Surfing Europe

Surfing in Europe for those who have never tried it before is like discovering an old continent all over again. We all know Europe for it great culture, fascinating cities, historic monuments but when we think about catching the waves Hawaii or Australian Gold Coast cross our minds. But the true is that Europe can rival any other world’s surf destination. The enormous variety of breaks, endless kilometers of sandy beaches and great surf culture make Europe the paradise for wave lovers.

Here are the best countries you can surf in Europe:

Great Britain

Believe it or not but chilly and cloudy Britain is a home to great surf waves. You can surf on four coastlines of Scotland, Wales and England where the breaks can rival any of the world’s surf spots.  Starting from the top of the island the wild

Caithness coastline

is the place where you can find spots of great surf potential. And it is truly the place where you can escape the crowds.  Continue downwards you can reach the breaks of Wales or head for

Devon

or

Cornwall

where you can find the waves that suit all abilities.

Ireland

Exposed coastline of green and hilly Ireland makes the island the perfect spot for wave-catchers.  Basically the entire west coast of the country receives regular swells.  The hospitality of the Irish and the beautiful landscape will make your surf trip a life-changing experience.  Surf the

Donegal Bay

,

Easkey

or clear waters of

Dingle

bay and don’t leave without trying Guiness. Remember that the water can be freaking cold and wet weather can last for days.

Spain

It is a paradise for wave lovers. Countless beaches of Atlantic coast mixed with the spirited culture of Spain makes the country the place you cannot miss. Most of the coastline from

Basque

region to Galicia is open to the swells of the North Atlantic. In the south the stretches of

Andalucía’s

sandy beaches provide great surfing spots.  At last but not least you can head for the

Canary Islands

which are the tropics of Europe and a land of great surfing possibilities.

Portugal

The Portuguese coastline offers a massive variety of breaks. The country is a combination of excellent reefs, powerful swells and great climate. The

northwest coast

is literally a one long strip of beach where the local surfers can enjoy waves every single day of the year. Heading down on the coastal road you can reach the region of

Peniche

and

Ericeira

composed of long sandy beaches.  And

Algarve

…place where you can escape winter in Europe.  It is full of sun and breathtaking surfing beaches surrounded by cliffs such as

Arrifana

or

Cordama

.

France

France has it all – amazing wine, great food, beautiful people and above all the perfect beaches of eternal sunshine and unlimited surfing possibilities. Go there in autumn or spring when the swell is consistent. You can surf France from the top of its

northwest coast

to the crowded southern locations of

Biarritz

and

Hossegor,

near the Spanish border.

And don’t forget you are in Europe, the cradle of culture, and next to the surf beaches there’s a lot more to discover. So don’t hesitate to sacrifice one or two days, get out of the wetsuit and explore the historical towns and monumental sites around you.