Are you looking to learn how to surf and thinking of dedicating your holiday to starting this sport? Are you a beginner and searching for nearby destinations to enjoy surfing? Let us tell you where to surf in Europe for beginners and why these places are ideal for having fun riding the right waves and improving your skills.
Where to Surf in Europe for Beginners: Best Destinations
Surfing in the Corralejo Area in Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura has all the elements that make it an ideal destination to surf in Europe for beginners: mild weather year-round, waves of various sizes and difficulty levels for all abilities, a respectful and pleasant environment both in and out of the water, along with plenty of opportunities for active leisure, relaxation, and breathtaking landscapes to explore when you’re out of the sea.
These are the main reasons why we chose the Corralejo area in Fuerteventura to open our surf school. Sign up for beginner surf lessons in Fuerteventura with surfintrip.com.
The quality of the waves is excellent year-round for learning to surf at various spots in the area, with fantastic locations to catch your first waves and get started in this sport.
Sopelana, Northern Spain
In the Basque Country, in northern Spain, the town of Sopelana has two beaches with good conditions for beginner surfers in the summer: Atxabiribil and Arrietara. At this time of year, the waves are perfect for starting out in this sport, and you can enjoy the rest of the time with other activities, such as gliding or scuba diving.
In winter, the weather conditions and swell become more challenging, making it the right time for more experienced surfers to take over.
Peniche, Portugal: A Surf Destination for Beginners
If you’re wondering where to surf in Europe for beginners, another great spot is Peniche, in Portugal. In this part of the Atlantic coast, places like Praia do Cero, a bay north of the city, are perfect for beginners starting their surfing journey and catching waves.
If you’re traveling with friends who have different surfing experience levels, there are spots in the area for everyone. While some learn at one beach, others can pick waves better suited for experienced surfers and then enjoy their time together off the water. Depending on the time of year, you might also witness the spectacular giant waves at Nazaré.
Surfing for Beginners in Sardinia, Italy
The Italian island of Sardinia is another great place to surf in Europe for beginners, between September and May. During this season, the waves are consistent. They’re not big, but they’re just the right size for beginners to enjoy themselves safely.
Porto Ferro is one of the best spots for beginners, as long as you choose days with a lighter swell and smaller waves. Santa Maria di Gallura, on Rena Majore beach and in Santa Reparata Bay, also has waves suitable for learning. In areas like Buggerru, there are spots for all levels, including beginners.
Surfing for Beginners in Biarritz, France
The city of Biarritz is one of the most popular spots for surfers of all levels in France. If you’re a beginner, it’s a great place to practice during the summer, as long as you consider the type of waves you can safely handle and skip areas with stronger waves to intermediate or advanced surfers.
You can opt for spots like La Côte des Basques, but you’ll need to watch the tides and go at low tide, as the beach disappears at high tide. Milady, at low tide, is also a good option for beginner surfers.
Inishowen, Ireland
Although less well-known than Bundoran, Inishowen is one of the best places to surf in Ireland for beginners and is one of the top choices for newcomers on the Emerald island. In this part of Europe, there are spots for beginners to surf and have fun safely, as the waves are consistent and break gently.
Salinas, Asturias, Spain
In northern Spain, in Asturias, Salinas is one of the best destinations to surf in Europe for beginners and intermediates. The waves in this part of the Cantabrian Sea are consistent but soft and calm during low tide, as long as there isn’t a storm. This is just an overview of the best spots, but we are lucky to have many other perfect beaches where beginners can practice at different times of the year in Europe, a real treasure!
