The best surfing spots in Europe
The Boardmasters festival takes place from August 7th to 11th in Newquay. It combines music with surf, BMX and skate competitions. Newquay in England is one of the most famous surfing spots in Europe. Here are some more.
Cornwall in England
There is a good reason why the Boardmasters Festival takes place in Newquay. The town in Cornwall is considered England's surfer's paradise. In summer the waves here are smaller, encouraging even beginners to get on a board. In spring and autumn the water is colder, but the beaches are empty and the waves higher - ideal for advanced surfers who don't want to share the sea with the masses.
Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
Ireland is very popular with surfers, even though the water is cold. A well-known surf spot for beginners and advanced surfers is Bundoran in the northwest. The pros enjoy the Cliffs of Moher. The 214-meter (702 foot) cliffs are among the highest in Europe. This is also where one of the biggest surf waves breaks. The famous Aileen's Wave can reach up to 15 meters.
Ericeira and Peniche in Portugal
The south of Portugal on the Atlantic coast boasts a multitude of beaches and sheltered bays. The climate is mild and the waves are suitable for every level of ability - perfect conditions for getting on a board. Among the hottest surfing spots are Ericeira and Peniche.
Nazaré in Portugal
At the seaside resort Nazaré only professionals should venture into the water. Just off the coast lies a submarine canyon more than 230 kilometers (142 miles) long and up to 5000 meters (16,404 feet) deep. Within this narrow space, there are big differences in depth under water. As a result, the waves breaking here can reach over 20 meters in height.
Tarifa in Spain
Europe and Africa converge at Tarifa, on the southernmost tip of Spain. Morocco's coast is only 14 kilometers away. Since the wind blows so strongly here, the kilometer-long beaches remain unaffected by the holiday crowds - ideal for surfers, windsurfers and kite-surfers, making the skies here really colorful.
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands, which belong to Spain but are located west of the coast of Morocco, are considered the Hawaii of Europe. They offer optimal conditions for surfing all year round. The reefs and sandbanks of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria form the perfect waves with average temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius (73° F).
Hossegor in France
Hossegor on the French Atlantic coast is known worldwide for its beach breaks. The surf spots La Nord, La Gravière and Les Cul Nuls in particular are a paradise for surfers. And when you put your board down in the evening, you can look forward to great nightlife. There are many restaurants and clubs in Hossegor. Surfers prefer to meet at Dick's Sand Bar and Rock Food.
Sylt in Germany
The North Sea is rough and unpredictable. That applies to the weather and the waves. Nevertheless, the island of Sylt is considered the birthplace of German surfing culture. If you want to surf here, the best thing to do is follow the locals. The surfing season starts at the beginning of May and lasts until the end of October.
Munich in Germany
No beach, no sea, but still surfers line up at the Eisbach in Munich's English Garden. Here there is a standing wave that is now known internationally. Whether steep coasts or gentle beaches, big or small waves, cold or warm temperatures, in nature or in the middle of the city - in Europe every surfer can find the perfect surfing spot.