Europe's Surf Hot Spots: 6 Picks

Summer is in the air, heck, the sun is poking its big beautiful nose around the corner, bringing with it hope and dreams of surfing in warmer spots. With temperatures heating up, it’s time to get excited about a balmy break. Europe has a huge host of brilliant options for surfers of all experience levels and budgets.

Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve has been every foreigner's favourite slice of Portugal for decades now and surfers are no exception. It might lack some of the wave quality of Peniche and Ericeira but the laid back country vibe more than makes up for that, attracting ever increasing numbers of foreign surfers escaping from the icy winters of northern Europe.

Latas, Northern Spain

Such a good spot, set in a beautiful part of Northern Spain on the Camino De Santiago, yet a short stroll from the playful beach break Playa De Somo. Good fun for single travellers, couples, even families. Go here for a week of surfing fun and become a part of the Latas Surf Family.

Hossegor, France

​Welcome to the heart of the European surfing. This stretch of coastline is home to some of the surf beach breaks in the world. With miles and miles of waves for all levels. It’s also home to a very French, family friendly vibe. Think riding bicycles as the sun rises to the bakery to grab your morning croissants, mid morning surfs with no one around, lunch time stubbies, brie, bread and good wine for less that a bottle of water.

Nazaré, Portugal

Praia do Norte, in Nazaré, Portugal, currently holds the official record for the largest wave ever surfed. The local underwater canyon, plus a happy combination of local winds and currents result in one of the most perfect A-frame big waves the world has ever seen. Not for everyone but looks insane.

Newquay, United Kingdom

Newquay is justifiably king of the UK surf scene, with consistent waves and a fantastic array of beaches to suit different tides, weather conditions, mood and ability. Just watch out for rip currents during high surf! Big tidal range so can be a long walk out at low tide! You'll find it popular with bodyboarders and novices alike with both left and right breaks depending on what the sand bars are doing.

San Sebastian, Spain

The local passion for surf here is so great that recent years have seen it become a way of life. Thousands of surfers from all over the world make their way to San Sebastian's Zurriola Beach which, during the summer is easy to confuse with the popular surfings coasts of Australia and California. 

See a few spots you like? Need a break from your nine to five? Lock in a space on our popular Spain & France surf Van Surfari trip!