- The Bubble, Canary Islands: Short but powerful hollow waves, only suitable for experienced surfers, well protected by locals.
- Praia da Arda, Portugal: Powerful breaking, fast and hollow peaks, less crowded than the southern spots.
- Scheveningen, Netherlands: Good waves in spring and fall, thick wetsuits required, steady breeze.
- Santa Marina Island, Spain: Hidden gem in the Basque Country, fantastic barrel waves, rugged and unspoiled nature.
- Tjornuvik, Faroe Islands: Stunning black sand beach, left and right breaking waves, often deserted.
- Godrevy Beach, England: Three miles of golden sand, suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, famous for its lighthouse and seals.
- La Gravière, France: Known for fast tubes and powerful waves, vibrant surf scene, best in fall.
- Doolin Point, Ireland: Long reef break with steep waves, impressive backdrop of the Cliffs of Moher, best at low tide.
- Hoddevik, Norway: Secluded beach, ideal for all levels, surrounded by mountains and fjords.
- Surf Snowdonia, Wales: World’s first man-made surf lagoon, customizable waves for all levels, unique forest landscape.
Europe’s coastlines are littered with amazing surf spots. These places are often less known, but just as breathtaking as the famous waves of Hawaii or Australia. Discover Europe’s best surf spots away from crowded beaches and experience the diversity of European surf culture. Here are ten top-notch but often overlooked surf spots you must try.
The Bubble, Canary Islands
This exposed reef break on Fuerteventura, known as The Bubble, shines outside the summer months. The Bubble offers short but powerful, hollow and fast waves suitable only for experienced surfers. The spot is well protected by the locals, making it a challenge for visitors. However, those who get the chance to surf here will have an unforgettable experience.
Praia da Arda, Portugal
Praia da Arda in Afife, northern Portugal, offers powerful breaking waves with fast, hollow peaks. The spot is less crowded than the famous surf spots in the south, but still offers excellent conditions. The strong current and impressive waves make Praia da Arda an ideal spot for experienced surfers.
Scheveningen, Netherlands
Scheveningen, the beach of The Hague, offers good waves in spring and fall with a northwesterly swell. Thick wetsuits are mandatory to withstand the cold water temperatures. The spot is known for its constant breeze and occasional good waves. Especially in spring and fall, when the northwesterly swells hit the coast, Scheveningen shows its potential.
Santa Marina Island, Spain
Isla de Santa Marina off Santander is a hidden gem in Spain’s Basque Country. The right reef break of the island offers fantastic barrel waves during big swells. To catch the best waves, respect for the local surfers is essential. This spot offers rugged, unspoiled nature and top-notch surfing conditions.
Tjornuvik, Faroe Islands
Tjornuvik, on the island of Streymoy, offers a stunning backdrop with views of the famous Risin and Kellingin sea stacks. The black sand beach has both left and right breaking waves and is often deserted, making it a perfect retreat. A wetsuit is essential as the maximum water temperature is only 11 degrees Celsius.
Godrevy Beach, England
Godrevy Beach is located in Hayle, Cornwall. The beach stretches for three miles with golden sand and gently breaking waves, ideal for beginners and intermediates. As the swell builds the conditions become more challenging. The biggest waves are at the northern end of the beach, near the distinctive lighthouse. In addition, you can often surf alongside seals, making this spot unique.
La Gravière, France
La Gravière in Hossegor is known for its fast tubes and powerful waves. This spot is a great alternative to the often crowded beaches of Biarritz. Especially in the fall, during the WSL World Tour, La Gravière shows its best waves. The consistent breaks and the lively surfing scene make this spot particularly attractive.
Doolin Point, Ireland
Doolin Point in County Clare is a lesser known but excellent surf spot. The long reef break offers steep, long waves ideal for big carves when the North Atlantic swell hits. The stunning Cliffs of Moher provide an impressive backdrop. The spot is best surfed at low tide, but caution is advised due to the sharp reef.
Hoddevik, Norway
Hoddevik is located in Selje county, surrounded by majestic mountains and fjords. The secluded beach offers a spectacular setting, ideal for surfers of all levels. The white sandy beach is wide and offers perfect conditions for beginners on calm days, while more experienced surfers enjoy the stronger swells. Nearby spots such as Ervik also offer consistently good waves.
Surf Snowdonia, Wales
Surf Snowdonia in Conwy is the world’s first man-made surf lagoon. The innovative facility offers reliable, customizable waves for all skill levels. Waves roll in every 90 seconds and there are different zones for beginners, intermediates and pros. Surrounded by a surreal landscape of forests and pastoral beauty, Surf Snowdonia offers a unique surfing experience.
