Riding the waves on a surfboard. Surfing is the marine sport par excellence that immediately evokes the heavenly beaches of Tahiti, California, Australia and Hawaii.
An adrenaline-fuelled and extreme sport that attracts millions of enthusiasts from all over the world throughout the year, ready to challenge the highest waves.
Europe offers many destinations for surfing including Portugal, Spain, Italy and Ireland.
But where are Europe’s surfing paradises? Here are 4 that we’ve selected.
- ERICEIRA – PORTUGAL
A quintessential surfing destination, Portugal overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and offers breathtaking views, landscapes and waves. One of the most famous and popular places to surf in Portugal is Ericeira, in the municipality of Mafra, a stone’s throw from Lisbon and Sintra. Praia do Coxos, Ribeira d’Ilhas and Reef are the beaches to highlight on your map, offering amazing waves all year round.
- LEVANTO, RECCO, VARAZZE, OSTIA, FORTE DEI MARMI AND CAPO MANNU – ITALY
Our beautiful country has lots of locations where you can surf, especially in summer. The geography of the coast offers waves for all levels, allowing both beginners and experts to enjoy this sport.
Some of Italy’s surfing paradises are: Levanto, Recco and Varazze in Liguria, Ostia in Lazio, Forte dei Marmi in Tuscany and Capo Mannu in Sardinia.
- CADIZ AND THE CANARY ISLANDS – SPAIN
Spain really has a lot to offer for surfers. In particular, Cadiz – in Andalusia – is one of its destinations par excellence, with the beaches of Playa del Palmar at Vejer de la Frontera and Playa de la Yerbabuena attracting participants and enthusiasts all year round.
It’s impossible to talk about surfing in Spain without mentioning the Canary Islands. Tenerife, Lanzarote, Las Palmas, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria: located in the Atlantic Ocean and with a mild climate all year round, the Canary Islands offer plenty of options for surfers, both professionals and amateurs, with various schools in the towns overlooking the sea.
- BUNDORAN – IRELAND
The climate undoubtedly differs from the other destinations just mentioned, and the landscapes are decidedly more northern, but Ireland has also carved out its place among the surfing paradises of Europe. In particular, the Bundoran coast is regarded as one of the most popular surfing spots in Ireland. Other places worth exploring for surfers are Portrush, Newcastle, Ballybunion, Achill Island, Inishowen and Lahinch.
Sources:
https://www.visitportugal.com/it/node/195116
https://www.italia.it/it/italia/cosa-fare/surf-in-italia-mete-imperdibili
https://www.ireland.com/it-it/articoli/attivita-acquatiche/surf-in-irlanda/
