Written by Jeppe – surf blogger and former coastal lifeguard on the Danish west coast for 5 years. More about Jeppe.
Europe has surf all year — but where you should go depends on two things: the month you travel and your level. A spot that is perfect for beginners in August can be dangerous in January, and the warm-water options in winter are not the same places that shine in summer.
The short answer
- Best all-round: Portugal — Peniche and Ericeira have waves for every level, almost every day of the year.
- Best for beginners: Porto, Ericeira, San Sebastián and Fuerteventura.
- Best in winter (warm water): the Canary Islands, Madeira, Taghazout and Cape Verde.
- Best in summer: south-west France — Hossegor and Biarritz — plus Denmark for kite and windsurfing.
- Best for experienced surfers: Supertubos in Peniche, Hossegor, Lanzarote, Madeira and the west coast of Ireland.
👉 Want a personal answer? Our surf trip calculator matches you with a spot based on your level, month, budget and home city.
Where to surf in Europe by season
Autumn (September–November): the best window
Autumn is when the Atlantic wakes up and the summer crowds leave. Water is still at its warmest after the summer, and the swells are consistent. Portugal is the obvious choice: Peniche, Ericeira and Sagres all work for every level. Hossegor and San Sebastián are excellent in September and October, and Cold Hawaii in Denmark gets its first real storms for cold-water surfers.
👉 Month by month: Best time to surf in Portugal, plus season guides for Peniche and Ericeira.
Winter (December–February): go south for warm water
Winter brings the biggest swells to mainland Europe — great for experienced surfers in Portugal, but cold and heavy for everyone else. If you want warmer water and smaller crowds, fly south: the Canary Islands (Fuerteventura for all levels, Lanzarote for experienced surfers, Tenerife for surf plus holiday life), Madeira, Taghazout in Morocco and Cape Verde. Nazaré is worth a visit to watch the giant waves — not to surf them.
👉 Read more: Where to surf this winter.
Spring (March–May): quiet and consistent
Spring is underrated. Swells are still good, the beaches are quiet and prices are low. Ericeira, Peniche and Porto are ideal, San Sebastián and Biarritz come alive from April, and the Canaries remain a safe bet for warmer water. In Denmark, the kite and windsurf season starts in late May.
Summer (June–August): small waves, warm days
Summer is the easiest season for beginners: smaller waves, warmer water and surf schools everywhere. South-west France (Hossegor, Biarritz) has the most consistent summer surf, Porto and Ericeira are perfect for learning, and Newquay in Cornwall has a lively surf scene. For kite and windsurfing, Denmark’s Ringkøbing Fjord and Rømø are at their best. Book surf schools a few weeks ahead in July and August.
Best surf spots in Europe by level
Beginners
You need soft waves over sand and good surf schools. Start in Porto (Matosinhos), Ericeira (Foz do Lizandro), San Sebastián (Zurriola) or Fuerteventura (Corralejo). Cold Hawaii works in summer with a local school. Our guide to your first surf trip covers the rest.
Intermediate surfers
Once you catch green waves on your own, look for variety: Ericeira, Sagres, Peniche (Baleal and Medão Grande), Biarritz and the Canary Islands let you pick the right wave for the day.
Experienced surfers
Europe has some of the world’s best waves: Supertubos in Peniche, the beach-break barrels of Hossegor, the reefs of Lanzarote, the long lefts of Madeira, Bundoran in Ireland and the Azores. Nazaré on a big day is for professionals with jet-ski support only.
Water temperatures in Europe through the year
| Region | Winter (Jan–Feb) | Summer (Jul–Aug) | Wetsuit in winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark (North Sea) | 3–5°C | 17–19°C | 5/4 mm + boots, gloves, hood |
| Ireland & Cornwall | 9–10°C | 15–17°C | 5/4 mm + boots |
| Basque Country & SW France | 12–13°C | 20–22°C | 4/3 mm |
| Mainland Portugal | 14–15°C | 18–21°C | 4/3 mm |
| Morocco (Taghazout) | 17–18°C | 21–22°C | 3/2 mm |
| Madeira & Azores | 16–18°C | 22–24°C | 3/2–4/3 mm |
| Canary Islands | 18–19°C | 22–23°C | 3/2 mm |
| Cape Verde | 21–23°C | 25–26°C | Shorty or none |
Plan your trip from your home city
Flight times and prices change everything. See the best options from Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Amsterdam and London. On a budget? Read cheap surf holidays in Europe.
FAQ: Surfing in Europe
Where is the best place to surf in Europe?
For most surfers, Portugal. Peniche and Ericeira have waves for every level almost every day, the water is milder than in northern Europe, and prices are lower than in France.
Where can you surf in Europe in winter?
For warm water, go to the Canary Islands, Madeira, Taghazout in Morocco or Cape Verde. Mainland Portugal has the biggest and best winter waves, but they suit experienced surfers in a 4/3 mm wetsuit.
Where is the best place in Europe to learn to surf?
Porto, Ericeira, San Sebastián and Fuerteventura. All have soft, sandy beach breaks and plenty of surf schools.
What is the cheapest place to surf in Europe?
Portugal is usually the cheapest of the classic destinations, and Morocco is even cheaper once you are there. If you live in Scandinavia or northern Germany, a drive to Denmark’s west coast costs very little.
Can you surf in Europe all year round?
Yes. Portugal and the Canary Islands have rideable waves in every month — the question is only which spot suits your level in the month you travel.
🌊 Ready to pick your spot?
Use our surf trip calculator to find the destination that fits your level, month and budget — or browse all our surf guides.