The 3 Best Places to Surf in Europe

From Spain to Portugal, France to Italy, Greece to Turkey and more, there are plenty of amazing spots for surfing throughout the continent.

What are the best places to surf in Europe?

Short answer: The best places to surf in Europe are Spain, Portugal, and France.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, there are plenty of great places to surf in Europe.

Also check out our guide to 11 underrated surf destinations around the world.

1. Spain 

First on our list of the best places to surf longboard waves in Europe is Spain.

Spain is a renowned destination for surfers from all over the world.

With miles of coastline and world-class waves, it's no wonder that Spain is a top choice for surfers of all levels.

From beginner-friendly beaches to world-class breaks, Spain has something for everyone.

La Santa Beach, Lanzarote

La Santa beach on the island of Lanzarote is a popular spot for beginner and experienced surfers alike.

The waves here are beginner-friendly and the water is warm, making it a great spot for those new to surfing.

Zarautz Beach

For experienced surfers, Zarautz Beach in Basque Country is a must-visit. With world-class waves that attract some of the biggest names in surfing, Zarautz is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a challenge. 

2. Portugal 

Second on our list of the best places to surf in Europe is Portugal.

Portugal is a great option for those looking to catch some waves in Europe.

The country has a long coastline with a variety of different beaches, each offering something unique for surfers of all levels.

It's also a great place to learn surfing at any of these surf schools in Portugal.

Supertubos Beach

Supertubos Beach near Peniche is one of the most popular spots in Portugal for surfing.

The waves here are known for being powerful and fast, making it a great spot for experienced surfers.

Praia da Rocha

However, beginners can also find good conditions further south at beaches like Praia da Rocha on the Algarve coast.

Waves here tend to be smaller and more gentle, making them perfect for those just starting out.

In addition to its great surfing conditions, Portugal is also renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals.

So whether you're a beginner or a pro, you're sure to have a great time surfing in Portugal!

3. France 

Third and last on our list of the best places to surf in Europe is France.

France may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of surfing, but the reality is that there are plenty of great spots to catch some waves.

When it comes to surfing, most people think of California, Australia, or Hawaii. But what about France?

Believe it or not, France is actually one of the best places in Europe for surfing.

La Nord

La Nord beach is perfect for beginners, while experienced surfers will enjoy hitting the waves at Les Culs Nus beach. 

Biarritz

Biarritz is located just south of the Basque Country in southwestern France.

Thanks to its Atlantic location, Biarritz has some amazing waves that attract surfers from all over Europe.

Hossegor

Another great spot for surfing in France is Hossegor, which is located just north of Biarritz in the Aquitaine region.

Hossegor is home to some of the best beaches in Europe for surfing, including La Graviere beach which attracts many professional surfers during competition season.  

TIP: The Isle of Ré, located off the coast of La Rochelle in France, is one of the best places to view the phenomenon of square waves.

Where is the best surfing in Europe?

From Spain to Portugal, France to Italy, Greece to Turkey and more, there are plenty of amazing spots for surfing throughout the continent.

Our pick is Biarritz, France.

With its world-class waves and beautiful setting, Biarritz is definitely a must-visit for any surfer looking to catch some waves in Europe!

Is there anywhere to surf in Europe?

Yes! There are plenty of great spots for surfing throughout Europe.

Some of our favourites include La Santa Beach in Lanzarote, Zarautz Beach in Basque Country, Supertubos Beach in Portugal, and Biarritz in France.

Where is the surfing capital of Europe?

There is no official “surfing capital of Europe,” but there are definitely a few places that stand out as being great spots for surfing.

These include Biarritz in France, Hossegor in France, Peniche in Portugal, and the Basque Country in Spain.

Some of the most popular surfing destinations in Europe include Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy.

Where can I surf in Europe in the summer?

There are plenty of great spots for surfing in Europe during the summer months.

Some of the best places to surf include:

  • Spain: Canary Islands, Galicia
  • France: Hossegor, Biarritz
  • Portugal: Ericeira, Peniche
  • Turkey: Alanya, Akyaka

Where should beginners surf in Europe?

If you're a beginner surfer, there are plenty of great spots for you to surf in Europe.

Some of the best places for beginners to surf include:

  • Spain: Canary Islands, Galicia
  • France: Hossegor, Biarritz
  • Portugal: Ericeira, Peniche

Where are the biggest waves in Europe?

If you're looking for big waves, there are plenty of great spots for surfing in Europe.

The biggest wave is in Portugal, at Nazaré.

Why are waves in Portugal so big?  

Waves in Portugal are so big because of the Nazaré Canyon.

The Nazaré Canyon is a underwater canyon that is located off the coast of Nazaré, Portugal.

The canyon is responsible for creating some of the biggest waves in the world.

Plus the Atlantic ocean has some of the best swells for surfing.