Where to surf? The top 10 destinations

What are the best spots to surf least once in your life?

Among the most affordable surf spots for all levels of surfers are of course the south-western part of France, from Lacanau to Hendaye, via the Basque country and its coast, Biarritz and Bidart. Also the Landes at Hossegor and Biscarosse, and many other beaches. Ask for as much information as possible before getting into the water in the Landes, as the many sandbanks that are not necessarily visible at low tide can become dangerous. Other surf spots in France not to be missed are the Bay of Audierne around the Pointe de la Torche, and the Crozon peninsula in Brittany. Always take into consideration the low and high tides.The tides have a major role in the quality of the waves and also affect the currents, and this is everywhere on the French Atlantic coast.

Portugal is also a must for any surfer, with its superb beaches near Peniche, which is less than 100 kilometres from Lisbon. The southern part of the country also has some fabulous surf spots. In the Algarve region, near Lagos and Sagres, a magnificent wild coastline awaits. From reef to sand waves, there is something for every surfing enthusiast. Not forgetting the mythical wave of Nazaré, for the beauty of the show and a feast for the eyes.

Take a diversion to Galicia before heading to Portugal in the north-west of Spain. If you are on a surfing road trip it’s well worth the diversion!

Spain means the Canary Islands of course, and there are many of them! Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are the best known Canary Islands, although they are not the only ones where you can surf. The reef and point break spots are great for advanced surfers. The wave that always breaks in the same place, often fast and mostly over rocks which are sometimes sharp, but don’t worry, there are also many sandy beaches with beach breaks, i.e. a slower wave, sand under the water and several peaks so that several take-offs are possible.

How can we not talk about Morocco, just a few hours flight from Europe! From the north to the south postcard landscapes stretch out and long beaches rise up. Morocco is a country rich in beautiful waves in the regions of Agadir as well as in Casablanca, Essaouira and Dakhla. 

Well off of the Canaries is the Cape Verde archipelago, and in particular the islands of Boa Vista and Sal, which are dotted with surf spots to satisfy surfers with a minimum of experience, thanks to the accessible and safe beaches.

Further south, on the African continent, discover Mozambique and the incredible fine sandy beaches. Even further down is the unmissable South Africa … from Durban to Cape Town the waves are present almost all year round. However, the waves are big in the summer, so it may be better to visit in the winter. The ocean temperature is not very warm, but with a good neoprene suit you will be comfortable.

On the American continent, Costa Rica and Brazil are two countries not to be missed if you are a surfer or wish to become one. With warm weather all year round and therefore nice water temperatures which are rarely below 25°, it is a real surfing paradise.

To really get away from it all, Asia, especially Indonesia, offers a multitude of spots with Bali, Lombok and Sumatra being the most renowned surfing islands. Summer, (April to November), is the best time for surfing. Let’s not forget the Philippines, the most famous island being Siargao.

To finish off this tour of the world’s best surfing spots, we end up in French Polynesia with Tahiti and its famous left Teahupoo – a wave that goes from right to left – reserved for experienced surfers. Fortunately, there is plenty to learn about surfing in Tahiti, mainly on the black sand beach of Papenoo. Finally comes the birthplace of surfing, Hawaii! The American archipelago is full of surf spots and waves all over the country. It is here that surfing was born, at the beginning of the 20th century, thanks to the Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku surfing the waves on his wooden longboard.