Thinking about catching your first waves?
Whether you’re dreaming of gentle peelers, sunny weather or that perfect beach break, Europe has you covered.
From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, there’s no shortage of beginner-friendly surfing destinations here. And given we've scoured nearly every coastline on the continent to find the very best spots, you can trust us when we say the following destinations are right up your alley.
Learning to surf is fun. Learning to surf when the conditions align, the waves are mellow and the vibe is on point?
Life-changing.
Here's a list of some top beginner-friendly surfing destinations in Europe to help you plan your next surf trip.
Why Europe is perfect for beginner surfers
Europe isn’t just for advanced surfers seeking powerful tubes and the best waves on the planet.
It’s also ideal for beginners. In fact, it may just be the perfect destination for those looking to catch their first waves and improve their skills.
Here’s why.
- Gentle beach breaks that are perfect for learning
- Consistent surf throughout the main surf seasons, shoulder seasons and even the off season!
- A great mix of warm-ish water and cold water spots
- Plenty of surf camps, surf houses and surf schools offering surf lessons for beginners
- An eclectic, vibrant surf culture and welcoming surf towns with cool people, great food and stunning nature
- Epic road trips and plenty of surf spots to explore along the coasts (for both week-long surf holidays or weekend warriors!)
Portugal
Portugal has long been a go-to surf destination... not just for pros hunting reef breaks and heavy barrels, but also for beginners drawn to its consistent waves, long beaches and easygoing surf towns.
Along the central coast, Santa Cruz and Costa da Caparica are excellent picks. Both offer wide, sandy beaches with multiple peaks and gentle waves that are perfect for learning. The surf scene is established but unpretentious. And you’ll find a good mix of local surf schools and beginner-friendly camps.
Further south, the Algarve combines crystal-clear water, dramatic cliffs and smaller summer swells to deliver epic conditions for first-timers. Spots like Arrifana are reliable without being intimidating.
If you’re up for something different, the Azores (shout out São Miguel) offer an off-the-beaten-track experience with lush landscapes and uncrowded surf. Waves on this island are clean, friendly and perfect for sustainable progression.
Keen for wild nature on the mainland?
Northern Portugal is often overshadowed by the Algarve or Ericeira. But the north coast quietly delivers some of the most scenic and uncrowded surf along the Atlantic coast (howdy, Aveiro and Praia da Âncora).
Italy
Italy might not be top of mind when planning a surf trip, but Sardinia (particularly the west coast) will surprise you.
The town of Buggerru offers a scenic, warm-water, uncrowded surf experience with waves that suit beginners especially well. Set against pretty cliffs, this beach break cops enough swell to warrant a beginner surf trip here.
The surf scene here is intimate and welcoming too. And the slower pace makes it an ideal place to learn without pressure. Looking for a shoulder season surf trip? Put Buggerru on your list.
Spain
Tapas, rolling green hills and empty beach breaks.
Northern Spain shines bright when it comes to beginner-friendly surfing. And the Cantabria region in particular is a solid choice for beginners, with reliable waves and a cool local surf culture.
One standout is Oyambre, a stretch of coast tucked away in a natural park. The beach is wide, open and ideal for learning, with soft waves and mellow conditions most of the year. In summer, the vibe gets livelier. There’s a low-key social feel around the beach, with people hanging out after surf sessions and enjoying the long, warm evenings together.
That said, the lineups are quieter than more famous Spanish surf towns like Zarautz Beach and San Sebastian. And beginners who visit tell us that the relaxed, unhurried feel makes it infinitely easier to learn the basics.
France
France’s Atlantic coast is one of the anchors of European surfing.
It's home to some of the best beach breaks in the world with a healthy mix of chilled spots and powerful tubes. While Hossegor is world famous for its pro-level waves, nearby spots like Seignosse, Mimizan and Lacanau offer gentler conditions ideal for surf lessons and relaxed surf holidays.
With buzzing surf shops, lively boardwalks and plenty of charm, France is the OG surf vacation destination on the continent and a great base to discover Europe’s wider surf scene.
Ireland
Ireland’s west and north coast is where wild landscapes meet seriously uncrowded lineups (and sheep and Guinness too).
Around County Donegal, you’ll find myriad breaks, shifting sandbars and… icy-blue surf. It’s chilly here, for sure, but the payoff is big.
Empty beaches, a growing surf community and some of the best beginner surf spots in the world make it worth the trip.
Places like Freshwater West and Donegal when the swell is small and clean offer a true cold-water adventure for those willing to embrace the icy waters and wilder weather. And for surfers seeking solitude, natural beauty and a new challenge, Ireland should be top of the list.
Keen for user-friendly waves in Europe?
Beyond the great atmosphere, the beautiful World Surfing Reserves and the welcoming locals, Europe is an absolute goldmine for user-friendly waves.
Do yourself a favour. Tell the boss you're taking the week off or put your studies to the side for a few days and book a beginner surf trip.
Your mates here at The Surf Tribe have got you covered for good times and even better waves!
