There are many great longboard waves that surfers can enjoy all over the continent.
Here are the best longboard waves in Europe.
(The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Europe)
1. Grande Plage, Biarritz – France
The Grande Plage in Biarritz is known among longboarders as one of the best places to surf in Europe.
Along its stretch of sandy beach, the waves consistently peel and provide the perfect conditions for graceful longboarding rides.
It’s not just a mecca for professional surfers though – the beach also attracts van-dwelling road trippers looking for a laid-back spot to hang out and enjoy some waves.
Just be prepared for some crowded lineups during the summer months.
If you’re searching for world-class longboarding waves, the Grande Plage in Biarritz should be on your list.
2. Crantock Bay, Newquay
Crantock Bay is a well-known surf spot located in Newquay, Cornwall, UK. It is considered one of the best longboard spots in Europe, thanks to its consistently long and smooth waves that are perfect for cruising on a longboard.
During peak season, the beach at Crantock Bay can get crowded with both professional and amateur surfers, but the waves are large enough to accommodate everyone. While the crowds can be a bit of a drawback, the waves at Crantock Bay are so good that many surfers are willing to brave the crowds in order to enjoy them.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful surfing experience, consider going for a dawn or sunset session at Crantock Bay. These times of day tend to be less crowded and can provide a more serene atmosphere for surfing.
Overall, Crantock Bay is a must-visit destination for longboarders looking for some of the best waves in the UK. Its consistently long and smooth waves make it a perfect spot for cruising on a longboard, and the beautiful surroundings only add to the overall appeal of the beach.
3. Brandon Bay, Republic of Ireland
Brandon Bay is a popular spot for longboarding in the Republic of Ireland. It is located on the west coast of the country and is known for its consistently good swells and perfect conditions for longboarding. The bay is crescent-shaped and offers a variety of breaks, making it suitable for surfers of all levels.
In addition to the great surf, the local community in Brandon Bay is friendly and welcoming to surfers. There are also a number of cozy pubs in the area where you can relax and enjoy a cold Guinness after a day out on the water.
Overall, Brandon Bay is a hidden gem for longboarders and surfers in Ireland and is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
4. Barbate, Spain
Barbate is a great surf spot located in Southern Spain, just south of Cadiz. It is known for offering some of the best longboard waves in Europe, particularly during the summer months when the swell gets bigger and more consistent. The wave at Barbate is a right-hand point break, which means that it breaks towards the right as it approaches the shore. This type of wave is typically more suitable for longboarding than other types of waves because it is longer and more predictable.
One of the appealing aspects of Barbate is that it is often overlooked by tourists, which means that it can be less crowded than other surf spots in the area. This can make for a more peaceful and enjoyable surfing experience.
Overall, Barbate is a great destination for longboarders looking for memorable waves in Spain. It offers excellent surf conditions and a more laid-back atmosphere than some of the more crowded surf spots in the region.
5. Somo Beach, Loredo – Spain
Somo Beach is a popular surf spot located in Loredo, Spain. It is known for offering some of the best longboard waves in Europe, thanks to its three miles of sandbanks which provide plenty of space for catching those long, perfect rides.
If you’re new to longboarding or just looking for some guidance, Somo Beach is also home to one of the most popular surf camps in the area. This can be a great way to learn more about the sport and improve your skills with the help of experienced instructors.
Overall, Somo Beach is a great destination for longboarders looking to enjoy some amazing surfing opportunities. It offers excellent wave conditions and a welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. So if you’re planning a trip to Spain and want to hit the waves, make sure to add Somo Beach to your itinerary.
6. Skail Bay, Orkney Islands
Skail Bay is a popular surf spot located in the Orkney Islands, off the north coast of Scotland. It is known for offering some of the best longboard waves in Europe, thanks to its wide and deep bay that offers both right and left point breaks. This means that there are waves breaking towards the right and towards the left, providing plenty of opportunities for longboarders to ride the waves all day long.
One of the appealing aspects of Skail Bay is that it is located in the northern hemisphere, which means that during the summer months, surfers can take advantage of nearly 24-hour sunlight to maximize their time in the water. This can be a great opportunity for those who love to surf and want to make the most of the long summer days.
Overall, Skail Bay is a great destination for longboarders looking to enjoy some unforgettable surfing experiences. It offers excellent wave conditions and a beautiful location that is perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. So if you’re planning a trip to the Orkney Islands and want to hit the waves, make sure to add Skail Bay to your itinerary.
7. Ribeira d’iLhas, Ericeira
Ribeira d’iLhas is a popular surf spot located in Ericeira, Portugal. It is widely considered to have some of the best longboard waves in Europe, thanks to its long, consistent right-hand waves that are perfect for cruising on a longboard. The beach itself is known for its beautiful scenery and laid-back vibe, which make it a great place to spend a day surfing and relaxing.
While Ribeira d’iLhas can get crowded at times, especially during the peak surfing season, it is still well worth a visit for longboarders. Just be sure to pack your best longboard and be prepared for some truly memorable waves.
If you’re planning a trip to Ribeira d’iLhas and are worried about pronouncing the name, just call it “Riberia” and most locals will know exactly where you’re talking about. So pack your bags and head to this beautiful beach for a surfing experience you won’t forget.
8. Lagido, Peniche
Lagido is a world-class surf spot located in Peniche, Portugal. It is known for offering some of the best longboard waves in Europe, making it a must-visit destination for longboarders.
One of the appealing aspects of Lagido is the variety of wave conditions it offers. The spot features a fast takeoff over rocks, which can be challenging for some surfers. However, once you make it past the rocks, the wave tends to mellow out in the open water, making it the perfect wave for longboarding. The long, smooth ride at Lagido allows surfers to really enjoy the feeling of gliding on their boards.
Another great feature of Lagido is that it is located near a sand spit, which means that if the wind happens to blow onshore, you can simply walk across the sand to find offshore conditions at the nearby beach break. This makes it a great spot for surfers who want to be able to find good conditions regardless of the wind direction.
Overall, Lagido is a must-visit destination for longboarders looking for some of the best waves in Europe. Its combination of fast takeoffs and long, smooth rides make it a truly unforgettable surfing experience.