Top 25 best surfing destinations in Europe

Enjoy water sports? Maybe surfing is one of your favourite sports? If so, let’s go surfing! There are many great beaches around Europe where you can find some nice surfable waves. The list below will help you find the greatest surf spots (plus the campsite), making it easier for you to make the choice for your next camping holiday! 

This Atlantic surfing spot is well-known as the "surfing capital of Europe". Hossegor’s big waves invite an ever-growing number of surfers from all around the world. The beach at Hossegor spans three kilometres, and there are four very distinctive surf spots. South of Estagnots, Les Culs Nus bridges the gap between Seignosse’s beach breaks and the legendary Hossegor tubes of La Gravière. Camping l'Airial Soustons is nearby and is a great place to relax after a day full of fun.

If you're looking for a sports holiday, the following surfcampings Camping Les Sablères in nearby Vieux Boucau and Camping Les Cigales and Camping Le Saint Martin in nearby Moliets Plage host a range of cool summer surfcamps.

Carrapateira is a small, whitewashed village about 20 minutes north of Sagres, the region’s self-proclaimed surf capital. Within eyeshot of the town itself, there are two main surfing beaches: to the north, Bordeira, and to the south, Carrapateira itself. Both are pretty outstanding examples of Algarvian Atlantic surf. It is also worth mentioning that Carrapateira is in the midst of a whole region that is known for its waves. If you are a beginner at surfing, you can drive just 30 minutes along pine-studded coast roads and you will reach Arrifana Surf, considered as one of the most reputable schools in the Algarve region. Go south and there is Sagres, with its Atlantic-facing and more sheltered southern beaches. A stay at Camping Giralda Isla Cristina awaits you.

Pedra Branca is a sleepy fishing village turned into a surfer town with stunning beaches, including the sandbar Sao Lorenzo and the epic Pedra Branca reef break. It has one of the best waves in Europe. Pedra Branca is located on the southern point of a beach called Praia da Empa, next to the surf spot. The best conditions are east and northeast winds combined with west and southwest swells. This spot is a bodyboarder's favourite and cannot handle a big crowd because of the narrow take-off zone. Nearby campsite Camping Turiscampo - Yelloh! awaits you for a stay.

Peniche is known as the surf capital of Portugal. Advanced surfers who want to try their luck on the Supertubos, one of the region’s largest breaks, should visit between autumn and winter. Beginner or intermediate surfers should visit in the spring or summer when waves are more manageable. Peniche is considered the capital of the Portuguese surf scene, with more than 30 different breaks in the surrounding area. Ohai Nazaré Outdoor Resort is the campsite which awaits you for a stay.

It is difficult to pick just one spot in a coastal area with so many large breakers. For example, Mundaka is located inside the UNESCO Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, around 40 kilometres northeast of Bilbao . It is a cute little town, where surfers come from all over the world just to try out its world-famous surf. Mundaka even holds the annual Billabong Pro surf competition. There are a few surf schools here for those who want to improve their skills too. Sopelana is more appropriate for all levels of surfing year-round, though autumn and winter produce the biggest waves. And, of course, surfers can enjoy the Basque version of tapas after an epic day of surfing. Camping & Bungalows Portuondo welcomes surfers to relax and offers well-arranged bungalows.

Biarritz is an excellent choice for surfing beginners. It is home to a number of surf schools. Although Biarritz is actually in France, it is part of the Basque coastline mentioned above. June and July are the best months for beginners. Biarritz offers two iconic beaches, the Grande Plage and Cote des Basques, both great surf spots with excellent hollow waves. Beginners should visit La Cote des Basques, just south of the city, for one of the best beaches in Europe to learn how to surf. After a day full of water fun, relax at Camping Ur-onea. Looking for sports, fun and companionship? Camping Abaya - Vacances André Trigano is host to several summer surf camps.

Italy is not well-known for big waves, but Varazze gives it an exception. Just north of Genova , the Varazze town is frequently visited by Italian and French surfers. And, it is one of the few spots you can surf once the sun sets. The best waves are found in winter, with smaller swells in autumn and spring. The best wind direction is from the north northwest. However, the beach is often crowded and you have to be careful about rips, man-made dangers like buoys, etc. Camping Villa Doria is the nearby campsite that welcomes you for a pleasant stay.

