portugal

Here are two beaches north of Sagres in Portugal. Very exposed to the north wind, these are two of the best surf spots in Portugal, and even in Europe. Attention, it is not recommended to surf there if you start: many rocks are scattered at the bottom of the water.

17. Praia da Falesia, Portugal

Located east of Albufeira in Algarve, this beach offers a beautiful surf spot. You can safely slip there when the waves come from the southwest. The bottom is sandy and the waves are rather soft: this is what to slide on the water, even if you don’t have a great level. As a bonus, the view of the cliffs is superb.

18. Tenby, Wales

South of the Pays-de-Galles is Tenby, a beach renowned for its surf spots. It offers superb uniform waves and large rollers, especially in winter. Freshwater West, West Dale or Marloes are the popular spots on the beach, depending on your level.

19. Bundoran, Ireland

Irish Surf Capital, Bundoran is located northwest of Ireland. We go there mainly for the quality of the waves. Go to the famous "The Peak" spot. This is where we surf the most impressive waves in Ireland. You can slip throughout the year. And as a bonus, you will have a wide choice reefs and pointbreaks. "The Peak" is a peak that breaks on the beach reef. Therefore, be careful if you are a beginner on surf. This spot is more suitable for confirmed surfers.

20. Thurso East, Scotland

What if we go surfing in Scotland? We can visit Scotland other than for its whisky distilleries and artisanal breweries. Among the best surf spots in Europe are Thurso East, all north of the country. Beautiful tubes are coming up all year round. The beach was made famous for its international competitions. If you like cold waters (we are in Scotland!), go without fear.

21. Capo Mannu, Sardinia

The Mediterranean Sea is sometimes painful and tumultuous. Especially in Sardinia, which collects the houles from all sides. Capo Mannu, in Sardinia, is one of the most famous spots on the island. The peninsula has several nice spots where to surf.

22. Santa Maria di Leuca, Puglia

South of the italic peninsula is a paradise for surfers. Located in Castrignano del Capo, this spot at an hour from Lecce is only run by the locals. In great wind, the waves of crystalline water break down to offer you a wonderful show.