Where and when to go surfing in Europe. Plus schools and camps
The best thing about surfing in Europe is the abundance of different countries and their respective surf culture. Be ready to smash your stereotypes about different regions and their habitats since surfing will give different countries different flavours.
Here is the selection of the best European surf sports in the summer time, winter time, and what should be your pick if you are on a shoestring budget. There is also a list of surf schools on each spot, as well as the top three surf camps in the region. We will also answer the question, "Can I surf in the Mediterranean?" But let's start with the surf capital of Europe.
Surfing capital of Europe
Hossegor, France, is, without doubt, the surfing capital of Europe. Located in southwest France, the sand beach is one of the longest (230 km) in the region and provides the most consistent surf. The reason why Hossegor was earned the title of the surf Mecca is annual surf competition held in town. World’s surf elite gathers to this French town for Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro France held this year on October 3-13. Another annual event is Newave Festival that celebrates the surfing culture through art, music and surf.
Conditions of surfing vary a lot due to shifting sandbars and tidal — hence keeping an eye on the weather forecast and relying on local tips is essential. Best spots to surf: La Graviere, La Nord and La Sud. Make sure to check spots nearby at Capbreton and Seignosse. Make sure to get there before — or after the high season — the popular town attracts over 40,000 visitors in the summer season.
Hossegor, France weather forecast
Best European surf spots in summer
Summer is generally a great time to surf in Europe. It may not be the biggest waves of your life, but the undoubted advantages of this season compared to winter are the warm water temperature, the absence of strong storms, during which you also cannot surf, and the overall comfortable weather conditions, including all other elements: temperature, visibility, and others. You also have no shortage of choices of spots, where you can chill indefinitely after a day of surfing all night until the next morning.
Coxos, Ericeira, Portugal
North from Ericeira, you can find Coxos beach that is often said to be the best wave of Portugal.
Spot info
- Best summer month to surf: August
- Water temperature: 20 to 22 °C
- Best swell direction: NW
Best surf schools
Coxos, Santo Isidoro, Portugal weather forecast
Supertubos, Peniche, Portugal
A notorious surf spot is on the Medao beach that is located few kilometres away from Peniche, a small fishing village close by.
Spot info
- Best summer month to surf: August
- Water temperature: 19 to 22 °C
- Best swell direction: SW
Best surf schools
Supertubos, Peniche, Portugal weather forecast
Zarautz, Gipuzkoa, Spain
One of the best surf town in Spain with the most long beach (2,5 kilometres) and consistent surf — Zarautz is located on the Spanish Basque coast.
Spot info
- Best summer month to surf: June
- Water temperature: 20 to 25 °C
- Best swell direction: NNW
Best surf schools
Zarautz, Gipuzkoa, Spain weather forecast
Côte des Basques, Biarritz, France
The surf Mecca of France? Côte des Basques is close to the town Biarritz and its located at the northern border of Basque Country.
Spot info
- Best summer month to surf: June
- Water temperature: 22 to 24 °C
- Best swell direction: W
Best surf schools
Côte des Basques, Biarritz, France weather forecast
Esquinzo, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
One of the seven islands in the Spanish archipelago, Fuerteventura has what it takes for an amazing surf holiday during summer months as well.
Spot info
- Best summer month to surf: August
- Water temperature: 20 to 22 °C
- Best swell direction: W
Best surf schools
Esquinzo, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands weather forecast
Arrifana, South Algarve, Portugal
Escape busy spots of Ericeira and Peniche to the South of Portugal to the beautiful region of Algarve.
Spot info
- Best summer month to surf: June
- Water temperature: 20 to 23 °C
- Best swell direction: NW
Best surf schools
Arrifana, South Algarve, Portugal weather forecast
La Graviere, Hossegor, France
Depending on who you ask — Hossegor is arguably the best beach break in Europe. The vibe, the culture and the waves — this is where more advanced surfers hang.
Spot info
- Best summer month to surf: June
- Water temperature: 20 to 25 °C
- Best swell direction: W-NW
Best surf schools
La Graviere, Hossegor, France weather forecast
La Nord, Lacanau, Landes, France
One of the top surf spots in France serves surfing for all levels and it’s located close to the city of Bordeaux
Spot info
- Best summer month to surf: June
- Water temperature: 20 to 25 °C
- Best swell direction: W
Best surf schools
La Nord, Lacanau, Landes, France weather forecast
Somo, Cantabria, Spain
This town is close to the city of Santander and has a consistent beach break that works during most tides.
Spot info
- Best summer month to surf: June
- Water temperature: 17 to 22 °C
- Best swell direction: NNW
Best surf schools
Somo, Cantabria, Spain weather forecast
Zurriola, San Sebastian, Spain
One of the most beautiful cities in Spain, the town is famous for its surf vibe and both for its cuisine.
Spot info
- Best summer month to surf: June
- Water temperature: 16 to 23 °C
- Best swell direction: NW
Best surf schools
Zurriola, San Sebastian, Spain weather forecast
Best European surf spots in winter
Winter months produce the most consistent swell and most amazing waves in Europe so make sure to opt your winter holiday for the cold months. Most important thing is to remember to take a proper gear — some people can survive with 3/2mm wetsuit but if you are heading into more colder regions take your boots, 4/3mm or even 5/3mm wetsuit with a hood with you. It’s all about your level of comfort in the cold water.
