Surfing on the Old Continent
The waters of the North Atlantic may be cold, but they provide some of the world’s best surf. Don’t believe us? Ask any surfer who flocks to countries like England, France, and Portugal for their strong winds and powerful swells. Or check out warmer waters and wild waves in the Mediterranean, Balearic, and Black Seas. There is even surfing inland on raging rivers! The “old continent” may be best known for its art, culture, and history, but there are plenty of people who choose to travel here for beach holidays, thrills, and sports (such as surfing!).
Below we have gathered some of the most popular surf spots from Europe’s shores for you to test out, and when you are ready head to Tripmasters to book your ideal European surf holiday!
The UK & Ireland: It is a shame more people don’t recognize the UK and Ireland for their popular beach holidays, especially because they are primarily responsible for making seaside stays a trend.
The United Kingdom is famous for its challenging surfing! Cornwall is the surf capital of the UK, and we suggest either Newquay or St Ives (pictured). But Scotland’s “surf capital” Thurso comes in a close second. Surfers love the spellbinding waters off the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and the thrilling waves off the Kintyre Peninsula. Also fun for all is the man-made inland surf lagoon at Adventure Parc Snowdonia in Conwy, Wales.
Ireland welcomes surfers to its picturesque North Atlantic and Celtic Sea coasts, try out Doolin (County Clare), Garretstown Beach in County Cork, and Tramore near Waterford for prime surfing!
France and the Iberian Peninsula: The surf capital of Europe is widely considered to be Biarritz, France (pictured) because it is where the sport was introduced to Europe in the 1950s – but St. Tropez on the French Riviera is catching up in popularity.
Not looking to be outdone by its French Basque neighbor, the culinary capital of Spain, San Sebastian, is also known as one of its most popular surf destinations! Additionally, Spain’s Canary Islands draw surfers from around the world.
But it is perhaps Portugal that receives constant attention from the surf community. It has desirable spots up and down its coast and in its far-flung Azores Islands. Check out Nazare and Peniche in the Silver Coast, Lisbon, the Estoril Coast, and Sagres in the West Algarve for prime surfing!
More to Explore in Europe: Europe’s islands make for excellent surfing! Case in point: both Malta Island and Sardinia have small but dedicated surfing communities.
Europe’s Black Sea Coast (pictured) draws adventurers to the shores of Sunny Beach, Bulgaria and Constanta, Romania for a riveting experience.
Munich (yes, the inland capital of Bavaria) is home to surprising surfing on its raging Eisbach River, and continuing to the North Sea – surf enthusiasts find demanding breaks in The Hague and Stavanger, Norway!
Who knew the Old Continent had so much to offer the surf community? See below for some more surprises!
Maybe Europe isn’t your cup of tea after all? We’ve got you covered. Click here to head back to the main page and explore surfing all around the world!
