Best Surfing Destinations in Europe (2026)

Europe is way more surf rich than it gets credit for: you can chase mellow longboard days, punchy beach break barrels, or rugged reef missions, all without leaving the continent.

This guide outlines the best surfing destinations in Europe, best on number of surf spots, wave variety and year-round consistency.

Let's (duck)dive into it!

Portugal

Portugal is the easy yes for Europe surf trips because there are waves year round and you can usually find a spot that works even if the wind changes.

It’s also great for mixed groups, because you can pair beginner beaches with more serious performance waves in the same region.

Best surf spots in Portugal

Surf town or zone	Best surf spots	Typical wave size (m)	Best season
Peniche and Baleal	Supertubos, Baleal beaches	0.5 to 3.5	Sep to Apr
Ericeira	Ribeira d’Ilhas, Coxos	0.8 to 4.0	Sep to Apr
Algarve	Arrifana, Amado	0.5 to 3.0	Oct to Mar

For which surf levels is Portugal best for?

Portugal is a rare “everyone wins” surf country, because you can almost always find a wave that matches your confidence level.

Level	Best seasons (Portugal)	What to expect
Beginner	May to September	Smaller surf on average, warmer water, friendlier learning days.
Intermediate	March to May, September to November	Better consistency without as many maxed-out days.
Advanced	October to March	Bigger, more powerful Atlantic swells and heavier waves.

Moving north along the Atlantic, Spain keeps that swell energy but changes the coastline feel completely.

Is Portugal appealing to you? Read our guide with the best surfing destinations in Portugal.

Spain (Northern Coast)

Northern Spain is a solid pick if you want culture and surf in the same day.

You’ll find a mix of beach breaks, reefs, and standout setups, and autumn often brings more consistent swells while the weather still feels pretty friendly.

Best surf spots in Spain

Surf town or zone	Best surf spots	Typical wave size (m)	Best season
Basque Coast (San Sebastián area)	Zurriola, Zarautz	0.5 to 3.0	Sep to Dec
Mundaka area	Mundaka, Laida	0.8 to 4.0	Sep to Mar
Asturias	Rodiles and nearby beaches	0.8 to 3.0	Sep to Apr

For which surf levels is Spain best for?

Spain is best for surfers who like variety, with some zones feeling very accessible and others getting serious fast when swell jumps.

Level	Best seasons (Northern Spain)	What to expect
Beginner	June to September	Usually smaller, more forgiving beach days.
Intermediate	September to November, March to May	More consistent surf with manageable size.
Advanced	October to March	Stronger swells and more “proper” days at the standout breaks.

Keep heading up the Bay of Biscay and you land in France, where beach breaks can be playful one day and wild the next.

Read our full guide about the best surfing destinations in Spain here!

France (Southwest)

Southwest France is legendary: powerful Atlantic swell, world famous sandbanks, and deep surf culture around towns like Hossegor and Biarritz.

Late summer through autumn is the sweet spot when consistency improves but the water’s still got some warmth.

Best surf spots in France

Surf town or zone	Best surf spots	Typical wave size (m)	Best season
Hossegor and Seignosse	La Gravière, La Nord, Les Estagnots	0.8 to 3.5	Aug to Nov
Biarritz and Anglet	Côte des Basques, Grande Plage, Anglet beaches	0.5 to 3.0	Apr to Nov
Capbreton	La Piste and nearby peaks	0.6 to 3.0	Sep to Nov

For which surf levels is France best for?

France is a dream if you love beach breaks, but it rewards good positioning and confidence because the ocean can turn it up fast.

Level	Best seasons (Southwest France)	What to expect
Beginner	June to August	Friendlier surf on average; best for lessons and repetition.
Intermediate	September to November, April to May	Great mix of quality + manageable size.
Advanced	October to February	More heavy days, more hollow surf, more “serious” sessions.

If you want the raw Atlantic version of Europe, Ireland is where it gets properly wild and beautiful.

Want to read more about French surf spots? Read our guide with the best surfing destinations in France.

Ireland (West Coast)

Ireland is for surfers who like rugged coastlines and don’t mind a bit of weather.

The scenery is unreal, the swells can be powerful, and every session feels like an adventure. It’s cold-water surfing, so neoprene is part of the deal.

Best surf spots in Ireland

Surf town or zone	Best surf spots	Typical wave size (m)	Best season
Donegal	Bundoran area breaks	1.0 to 4.0	Sep to Mar
Sligo	Strandhill	0.8 to 3.5	Sep to Mar
Kerry	Dingle and nearby reefs	1.0 to 4.5	Oct to Mar

For which surf levels is Ireland best for?

Ireland is best for surfers who are comfortable with moving conditions and stronger swells — but there are still beginner-friendly days if you choose the right beach at the right tide.

Level	Best seasons (Ireland)	What to expect
Beginner	June to August	Your best odds for smaller, more forgiving conditions.
Intermediate	September to November, March to May	Solid swell without the harshest winter extremes.
Advanced	October to March	Biggest swells, most intense conditions, most reward on good days.

For the final stop, Scotland brings fewer crowds, dramatic coastline, and surprisingly good waves if you time it right.

Scotland (North and West)

Scotland is cold-water surfing with big character. The vibe is often quieter than the main European hotspots, the scenery is next level, and the best days can be genuinely high quality. It’s not the easiest destination, but it’s a memorable one.

Best surf spots in Scotland

Surf town or zone	Best surf spots	Typical wave size (m)	Best season
Thurso (north)	Thurso East	1.5 to 4.0	Sep to Apr
West coast	Road-access beaches and reefs (varies)	0.8 to 3.0	Sep to Mar
East coast (select days)	Exposed beach breaks	0.5 to 2.0	Sep to Mar

For which surf levels is Scotland best for?

Scotland is best for surfers who don’t mind a mission and want something different from the usual European surf trip checklist.

Level	Best seasons (Scotland)	What to expect
Beginner	June to August	Smaller surf windows and slightly kinder conditions.
Intermediate	September to November, March to May	Better swell frequency with fewer fully maxed-out days.
Advanced	October to March	Most consistent swell and the best chance of proper power.

For more surfing destinations in Scotland and the UK, read our full guide outlining the best surfing destinations in the UK.

Other European surf destinations

Europe has loads more surf than just the big five. Here are extra picks for quick inspiration (all approximate).

Other destination	Typical wave size (m)	Best season	Vibe
Canary Islands (Spain)	0.8 to 3.0	Oct to Mar	Warm winter escape with lots of breaks.
Wales (UK)	0.5 to 3.0	Sep to Mar	Consistent Atlantic energy with friendly beaches.
Norway (Unstad, Lofoten)	0.8 to 3.0	Sep to Mar	Cold-water novelty, serious scenery, serious gear.
Italy (Sardinia)	0.5 to 2.5	Oct to Apr	Mediterranean storms, quieter lineups, lots of variety.

Summary / conclusion

Europe’s surf is basically one big choose-your-own-adventure. If you want the highest odds of scoring with minimal hassle, Portugal is the safest all-round bet.

If you want culture + consistent Atlantic energy, northern Spain and southwest France are the sweet spot (with France bringing the punchiest beach breaks).

If you’re chasing the raw, wild stuff and don’t mind cold water missions, Ireland and Scotland deliver proper adventure sessions and dramatic coastlines.

Either way, they're plenty of destinations to choose from!