Surfing in Europe
Europe’s Atlantic coast is a surfing powerhouse, from the powerful beach breaks of southwest France to the world-record waves of Portugal and the cold, empty line-ups of the far north. Warm water and reliable swell make it a favourite of travelling surfers.
France, Portugal and Spain form the heartland, with a superb range of waves for every level, while Ireland and Scotland reward the hardy with world-class cold-water reefs. The season peaks in autumn when Atlantic swells arrive.
These are the breaks worth booking a trip around.
Europe's Best Surf Spots#
Hossegor, France The undisputed capital of European surfing, home to powerful, hollow beach-break barrels and a stop on the world professional tour. Autumn brings the best swells. The buzzing surf town has a scene to match.
Nazare, Portugal Home to the biggest waves ever ridden, where a deep offshore canyon focuses swells into monstrous walls of water. Big-wave surfers are towed into terrifying peaks each winter. Watching from the clifftop fort is unforgettable.
Ericeira, Portugal Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, a stretch of coast near Lisbon packed with world-class reef and point breaks. Ribeira d’Ilhas is the jewel. Consistent waves and a relaxed vibe draw surfers year-round.
Peniche, Portugal Home to the famous Supertubos, one of the best beach-break barrels in Europe and a professional tour venue. A peninsula catches swell from every direction. There is a wave here on almost any day.
Mundaka, Spain A legendary, long left-hand river-mouth barrel in the Basque Country, considered one of the finest waves in the world when it fires. It works on autumn and winter swells. Its rarity makes catching it all the sweeter.
Biarritz, France The elegant Basque resort where European surfing began in the 1950s, offering approachable beach breaks and a chic seaside scene. It is a superb place to learn. Surf culture is woven into the town.
San Sebastian & Zarautz, Spain The stylish Basque coast combines beginner-friendly beach breaks at Zarautz with the city waves of San Sebastian and legendary pintxos afterwards. The surf-and-food combination is unbeatable. Waves and gastronomy in equal measure.
Bundoran, Ireland The heart of Irish cold-water surfing, with quality beach breaks and the fearsome reef of ‘The Peak’ right in town. Wetsuits and grit are required. The craic afterwards is legendary.
Thurso East, Scotland A world-class right-hand reef break in Scotland’s far north, breaking over flagstone in bitterly cold, powerful conditions. It is strictly for experienced surfers. The reward is one of Europe’s best waves in raw wilderness.
Newquay, England Cornwall’s surf capital and the mainstream heart of British surfing, with a string of reliable beach breaks like Fistral. It is ideal for learners and families. The town lives and breathes surf.
Lacanau, France A long, sandy stretch of the Gironde coast north of Hossegor, offering consistent, less crowded beach breaks amid pine forest. It hosts a pro contest each summer. It suits all levels.
The Canary Islands, Spain Volcanic islands in the Atlantic offering warm-water, year-round surfing, from Lanzarote’s reefs to Fuerteventura’s beach breaks. The ‘Hawaii of Europe’ has waves for everyone. Winter delivers powerful swells.