Learn to Surf in Europe – The Best Beginner Destinations

Learning to Surf in Europe

Europe is full of amazing opportunities for beginners who want to learn how to surf – from Portugal’s Atlantic waves to the sun-soaked beaches of the Canary Islands and the charming surf coast of France.

You’ll find sandy, shallow beaches with consistent waves that are perfect for your first attempts, often with surf schools and instructors ready to help you get started. Add in short travel times, great food, and vibrant culture, and you’ve got the perfect mix of surfing and holiday vibes – all without having to fly halfway across the world.

Ericeira, Portugal

Ericeira is Portugal’s surf mecca, often called the surf capital of Europe – and without a doubt one of the best places for beginners.

This charming fishing village is surrounded by sandy beaches and reefs that offer waves for all levels. Spend your morning catching your first rides, then wander through cozy cafés or enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant in the evening.

Its location, just 50 minutes from Lisbon, makes Ericeira super easy to reach and perfect if you want to mix surfing with a taste of city life. And if you want to take your experience to the next level, we even offer a family surf camp here. Traveling solo or with friends? Scroll down to check out our other top picks in Portugal!

Biarritz, France

If you’re looking for that French charm, we can highly recommend the area around Biarritz – France’s most popular surf spot, attracting surfers from all over the world.

Here you’ll find mellow waves that are ideal for beginners, and the town itself has a long-standing surf culture that you can truly feel in the air. Between surf sessions, you can stroll through cozy cafés, browse small boutiques, and soak up the laid-back vibe.

For beginners, Biarritz is a great place to catch your very first real waves while also enjoying the French lifestyle. If you prefer something a bit quieter but still want to surf in France, Moliets and Montalivet are also great options.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

Fuerteventura is famous for its sunny climate and year-round waves. The island offers long sandy beaches with consistent, gentle waves that are perfect for learning. Its unique volcanic landscapes create a special atmosphere, and combined with the crystal-clear waters, every surf session feels unforgettable.

This is the kind of place where you can truly combine surfing with a relaxed island lifestyle – and enjoy warm weather even when it’s winter back home in Europe.

Peniche & Baleal, Portugal

Another Portuguese favorite! Just north of Lisbon you’ll find Peniche and the small island of Baleal – a true paradise for surfers of all levels.

Peniche is famous for its varied coastline, offering everything from gentle beach breaks for beginners to powerful reef breaks for the more advanced. It’s also one of the few stops on the World Surf League tour, where the best surfers in the world compete at Supertubos in front of thousands of spectators.

Baleal, on the other hand, has long sandy beaches with consistent, easy-to-read waves, making it an ideal spot for your very first surf adventure. We offer trips to both Baleal and Peniche – perfect if you want to explore Portugal’s west coast.

Cantabria – Northern Spain

Cantabria, on Spain’s lush green north coast, is still a hidden gem for many surfers. Here you’ll find wide, sandy beaches with mellow waves and plenty of space for surf lessons all year round. The climate is also a bonus – often a bit cooler than other southern European destinations, which makes it extra pleasant in the summer months.

Just across the bay lies Santander, where you can combine surfing with cozy tapas bars and scenic walks along the oceanfront. Cantabria is loved for its mix of surf, delicious Spanish food culture, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the more famous surf destinations.

Curious to discover a new side of Spain? We run a family surf camp here every summer.

Five things every beginner should know

1. Start the right way
   It might be tempting to just run into the waves, but the best way to start your surf journey is by learning the basics properly. Book lessons with qualified instructors, get to know the surf etiquette, and learn a few key surf terms – it will make your experience both safer and more fun.
2. The right board makes a difference
   For beginners, a bigger, softer board (foam board) is almost always the best choice. It gives you more stability, makes it easier to catch waves, and reduces the risk of injuries – meaning your first surf sessions will feel smoother and much more enjoyable.
3. Timing is everything
   Standing up on the board is only part of surfing. Equally important is learning how to read the waves and paddle at just the right moment. Once you get the hang of timing, your surfing will progress quickly.
4. Build strength and balance
   Surfing is a full-body workout that requires balance, strength, and flexibility. Yoga and functional training on land are great ways to prepare your body, making your time in the water both easier and more rewarding.
5. Have fun – and be patient
   Nobody becomes a surf pro overnight. Expect plenty of wipeouts, but see them as part of the journey. Celebrate small wins and enjoy the process – that’s when surfing is at its absolute best.

Surf destinations close to Europe

Maybe you’ve already tried surfing in Europe – or perhaps you’re looking for a winter escape where you don’t need thick wetsuits and icy waters. In that case, Morocco is the perfect option. The flight from Sweden is almost as short as to southern Europe, but here you’ll find sunshine, warmth, and waves that last well into winter.

Morocco’s coastline offers something for everyone: mellow sandy beaches for beginners, and powerful point breaks for more advanced surfers. And beyond the surf, you’ll discover vibrant markets, colorful culture, charming fishing villages, and incredible food. Thanks to its mild climate, Morocco offers year-round surfing – making it an obvious choice for those who want to combine adventure, sun, and waves all in one trip.