8 Amazing Surfing Destinations in Europe (Yes, Seriously)

Iceland may well be the most radical place in Europe to surf thanks to its freezing waters (that’s where the extra-thick wet suit comes in) and relative isolation. Guided surfing safaris to the Reykjanes peninsula, a short distance from Reykjavik, are increasing in popularity thanks to the combination of great waves, a lack of crowds, and a stunning natural landscape. And while Iceland may not have an Endless Summer (pun intended), in the right season, its extreme daylight hours mean that the days seem to go on forever.


 Stay at the historic boutique Hotel Borg for its stylish Art Deco decor.

Tackling the extreme reef breaks and sharp coral of Fuerteventura is a badge of honor in the European surf scene -- the Canary Islands aren’t known as the "European Hawaii" for nothing. One of the most famous surfing islands in the Canaries, Fuerteventura has a passionate local scene and you’ll find the weekend waves filled from September through April with locals and qualified surf tourists trying to stay upright. If Fuerteventura seems too daunting, try Lanzarote for a gentler induction to the waves.


Stay close to the water at the beachside Hotel Atlantis Dunapark.

Pembrokeshire, Wales is renowned for its beautiful coastline -- but it’s also home to some of the UK’s best surf beaches. Clean and relatively quiet, Pembrokeshire’s coast offering a variety of breaks, meaning any level -- from beginner to "Point Break" pro -- can find his or her wave.


And if surfing the waves of an actual ocean worries you, there’s always a manmade one nearby. Set among the rolling hills, mountains, and rivers of Conwy Valley, Surf Snowdonia has a purpose-built lagoon complete with its own regular two-meter wave that peels for 150 meters.


 The Panorama Hotel has elegant, spacious rooms with views out to sea.

The capital of Spain’s Basque Country, San Sebastian attracts surfers from all over the world. But it’s not just the waves at the famous Zurriola Beach that bring the surf bums to town. The charming historical city is popular with all types of tourists and the nightlife, which has sprung up close to the beaches, has created a famous surf-party scene here. Unlike some of the places on this list, in San Sebastian surfing is a way of life -- in the words of "Point Break"’sbank-robbing zen surf poet Bodhi, “They only live to get radical.”


Rooms at the stylish, contemporary Hotel Astoria 7 are film-themed with DVDs and free movies.

Who knew the UK had so many surf destinations? This spot in Gloucestershire may not have the legend of Hawaii’s North Shore but it has a whole lot of strange going on. Created by high-tide funneling water inland, the River Severn provides surfers with the chance to glide along its tidal bore, a bona fide natural phenomenon. Waves can reach up to two meters and have been known to carry surfers miles down river. The walk back probably isn’t as much fun.


 Stonehouse Court is a beautiful manor stay near the river.

It turns out that being a lone isle consistently pummeled by the rugged Atlantic creates some excellent surfing waves for Ireland, with the western County Donegal being the pick of the country’s spots. The small seaside town of Bundoran has an established surfing community where -- despite water temperature approaching Icelandic territory -- a thick neoprene wet suit is all you need to overcome the "small" problem of hypothermia.  


Rest up when you’re out of the water at the tranquil, lakeside Harvey’s Point hotel.

With a mixture of wave breaks suitable for a range of levels, Sardinia is one of Europe’s most secretive surf spots. Relatively isolated -- being an island helps -- its beaches and waves avoid the overcrowding that comes with four-meter swells elsewhere. Waves are the most consistent here of any island in the Mediterranean and there are plenty of beaches around Cagliari from which to launch.


 La Villa del Mare features spacious sea-themed rooms located across from Cagliari’s beautiful Poetto Beach.

If sprawling beaches and the thrill of the open water aren’t your thing…then you might want to question your interest in surfing. However, there is hope for those who want to keep things urban because there’s always the inner city Munich standing wave to hang ten on. Located within the Englischer Garten, the wave forms in a small section of the two-kilometer-long manmade Eisbach (ice brook) River. Despite the wave’s stationary nature, it still attracts a loyal following and makes for a good place to see experienced surfers strut their stuff when you’re in the city.


You’ll find sophisticated rooms, a chic rooftop pool, and a Michelin-starred restaurant at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel, located within walking distance of Munich’s hot spots.


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