Looking for the best surfing spots in Europe? Here we show you the destinations with the best conditions to practice this sport. Discover them and decide where your next surf trip will be.
The Best Surfing Spots in Europe
1 – Corralejo, Fuerteventura, Spain: Great weather and excellent surfing conditions all year round
Among the best surfing spots in Europe, Fuerteventura stands out with a large number of beaches and surf spots suitable for different levels, especially in the Corralejo area. Additionally, there is a great atmosphere both on and off the beach, with wonderful and unique landscapes.
The good weather is present all year round. Thanks to the variety of surf spots and different types of waves, any time of the year is ideal for learning, both for beginners and for improving technique for intermediate surfers. It’s equally true that the best conditions for advanced levels occur in autumn and winter, during the famous “best season” of Fuerteventura’s north shore. Discover the surf school at Fuerteventura Surfintrip.
2 – Mundaka, Spain: The best left-hand wave in Europe
A legendary place to surf in Europe is Mundaka Beach. Located in northern Spain, in the Basque Country, this beach offers the best left-hand wave on the continent, attracting surfers from all over the world.
The best time to surf here is from September to early spring. Keep in mind that the waters of the Cantabrian Sea are cold in winter, so prepare accordingly. Nearby, you’ll find charming villages and even tourist spots like San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Dragonstone in Game of Thrones).
3 – Hossegor Beach, France
Hossegor is considered a true surfing capital in Europe. On this beach, you’ll find various peaks, with three main ones where you can enjoy exceptional waves: Gravière, North and South. This destination is perfect for surfers of all levels, with both easy and more demanding waves, recommended only for the most experienced. Undoubtedly, it deserves a spot among the best beaches for surfing in Europe.
4 – Supertubos Beach, Portugal
This beach is located in the southern area of Peniche, about an hour and a half from Lisbon. Supertubos Beach is one of the most famous in all of Europe, hosting one of the competitions in the WSL World Surfing Circuit. This wave is very technical, and as the name suggests, when it’s at its peak, it forms powerful tubular waves, so it’s recommended only for advanced surfers on its best days. In the northern part of the town of Peniche, there are several beaches (Peniche Beach, Baleal Beach, Lagide Beach, etc.) that offer, depending on the conditions, more accessible waves for beginners and intermediate surfers.
5 – Thurso East Beach, Scotland, United Kingdom
Thurso East Beach, in the cold waters of northern Scotland, is one of the most interesting surfing destinations in Europe, as long as you’re not intimidated by the weather. It’s an area with a very cold environment, cold waters, and strong winds.
It offers good left and right-hand waves, and the best time to surf is between autumn and early winter, although you can actually surf year-round.
6 – Capo Mannu, Oristano, Italy
Located on the island of Sardinia, this is one of the best places in the European Mediterranean for surfing. The best waves occur during storms and can exceed 2 meters, but it’s important to be cautious when surfing in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, it’s essential to keep in mind that the bottom is rocky, so it’s not suitable for beginners.
Autumn and winter are optimal periods for surfing in this area due to the frequent swells, although during these times, the spots are very crowded, so it’s advisable to choose times when there are fewer surfers.
7 – Newquay, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Newquay is the surf capital of the United Kingdom. Located in the southwest of England, it is famous for the sandy beaches of Fistral and Watergate bays, renowned for their world-class waves, vibrant surf culture, and breathtaking coastal landscapes. The atmosphere is lively, with many local surfers and tourists.
Thanks to its exposure to the western atlantic waves and the coastal formation that creates a protected area known as “the bay,” as well as a more exposed zone, Newquay offers conditions suitable for surfers of all levels, from beginners to experts. This makes the inner beaches ideal for beginners and the outer beaches perfect for more experienced surfers.
8 – Somo Beach, Cantabria, Spain
In northern Spain, you’ll find one of the best surfing beaches in Europe: Somo Beach, located in the Cantabria region. It offers various types of waves, so it’s easy to find surfers of different levels enjoying the water all year-round.
Moreover, Somo is very close to two other interesting spots for surfers: Galizano Beach and Loredo Beach (not to be confused with Laredo, which is relatively close but more suitable for beginners). As you can see, there are many interesting places worth visiting.
However, always remember to match each outing to your skill level to avoid unnecessary risks and make the most of this sport.
