Surfing destination Europe - a bit of everything

[Northgirl]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for a spot for the summer to go surf, and it would be perfect if it is in Europe. The case is, that I would like to bring my non-surfing boyfriend. I would off course like to introduce him to surfing, which would mean it should be a beginner friendly spot (sandy break, and not too big waves). I would also like the place to be quite nice off the water - a bit of town, some shops/cafes and maybe some nightlife. Just not too dead, in case he doesnt want to be out there all the time. For myself I am practising turns on a 6'6 so beginner spot would be fine for me as well, but I would love a place where I can get on the water every day.

Any suggestions? I hope so would be great to get him well introduced! Thanks a lot!

[surf patrol]

Hi Northgirl, welcome to Surfing Waves!

Europe's a big place, and there are hundreds of suitable locations. Why not narrow help us out and narrow things down a little with a few regions that are already of interest to you

[fiestasurf]

Hi Ya,

Have you thought about Northern Spain? We have some wonderful beach breaks all along the coast from San Sebastain all the way across to Galicia. There is so much to choose from (grab yourself a copy of Footprints guide to Europe to see whats on offer here) the beach are stunning and with the expection of the city breaks very uncrowded, excellent for learning. As for night life take you pick, Bilbao, Santander, San Sebestain, Gijon.

Its dead easy to get to with flights to Bilbao, Santander or Asturias. Asturias plonks you right in the centre of the coast so you have the whole northen coast to play with. I can also help with sorting out board hire for your boyfriend if needed (just PM me).

You won;t be disappointed with Spain i can assure you

[Northgirl]

Thanks a lot for your quick reply both of you!

Northern Spain sounds really nice! I've been to Biarritz myself, "close" to Bilbao, and I really liked it. To narrow things, I could say France, Spain, Portugal... But only because I know these places already. So if I am missing a perfect spot around greece or Italy it would also be nice to hear about that. I will check out more about these northern spain destinations already!

Thanks for the welcoming!

[jaffa1949]

Surf is a pretty slippery thing in Greece
It mainly consists of local windswell if you have a desire to give lessons to your boyfriend, then a more consistent surf destination like your first choices would be.

Italy has more surf than Greece but again anywhere in the Mediterranean is less consistent than any Atlantic based beach.

Have fun

[Josephp]

Yes, Europe is also a great place for surfing..

[travelzomg]

as jaffa said, greece and italy is meditarrenean sea, which will mostly provide you with windswell, which is chungy and really not consistent...
if you want to have good waves, settle somewhere at the atlantic...

as alternative: there is allways the canarie islands... fuerteventura as possibility..
weather and water is warmer than anyplace on europes mainland and the waves are quite consistent...

[Wave4Surf]

Dear Northgirl,

I would recommend Hendaye Plage in the very south-west of France (exactly on the boarder of France and Spain). Hendaye's got waves which aren't to big, you can practise your turns and it's a great spot for beginners. The water temperature in October is around 20C, just as the air-temperature. As it's very close to Biarritz, you've got your shops and cafés closeby.

Another good idea would be in the north-east of spain, close to St. Sebastian. That's a nice city and the beaches around it are good enough for surfing.

[filipeantolin]

Dear NorthGirl, please allow me a further suggestion: Portugal, land of heritage Near Lisbon you'll find a place called Costa da Caparica which is exactly what you and your boyfriend need. Perfect wave, very nice surfing atmosphere, good surf schools, night life,etc. Besides this lots and lots of of excelent surfing spots from Ericeira to Peniche or Alentejo are there to be fully enjoyed. If you need any further info please ask.

Keep surfin'

Aloha

Filipe

[surf patrol]

Hi filipeantolin, welcome to Surfing Waves!

I've not been to Ericeira, but can tell that it would be a good choice for Northgirl. There are plenty of surf camps offering beginner lessons, so there will be suitable beginner friendly spots. There's usually plenty of swell along this coastline.

[bretbradley1026]

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is one of my favorites, because of the water temperature. I could stay day long in the water, just with my shorts. The beaches around Santa Teresa are wonderful for beginners, steady white and green water waves, and not crowded.

[jaffa1949]

Best looking Bret I've seen.