Europe has an incredible range of beginner-friendly beaches for you to check out. From stunning locations such as Famara on the Canary Islands to our very own baguette scented Hossegor beach, these are the 5 best beginner surf beaches in Europe.
Coming down with a bad case of surf-travel-itis? Don’t worry… we’ve got the perfect solution. Pack your bags, book your ticket and check out these amazing beginner surf beaches. Europe is lousy with them and you’re guaranteed to find a place that’s perfectly suited to whatever stage of the surf journey that you happen to be at.
1. Hossegor, France
Of course the number one best beginner beach in Europe has to be Hossegor. Call us biased but there’s a reason why it’s the surf capital of the continent… the waves here pump. And when we say pump, we mean pump for all skill levels. It’s also incredibly consistent with a bounty of different waves for you to choose from. It’s no wonder why so many learners come here and leave with some serious surf credentials under their belt.
2. Arrifana, Portugal
Another awesome beginner beach in Europe is the breathtaking beach of Arrifana. Situated down a windy road at the foot of some steep and dramatic cliffs, you’ll be spoiled for natural beauty and waves at this stunning stretch of sand in the Algarve. One of the main reasons why it’s so popular with learners is that it shelters most of the bigger swells and is offshore in the north wind, which blows for most of the year. Simply rock up, find a place to dump your gear and catch a few mellow rides in what’s considered by many as the most fun wave in the region.
3. Playa de Razo, Spain
The Galician beach of Playa de Razo is a fantastic beginner surf beach in Europe for a number of reasons. The main one being that with over 5 km of beach on offer, there are different zones to suit different skill levels, which means everyone can catch waves at their leisure in an area fitting to their ability. Even when the waves aren’t cooperating you can still find plenty to do at this pretty Spanish beach, such as laze about in the dunes, fish for your dinner or play beach volleyball at low tide.
4. Praia do Baleal, Portugal
Located between the town of Peniche and the small island of Baleal in the north, Praia do Baleal is an extremely pretty little bay with a seafloor that offers gentle rollers year-round. Throw in an abundance of surf camps and surf schools to choose from plus a traditional Portuguese village vibe and you’ve got yourself the quintessential beginner surf experience in Portugal.
5. Famara, Canary Islands, Spain
With the famous Risco Mountain framing this black-sand beach, you’ll be lost for words as you stroke into awesome wave after awesome wave. Such is the quality of Lanzarote’s Famara, a beach that is known throughout the Canary Islands for being both beginner-friendly and achingly beautiful. What’s more, it’s one of the few places where you can get away with wearing less rubber during the cooler months when compared to other continental surf spots in Europe. So if you’re brave and you prefer bikini and boardies to 5 mm of neoprene when you’re learning to surf, Famara is probably right up your alley.
If you fancy some baguettes, board-shorts, and barrels, book a beginner surf trip in France at Southwest Surf House today!