The 9 best surfing destinations in Europe
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When best swells come to mind, most people think of popular surf spots like Hawaii, Australia or California. These destinations not only have some of the world's best waves, but also some serious surfer culture: bikinis, board shorts and beach hair.
But you can also find some hip surf spots in Europe. Although some of them are cooler-weather spots most of the year (sorry, no bronzed bodies and sun-drenched beach hair in Ireland in November), you'll still find some surfable waves. And depending on where you go, some spots are delightfully tourist-free, whereas with others, you'll find more of a group surf vibe. Here are some of the best surf spots in Europe.
1. Peniche, Portugal
Vibe: Peniche is known as the surf capital of Portugal. Autumn and winter are the best times to visit for advanced surfers who want to try their luck on the Supertubos, one of the region's largest breaks. Beginner or intermediate surfers should visit in spring or summer when waves are more manageable. You can also consider a surf camp or retreat -- many camps offer yoga and surf together for the ultimate action vacation. Wet suits are recommended year-round here.
Closest airport: Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS).
2. Basque Country, Spain
Vibe: It's difficult to pick just one spot in a coastal area with so many large breakers. Mundaka is one of the most famous for its 12-foot river mouth wave that only advanced surfers should attempt. 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 chowing down on pintxos (the Basque version of tapas) after an epic day of surfing.
Closest airport: Bilbao Airport (BIO).
Related: 15 of the most beautiful beaches in Spain
3. Biarritz, France
Vibe: Biarritz is an excellent choice for beginners (advanced surfers can try their luck in Hossegor, a 40-minute drive north), home to a number of surf schools and the popular surf beach, Cote des Basques. Although Biarritz is actually in France, it is part of the Basque coastline mentioned above. Combine it with a visit to Spain to surf all the biggest Basque waves. June and July are the best times for beginners.
Closest airport: Biarritz (BIQ) or San Sebastián (EAS).
4. Varazze, Italy
Vibe: Italy isn't known for big waves, but Varazze is an exception. Just north of Genoa, the town is frequently visited by Italian and French surfers. And, it's one of the few spots you can surf once the sun sets thanks to floodlights that illuminate ocean waves from a nearby jetty. The best waves are found in winter, with smaller swells in autumn and spring.
Closest airport: Genoa (GOA).
5. Cornwall, U.K.
Vibe: Cornwall is the place to be for U.K. surfers. Fistral has smaller swells for beginners in the summer and larger breaks for experts come winter. The cliffs and village at Sennen Cove are picturesque, offering some other options besides surfing the year-round waves. And, you can surf in almost any tide at Watergate Bay, which is often sheltered from strong winds during high tide. Porthleven on the southern coast is ideal for expert surfers, just beware of rocks, especially at low tide.
Closest airport: Cornwall, Newquay (NQY).
6. Achill Island, Ireland
Vibe: Ireland is another country with immense options for surfers. However, many of the best spots are for experts. That's why TPG chose Achill Island because the small-to-medium-sized waves are great for beginners or intermediate surfers — you still have to be careful of riptides, though. Keel Beach is one of the most popular surfing beaches, with surfable waves year-round.
Closest airport: Knock Airport (NOC).
7. Halland, Sweden
Vibe: Sweden's west-coast region Halland is home to some of the country's best surfing, including the "Swedish surf capital," Varberg. Apelviken is Varberg's most popular spot for surfers of any level. Even though the water temperature is much colder (wet suits are essential), it has a sort of "aloha, dude" vibe. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are also extremely popular in the region.
Closest airport: Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT).
Related: Why you should go to Sweden instead of Norway
8. Pomerania, Poland
Vibe: Poland may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of surfing, but those Baltic Sea swells are larger than life. The low-salt water ensures quicker-moving waves, and autumn and spring storms make for the best surf conditions. The most picturesque area with the best waves is the Hel Peninsula, where you can also kite and windsurf.
Closest airport: Gdansk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN).
9. Tinos, Greece
Vibe: Greece's calm waters aren't known for huge waves, but Kolimvithra Beach on the north side of Tinos has a far-flung feel and some windy swells. The waves are best in summer (July and August) when the Meltemi wind blows in. And if you wipe out, you won't have to worry about jagged rocks as the waters are sandy, not rocky. Combine your surf vacation with a trip to Mykonos, which is just a short ferry ride away from Tinos, since you'll have to fly there first anyway.
Closest airport: Mykonos (JMK) and then a ferry to Tinos Island.
A note on kite and windsurfing
Europe has many spots for alternative surfing, too. Spain's Canary Islands, especially Flag Beach in Fuerteventura and El Médano in Tenerife are some of the best. And Andalusian destination Tarifa is also ideal thanks to high winds. Sardina, Italy, has some excellent wind conditions for windsurfing, as do French spots like Leucate, La Torche or the island of Corsica in France. Closer to home, Rhosneigr is a popular spot in Wales.
Bottom line
If you've already hopped over to Hawaii and ridden the waves in Australia, check out the surf scene in Europe. The continent has many destinations for budding surfers and advanced riders alike. Plus, many of these destinations have (or are close to) hiking spots, beautiful villages and cosmopolitan, historical cities filled with culture, cuisine and more, ensuring you have plenty to do post-surfing. Whether it's July heat of Tinos, Greece, or chilly autumn breaks in Sweden, there's always a time and place to surf in Europe.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.