Peniche, Portugal
Peniche is by far the most popular surfing area in Portugal. With a variety of waves that would make Hawaiian surfers jealous – it’s not nicknamed Supertubos for nothing – this little fishing town is situated 90 kilometres from Lisbon airport and is perfect for a European surf trip. The easiest way to access it is by car, especially with surfing gear to carry around!
San Sebastian, Spain
Situated in the Basque country near the Pyrenees, this picturesque Spanish town offers some of the best surf spots in Europe. Easily accessed either from San Sebastian airport by car or by train, the location offers year-round surfing, with the biggest waves usually occurring in the winter.
Mundaka, Spain
Surfing in Europe doesn’t get better than this! From autumn to spring, this former fishing town near Bilbao welcomes experienced surfers for an unforgettable European surf trip! The best way to get there is to fly to Bilbao airport. From there, you can either hop on a bus or rent a car to get to your destination, which is an hour away.
The Bubble, Canary Islands, Spain
This destination is ideal to combine surfing, eating and lazing around! The best time of the year to surf in the Canaries is from November to February, and there is plenty of accommodation to choose from. A 5-star hotel or hostel, there is room for every budget on the Spanish island.
Biarritz, France
This southwestern French city offers many beaches for all surfers, beginners and experienced. Between sea and mountains, this beautiful town has its own airport or can be accessed via the French motorway A63.
Hossegor, France
Hossegor is truly one of the best surfing destinations in Europe. Its waves are powerful – sometimes even brutal, but it is for many the best surfing spot in the west of France. It is easily accessed by car from Biarritz, which is merely 42 kilometres away.
Lacanau, France
Lacanau is by far the most popular surfing spot in the Bordeaux area. The area offers several beaches and is accessible to beginners when the sea is not too rough. But beware, once the sea gets agitated, only confirmed surfers will know how to ride those waves!
Sennen Cove, Cornwall, England
These top 10 surf destinations in Europe would not be complete without a few beaches in the UK. Sennen Cove has a lot to offer to experienced surfers with some of the best waves on the English coastlines! The water gets a little chilly in the winter months – it’s England after all! The area is only accessible by car – a good five-hour drive from London Heathrow.
Watergate Bay, Cornwall, England
Another classic surfing destination in England is Watergate Bay in Newquay. This area is a lot more forgiving than most for beginners! Newquay is about five hours away from London and is accessible by the A30. Careful though, the roads are rather narrow and you may well encounter a few potholes on the way there.
Bundoran Beach, Ireland
Ireland might not be the first surfing spot that comes to mind, but it is real! Bundoran even hosted the European Surfing Championship in 2011. The waves are accessible all year round and the easiest way to get there is by car, although local buses do run between Donegal and Bundoran.
