Are you a keen beginner surfer looking for your next big adventure? Look no further than a summer surf trip to Europe!
Surfing in Europe during the summer months has its unique benefits, especially if you’re an inexperienced or beginner surfer. With warm temperatures and dreamy beaches stacked with gentle waves and friendly people, it's the best time to learn how to ride a surfboard if you're either just starting out or you've never surfed before but are super excited to try it.
Why is that though? In this article, we explain why summer surfing in Europe is a must-try experience for students on holiday, backpackers and vacationers from all over the world. So if you're looking for a summer surfing adventure, here's what you need to know.
Surfing Europe in the summer at a glance
Obviously, a summer vacation to Europe is one of those experiences that many people dream of. Not only does it allow our friends in the southern hemisphere to escape the winter, but people from the United States and the United Kingdom can also see Europe in full bloom.
With every cafe, restaurant and bar open plus everyone in a fun summer mood, it's no wonder why Europe is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations around. Curious as to what to expect in terms of climate, crowds and prices during your summer surf holiday though? Here's a quick breakdown that'll make your decision to book easier.
Climate
Europe's summer climate is nothing short of exceptional, particularly along the picturesque coastlines of France, northern Spain and Portugal.
The months of June to August usher in warm, balmy temperatures that are perfect for outdoor excursions and soaking up the sun on stunning sandy beaches. Expect temperatures in the low 20s to the low 30s (degrees Celsius) but keep in mind that it's all dependent on cloud cover and sea breezes.
Wave size
The Atlantic Ocean is known for producing intensely powerful waves that can reach up to 100 feet plus in places like Nazare, Portugal.
During the summer though, wave size is usually relatively small in comparison to other times of the year. And while we do get the odd day when it's head high or bigger in southwest France, it mainly hovers around that knee-to-chest-high range which makes it perfect for beginners.
Crowds
There are no two ways about it - summer surfing in Europe is incredibly popular amongst people all over our continent and abroad.
For this reason, the waves can get pretty crowded in some spots. The good news is that we love getting up for an early morning surf to beat the crowds. We also know where the more secluded beaches are located, so that's always an option too!
Water temperatures
Water temps vary wildly in Europe, but especially so in summer. So it really depends on where you go.
For example, visitors in Portugal will need to wear a wetsuit even though it's warm outside, while a lot of northern Spain doesn’t warm up until late August/early September. For anyone visiting our local beaches in southwest France though, you can get away with boardshorts or a bikini on warmer days. This is because the water temp reaches a balmy 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Prices
Like everyone else on this planet, summer is considered the high season for tourism. This means that prices are increased across the board, whether it's for surfboard hire, a meal at a restaurant or accommodation.
Then again, you can always make your trip as cheap or as expensive as you want. The key is to find packages that offer a bunch of inclusions so you're not having to wear out your credit card daily - this handy guide can help with that!
Accommodation
Again, summer in Europe can be quite hectic, so if you have your heart set on a particular surf experience, you may want to book your accommodation in advance.
You can find anything from budget-friendly hostels and campsites right up to luxury beachside villas in some of the more popular surfing locations. There also exist plenty of surf houses like ours that not only offer accommodation but also surf lessons, board hire and other services. And with our new location opening up, there are also plenty more beds (so long as you get in quick)!
The benefits of booking a surf trip to Europe during the summer
Still tossing up whether it's worth booking a dedicated summer surf vacation in Europe or adding a learn-to-surf experience to your holidays? We have heaps of happy beginner surfers book a stay with us every year purely for the following reasons.
The waves are historically smaller during summer which is fantastic for beginner surfers
With so many people travelling during the summer months, it's an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded people from all over the world
You can pack light, get a tan and enjoy plenty of outdoor time due to the excellent weather
You're literally spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a restaurant or cafe since everything is open
By reserving with a package-deal operator like us you can enjoy lots of extras with your booking, such as free surfboard use, access to the best surf gear, bikes that you can take and ride at will plus heaps more
It's easier to convince your friends to join you during summer given the excellent weather, which means you can split the costs and make your whole trip way cheaper
It's much easier to get holidays during the summer months since universities are on break and many employers expect things to slow down as the weather warms up
The best summer surfing destinations in Europe
It's all well and good to fire up for a summer surf trip to Europe, but where should you actually go? Here's a list of popular summer surf spots for beginner surfers from the US and the UK.
Keep in mind that when it comes to having the best of everything, southwest France is almost impossible to beat. In saying that, we might be slightly biased. But book a stay and then try to tell us we're wrong. We guarantee you won't regret it!
Hossegor, France
As one of the most renowned surfing spots on the French coast, Hossegor offers consistent waves and a wide variety of different breaks. During summer months, you’ll find a selection of warm-water surf spots with gentle waves for beginners, as well as harder and longer rides for more experienced surfers
Seignosse, France
Just north of Hossegor is the area of Seignosse, where world-class surfing takes centre stage. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience of the Atlantic Ocean, this is the place. From the beautiful pine forests to the miles of sandy beaches and numerous surf spots such as Les Bourdaines, Le Culs Nud and Estagnot, this part of France offers an unforgettable surfing experience for both individuals and groups alike.
Biarritz, France
If glitz and glamour are what you're after, Biarritz is the summer surf destination for you. It's only about 30 minutes down the road from our locations in Hossegor, but it's a world away in terms of vibe. Sure, it can be busy and there aren't as many quality surf spots, but you'll still no doubt enjoy a quick trip to check it all out.
Sagres, Portugal
Sagres is practically the end of the world for Europeans... or at least that's what it was once known as. Located on the southwest tip of Portugal, it's a great spot for anyone looking for some intense wave action. It offers awesome surf spots such as Martinhal and Beliche as well as Tonel. One of the only downsides though is that most breaks require a car to reach and the water is still cold during summer, which can be kinda lame.
Ericeira, Portugal
Just north of Lisbon is Europe's only World Surfing Reserve, Ericeira. This hip little seaside town is full of fun, offering consistent waves and a great selection of surf spots for all levels. The best part is that the town itself has so much to offer, with plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to keep you entertained after a long day in the water. Again, the water is so cold that you'll need to wear a wetsuit, so keep that in mind.
San Sebastian, Spain
You can't have a bad time in San Sebastian. And while the waves aren't necessarily fantastic, we still recommend checking it out if you're staying with us. It's only 1 hour down the road and the food and vibes are incredible. Throw in the fact that you can find a couple of beaches for beginners, such as La Zurriola and Ondarreta, and it's definitely worth a visit.
Zarautz, Spain
Drive 20 minutes past San Sebastian and you'll hit Zarautz. This stylish seaside town is famous for its Basque architecture, excellent seafront promenade and the fun summer waves that it offers. Again, it can be visited on a day trip from our location in southwest France. The only drawback is that it doesn't have a lot of different surf spots to choose from, which means it can get very crowded.
Conclusion
Ready to book a summer surf trip to Europe? We hope so! If you're looking for some of the best surf spots for beginner surfers from the US and the UK, then these are just a few of our top picks.
Naturally, our recommendation is to always choose Southwest Surf House for your next surf vacation. But we sincerely hope that wherever you go, you enjoy good waves, fun nights and plenty of new memories!