Top Surf Spots in Europe

photo by Martin’s on Flickr

This beach is 90 meters long and 100 meters wide. It is located within the Biosphere Reserve of Urdabai, so being wild and unbuilt is one of its features. The wave of Mundaka is considered one of the top left waves in Europe and even the world. This wave is hollow and long and can reach almost 400 meters long.

Photo by Wanaku on Flickr

Among the white, sandy beaches, Lances is notable for both its size and beauty, as well as its ability to attract surfers from around the world. It is an urban beach, which has the advantages the easy access to restaurants, parking, medical help and more.

Located east of the central beach of Hossegor, The Gravière beach is the go-to surf beach on the French coast, and maybe even in Europe. Famous for its waves and the strong wind, this beach is a quiet and far away from it all, meeting point for surfers.

Open to winds coming from the west, La Palue is one of the most outstanding beaches on the coast of Great Britain. At low tide, surfing is possible only for experts, while halfway up or higher waves may offer long waves, suitable for those who are still learning the basics of surf.

photo by etibcom on Flickr

Located in the district of Acotz, this beach is pretty wild, especially in winter. It is surrounded by cliffs that form a large bay. It is one of the most emblematic places of the Basque coast and a place good for surfing all year round.

photo by Stewart Plant on Flickr

Located on the southwest coast of Donegal, this beach should be the starting point for anyone who wants to explore the best of Ireland. This picturesque fishing village offers cliffs and beaches that are ideal for both experienced surfers and just starting wave aficionados.

photo by eastern_lines_surf_shop on Flickr

The beautiful county of Sligo in northwest Ireland has one of the best places for surfing in Ireland. The Esakey beaches: Easkey Left and Right are famous and perfect for those who are just starting to ride the waves. The atmosphere is relaxed, quiet and pleasant.

photo by coachmanphotos on Flickr

Thurso East is one of the best surfing places on the northern coast of Scotland. It came into spotlight in 2006, when it was chosen as a venue for a surfing competition and it’s still the chosen location for many international competitions. Even though it can get a bit crowded during peak season, Thurso East is a go to place all year round.

photo by Rosalind White Photography on Flickr

Cornwall is not only one of the most popular UK holiday destinations, but also a great spot for surf. Some people say that its location, diving straight into the Atlantic Ocean makes it perfect for riding the waves. Beach towns such as Perranporth, Polzeath and Newquay have excellent surfing beaches.

photo by fiammetta53 on Flickr

This rocky beach, popular among surfers from all over Europe, is located 30 km northwest of Oristano and is characterized by small, isolated coves. Particularly exposed to winds from the western quadrant, during heavy storms the waves can reach up to 4 meters high.

photo by Learn To Surf on Flickr

Famous for its perfect, tubular waves, and also known as the “Pipeline” in Europe, this beach offers weaves with crests that are so long they create hollow tubes. They that attract professional surfers from around the world, all year long. In 2010 it was the host of one of the stages of the World Cup of Surfing.

photo by thomasbosboom on Flickr

The Praia do Guincho is the westernmost point of Cascais, a small village one hour away from Lisbon. 250 meters long, it is undoubtedly one of the best places in Portugal for surfing and windsurfing. In the 90s, it hosted one of the stages of the World Cup for Local Windsurfing and it still hosts various sporting events, such as the National Championship Surf and Bodyboard, every year.

photo by thomasbosboomon Flickr

It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal and offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Costa Vicentina. It covers a sandy area of over 500 meters, forming a small bay protected from the waves. It is very popular among surfers and bodyboarders, especially off season. Natural conditions offer good waves all year long.

photo by guilupa on Flickr

Better known as the “Hawaii of Germany”, Fehmarn is one of the most popular places to surf in Germany, where the best surfers in the country and even Europe often get together. For beginners, the island offers many bays with shallow waters.