Ireland is a country with immense options for surfers. However, many of the best spots are for experts only. With surfable waves year-round, Keel Beach is one of the most popular surfing beaches. Thus, there is some next-level surfing around Ireland's rugged coastline for all levels and abilities, with shops and surf schools providing everything you need, starting on the north coast at Portrush , a beautiful little seaside resort. The waves here are not too heavy, rather nice and rolling, making them ideal for beginners. Camping Ballyness Caravan Park awaits you for a stay.

Sweden’s west-coast region of Halland is home to some of the country’s best surfing, including the "Swedish surf capital" of Varberg . Varberg’s most popular spot for surfers of any level is Apelviken . Even though the water temperature is much colder (wet suits are essential), it has a sort of vibe. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are also extremely popular in the region. Halland has long been one of Sweden’s best places for surfing, and the Surfers Paradise store in Varberg is the largest surf shop in the country. After a day full of water fun, Camping Apelviken welcomes you to stay in one of their chalets or on one of their pitches.

Svolvær (Lofoten) in Norway is known for having the best waves in the country. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing all take place at this beautiful Nordic archipelago where the water offers all ages and any level of experience exciting activities. Although the climate is cold, quality, thick wetsuits with hoods, neoprene gloves, and boots keep surfers warm as they enjoy what may be the most beautiful cold water surf location in the world. Thus, surfers can view and explore stunning fjords, breathtaking and picturesque landscapes, and stunning scenery, not to mention the Northern Lights. Skårungen is the campsite that awaits you for a pleasant stay.

Poland may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of surfing, but those Baltic Sea swells are very large. Low-salt water ensures quicker-moving waves, and autumn and spring storms make for the best surfing conditions. The country's main surfing spots are located in Pomerania, between Karwia and Rowy. The Peninsula of Hel has spectacular wind conditions for kiteboarders and windsurfers. Dabki (Koszalin), Leba, and Wladyslawowo are also waiting for the Central European surfers. Sopot and Wladyslawowo are probably the most important wave riding centres in Poland. Thus, Poland is the 79th member nation of the International Surfing Association (ISA). Park 45 Hotel & Camping welcomes you to relax after.

Greece’s calm waters are not known for their huge waves, but Kolimvithra Beach on the north side of Tinos has some windy swells. The waves are best in summer (July and August) when the wind blows in. And if you wipe out, you do not have to worry about jagged rocks as the waters are sandy, not rocky. Thus, you can combine your surf vacation with a trip to Mykonos, which is just a short ferry ride away from Tinos. Camping Surfing Beach Paros welcomes you to relax and stay overnight.

The best times to go surfing in Tarifa are in autumn and winter, as this is when there is a swell. The Playa de Los Lances, located very close to the city, has a designated surfing zone right in front of the Isla de las Palomas. The best time to go surfing is when there is a westerly wind, entering directly from the sea and generating excellent waves. Tarifa’s waves, are relatively big and long-lasting, making them the perfect place to learn how to surf. And, the city has many surf schools. Camping Tarifa awaits you to relax after a day full of water fun.

Sardinia has some excellent wind conditions for windsurfing. It is a slice of paradise that is world-renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and amazingly blue seascapes. Sardinia has a favourable position in the Mediterranean, in such a way that it gets small to medium waves nearly every day of the year. The average is 300 days per year of suitable surfing conditions, which is more frequent than other top surf spots worldwide! The west coast of the island receives the strongest waves, especially during winter when mammoth mistral winds gust at full force. Villaggio Camping Capo Ferrato awaits you.

If you love waves, go to the stretch of coast between Biscarrosse Plage and Mimizan Plage. This part of the Les Landes coastline is great for surfing at any time of the year and you will have a great time. In less than five kilometres, you will find some of France's best surf spots. Not to mention the delicious French patisserie being sold on and along the beaches. The coastline is dotted with great surf spots, each with its own characteristics and accessible for all tastes and experience levels: long left-handers, classic beach breaks, tube riding challenges, mushy rides, and beginner arenas. Camping Campéole Le Vivier - MS Vacances in Biscarrosse and Camping Municipal Le Tatiou in Bias-Mimizan await you for a stay. Both also host a range of summer surfcamps.

