Best spots to surf in Europe

Want to surf the best spots in Europe?

Find out where to go, when to visit, what to take and why you should try dried cod below:

Norway

Destination: Stavanger
Surf: Kvassheim
Go: Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Wetsuit: All the thick neoprene you can find
Board: Fish
Weather: Cold
Try: Bacalao, a traditional meal made with dried cod. It’s delicious.

Love breathtaking views (landscapes and locals)? Like cold water surfing and fish? Then Norway, land of Viking gods, is your dream destination.

Norway’s 25,000km of fjord infused coastline makes for slow surf exploration. That’s why Stavanger is the place to go with over 30 spots within one hours drive. Pigsty or ‘Svinestine’ as it’s locally known has a world class barrelling right and a comfortable left. If there’s a SW swell get down to Kvassheim, a classic point break with very long rides.

Beware, both spots are subject to a surf ban from 1st October to 31st March to protect migrating birds. However, there are plenty of other options.

Ireland

Destination: Donegal Bay
Surf: Easkey
Go: May – Oct
Wetsuit: Summer – full 3mm suit, Spring/autumn – boots and winter suit
Board: Big wave charger
Weather: Wet and mild
Try: a pub playing Irish music, drink Guinness and dance with a local.

Enjoy a pint of the black stuff and love a good Craic? Then Ireland is the place for you. All of Ireland’s west coast is a surfer’s paradise, but Donegal Bay is blessed by legendary reefs and beautiful beach breaks.

Head for iconic Easkey with it’s castle and world class waves. If it gets big, go to mighty Mullaghmore to watch, or join, international big wave surfers ride waves in excess of 20ft.

If you decide to leave these monsters to the pros, drive a bit further and you’ll find the more user friendly Bundoran.

England

Destination: Newquay
Surf: Fistral
Go: May – Oct
Wetsuit: Summer/autumn – full 3mm suit, Spring – boots and winter suit
Board: Long(er)board
Weather: Moist and mild
Try: a pasty and a pint of Rattler

Live in the UK? Fancy a quicky? Get in the car and get down to Newquay, Cornwall. It has five surf spots within walking distance, lively nightlife and affordable accommodation.

Fistral, arguably the best surf spot in England, is also one of the most consistent spots (and most crowded). If the wind or waves get too strong head round to ‘the bay’ and you’ll find shelter at Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne and Lusty Glaze.

There are many more secluded surf spots along the Cornish coastline. The majority are beachbreaks, but if you’re looking for a reef then Porthleven is your best bet.

France

Destination: Hossegor
Surf: La Graviere
Go: May – Oct
Wetsuit: Full summer suit in spring, boardshorts/shortie in summer/autumn
Board: Tube taming shortboard
Weather: Warm
Try: a bottle of Bordeaux and speaking French

If beautiful beaches, world class wine, exquisite cuisine and hollow beach breaks are what you’re looking for, book a ticket to Hossegor.

Hossegor in South West France offers some of the best beach breaks in the world. It’s situated along the Cote d’Argent, the longest uninterrupted stretch of sandy beach in Europe. In the south, La Piste fires heavy barrels in front of WW2 bunkers. In the north La Graviere, throws tubes you could drive a bus through.

South West France offers a bevy of beach breaks caressed by the Bay of Biscay, from Lacanau down to Biarritz. But it’s hot spot is Hossegor.

Where next?

From Scotland to Southern Spain, there are waves a plenty along the shores of Europe. So jump in a camper van, load up the boards and explore.