Anchor Point, Taghazout, Morocco
Taghazout is a perfect example of a sleepy fishing village with its charming Berber culture and smashed together with surf culture.
General information
- Best months to surf: November to February
- Water temperature wintertime: 16 to 19 °C
- Best swell direction: NW
Best surf schools
Anchor Point, Taghazout, Morocco weather forecast
Safi, Essaouira, Morocco
Known for its windy condition, Essaouira is headquarter of all sorts of wind-related activities surfing included.
General information
- Best months to surf: November to February
- Water temperature wintertime: 16 to 19 °C
- Best swell direction: NW
Best surf schools
Safi, Essaouira, Morocco weather forecast
Cantinho da Baia, Peniche, Portugal
This right-hand and left-hand beach with perfect condition for beginners and intermediates.
General information
- Best months to surf: November to February
- Water temperature wintertime: 14 to 16 °C
- Best swell direction: NNW
Best surf schools
Cantinho da Baia, Peniche, Portugal weather forecast
Rocky Point, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
A great wave that breaks over a shallow reef just outside Corralejo harbour in the island of Fuerteventura.
General information
- Best months to surf: November to February
- Water temperature winter time: 18 to 21 °C
- Best swell direction: NN
Best surf schools
Rocky Point, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands weather forecast
La Izquierda / Spanish Left, Tenerife, Canary Islands
Another good spot in the same Canary Islands, popular with both local Spaniards and surf-travelers.
General information
- Best months to surf: November to February
- Water temperature wintertime: 18 to 21 °C
- Best swell direction: N, SE, E
Best surf schools
La Izquierda / Spanish Left, Tenerife, Canary Islands weather forecast
Cheap surfing destinations in Europe
The great thing about surfing is the fact that the ocean is free. When it comes to equipment like boards, wetsuits and fins — that stuff costs — and you don’t necessarily want to go for the cheapest quality here. But there definitely differences where do you decide to surf. Some countries just happen to be more expensive than others. If you are on a shoestring budget, we advice you to head either to Morocco or Portugal. Affordable places to live and there is heaps of accommodation and surf school options.
Portugal
Being one of the cheapest countries in Europe (oh and one of the most laid-back as well), it’s easy to find reasonable accommodation, hire a car with roof racks and check spots like Ericeira, Peniche and Sagres. Oh, did we mention that the seafood is absolutely delicious and the wine outrageously cheap?
Morocco
The fact that Morocco is located technically not in Europe, makes it a bit more exotic and not that popular place to surf compared to countries like Spain and France. The country has been investing massively into the tourism sector providing excellent road infrastructure connecting all the surf destinations. Morocco is a perfect mix of rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, history, delicious food and pumping waves — and best of it — affordable prices.
Surfing in the Mediterranean Sea
Can you surf in the Mediterranean Sea? Ask the surfers of Mediterranean and they say «oh yeah, for sure». The Mediterranean Sea is definitely not the most popular place to surf since it requires specific wind conditions but there are still some waves to be found and surfed.
The key to Mediterranean surf is proper weather forecast app (yours truly), location, patience and good board selection. We advise to take with you a longboard or a funboard to make sure to catch smaller waves. The great thing about Mediterranean surf — the water is warmest in the Europe so no need for rubbers.
Best places to check the Mediterranean surf is Playa Catania, Sicily, Italy, and Torravieja La Mata and Gruissan, Spain.
Best surf camps in Europe
Surf camps are a perfect way how to have a hassle-free surf holiday having often accommodation, gear, transports, meals and surf guides included in one price. Not to mention like-minded crowd and good vibes. Here is a selection of one of the best surf camps in Europe.
Sanctuary Surf is surf school with good vibes only and a hotel-like surf camp experience in south-west of France. Its all inclusive 7-day stay is from 780–890€.
Included
- Private ensuite lodging
- Dinner, breakfast, lunch
- 5 x 2hr surf lessons
- Surf and stand up paddle equipment
- Transfers (airport/beach/lake)
- Bordeaux city visit
- 2 x yoga class
Rapture Surf Camp Ericeira, Portugal is suitable for all levels, Rapture offers beautiful surf camp experience in picturesque Ericeira. Its 7-day stay is 840€ (board rental and lesson excluded).
Included
- Private ensuite lodging
- Dinners (Monday to Friday)
- Breakfast
- Weekly surf theory
- Video analysis
- Information on Portugal surf spots
Dreamsea Surf Camp, Cantabria, Spain, is a shool, which looks like a dream, feels like a dream. Located in the north-west of Spain, Dreamsea, is a beautiful combination of surf, food and laid-back atmosphere. Its all inclusive 7-day stay if from 429€.
Included
- Private glamping tent
- Dinners, breakfast, lunch
- Surf equipment
- Camp Eeuipment
Wish you a nice break!
Surf calendar. Valetya Milovanova / Windy.app
This post was originally published on the Windy.app blog on July 18, 2019.
Learn more about how to read the surf / swell forecast in a special Windy.app presentation with examples and tips from professional surfers with many years of experience of riding the biggest and best waves on the planet.
Text: Windy.app team
Cover photo: Lisha Riabinina / Unsplash
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