Besides Ajaccio Bay, Corsica boasts a few decent surfing locations in the northwest and north, namely around Algajola, Lumio, and Farinole. Algajola is the island’s biggest wave spot. Generally, wind swells are more typical for the area than groundswells. Therefore, this place is popular among wind and kiteboarders. Camping Vigna Maggiore is an amazing campsite that welcomes you to come and relax after a long day full of water fun. 

Zarautz is one of the best surf towns in Spain. The best summer month to surf is June. The waves and beach breaks are among the best in Europe and attract surfers from beginners to professionals to the 2 km long sandy beach every year. Camping Talaimendi welcomes you to come and relax after a long day full of water fun.

Somo is a perfect surf spot to learn to surf or to perfect your knowledge since you will always find a peak according to your level. On the beach of Somo you will find waves every day of the year as well as beautiful sunsets. During the summer the Cantabrian Surf School is a non-stop good vibe. Its experience, professionalism, materials and facilities distinguish it from other surf schools in the area. Camping Latas - Somo Bungalow Resort awaits you for a pleasant stay. Further along the coast to the west (30mins by car from Santander) you'll find the villages of Oyambre, San Vicente de la Barquera and Ruilobuica. Each village has a range of surf schools and a real surf-village ambiance. Looking for a surf summer camp? Head to Camping El Helguero, Camping El Rosal in San Vicente de la Barquera or Camping Rodero in Oyambre.

Each year, thousands of surfers from around the world come to Ireland to enjoy the most beautiful waves in Europe. Bundoran is renowned worldwide for the quality, consistency, and variety of surf on offer. With 2-foot beginner-friendly waves, 3 to 4-foot reefs, 30-foot tow-in monsters, and everything in between, there is a great variety of surf in the area. Tullan is the most consistent beach in the area and is rarely flat. Camping Rushin House Caravan Park welcomes you to come and relax after a long day.

It might seem surprising, but Munich is one of the best-surfing destinations in Europe. How many cities in Europe offer the opportunity to surf on a raging river? There is only one and it is the capital of Bavaria! Come and surf on the river Eisbach in the beautiful and chic Englischer Garten. No need to schedule your visit, the wave is here throughout the year and waits for you at any time of the day. Camping München Thalkirchen welcomes you to come and relax after a long day full of water fun.

Sligo is one of Ireland’s most beautiful counties, and it also happens to be privy to some of the finest surf in Europe. All this watery adventure is set against a beautiful Irish landscape. No matter if you are a big wave charger or a keen beginner, you will surely have a great time here. And, Battlebridge Caravan & Camping Park welcomes you to come and relax after a long day full of water fun.

Known as "Cold Hawaii", Klitmøller is more of a windsurfing town than a surfing area. Still, when the winds subside, some waves beckon the surfer because they peel nicely and offer a surfing experience that should be far from ordinary. The best time of the year to surf at Klitmøller is during the winter, starting in November and ending in March. During these colder months, the North Sea has its best swells and is more consistent with its waves than in the summer months. Nystrup Camping Klitmøller welcomes you to relax.

San Sebastián is probably one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe. There are a thousand reasons to go to here: to enjoy its gastronomy, go trekking, shopping, relax, enjoy its superb hotels or simply dive into the blue waters. Thousands of travellers from around the world come to San Sebastian to surf on the famous Zurriola beach. Come and enjoy an unforgettable holiday in one of the most trendy destinations in Europe. Gran Camping Zarautz welcomes you to come and relax after a long day full of water fun.

People come to Perros-Guirec to surf and also watch the professionals on International Surfing Day, regularly held here. To enjoy the best waves and a good swell, surf between late September and late May. Choose this beautiful and friendly destination, enjoy the scenery and the company of friendly Bretons. And, do not miss a real treat here: buckwheat pancakes and cider. Camping Port L'Epine - Rcn welcomes you to come and relax after a long day full of water fun.

Norway is one of the northernmost countries to surf, and in winter, the beach might even be covered in snow and this makes Norway unique and different. Thus, you might see some friendly dolphins and majestic whales. Hoddevik is a fairly exposed beach break that is usually a safe bet. The best wind direction is from the southeast with some shelter here from north winds. The best swell direction is from the northwest. After a day full of water fun, stay at Camping Kjørnes.