Top European Spots for Catching Waves - Surfers' Picks

Pro surfers, photographers, and writers reveal their favorite surfing locations across Europe.

Many believe we now live in a post-exploration age for surfing, where even the most secluded breaks are known to have been visited by others before you.

While some surfers lament the fading of discovery, many celebrate the resulting abundance of waves. Surfing has become more accessible than ever, marking a golden age for surf travel despite the loss of hidden gems.

In Dinogo Planet's guide, Epic Surf Breaks of the World, professional surfers, photographers, and writers share what makes these top European surf spots unique and beloved.

1. Unstad Bay, Norway

Some surfers are drawn to larger swells to challenge themselves. Surf photographer Chris Burkard chose to venture beyond the Arctic Circle to northern Norway.

'As hot water poured over me in the shower, my body screamed in agony, and I desperately tried to regain feeling in my hands. I discovered that warming up is a gradual process, and rushing it can lead to severe nerve damage. This was the most important lesson from my first trip—I've returned three times since and often find myself teetering on the edge of frostbite during my visits.

'As I sit in the water, I feel profoundly aware of my smallness in the grand scheme of nature. The Lofotens are filled with beauty and mystery; these ancient rocks, with their rugged bays, intricate fjords, and charming villages, have sheltered some of the toughest individuals for millennia.

'In this place, a 6mm wetsuit feels like Viking battle gear. Let's face it, when you plunge into the waters of Unstad Bay, you’re entering a battle.'

Wave type: Beach break, with both left and right point breaks.

Important information: The water temperature averages around 12°F (-11°C) at the end of summer and drops to about 6°F (-14°C) in April. A thick hooded wetsuit, along with boots and gloves (6/5mm in April), is essential. From November to February, daylight is scarce, but from mid-April to August, you can surf nearly all day and night.

Interested in discovering more amazing destinations in Norway? Check out our guide to the top spots

2. Thurso, Scotland

For British surf photographer Al Mackinnon, the barrels at Thurso, Scotland, were as elusive as the Loch Ness Monster. Yet since he first spotted them, he’s known exactly where and when to find them.

'A year or two later, I made the journey again. This time, everything felt different. The first thing I noticed was the bay was perfectly still, like a tranquil pond. I thought I’d been tricked once more. Then I saw a guy pulling out a 7ft pintail, designed for tackling big tubes, and another guy prepping a semi-gun with wax.

'The water at Holborn Head, the point behind Thurso where swells pass before reaching the reef, turned a deep shade. Soon, distinct lines became visible in the bay. Then, a perfectly formed set rolled in, thick and moving at incredible speed. Each swell struck the reef and thundered down the line with astonishing precision and power. It was double overhead, and yes, barreling all the way with sharp, serrated lips.

'That set and the following two days of swell altered the course of my life. I might have already been heading toward combining my two greatest passions – waves and photography – but it was the perfection I saw at Thurso East that made it a certainty.'

Type of wave: Right reef break.

Things to know: Surfing in Scotland has surged in popularity in recent years, so don’t expect to have its top wave all to yourself. However, there are plenty of waves available, some entirely free of crowds.

Choose the best time to visit Scotland with our seasonal guide

3. La Gravière, France

Brendan Buckley visited Biarritz in France for crepes and café au lait. However, after experiencing the famous pounding beach break of La Gravière, he chose to make it his permanent home.

'Hossegor is the heart of wave riding on the European continent, attracting a diverse array of surfers: long-haired longboarders with stylish vans; performance-driven shortboarders in spring suits; seasoned surfers still shredding; and young girls catching waves with enthusiasm. While Biarritz – the larger, more renowned city just 40 minutes to the south – has its own surf spots, it can't match the world-class waves found in Hossegor.'

'Surfers of all kinds make a pilgrimage to La Gravière, eager to tackle its infamous fast, barrelling beach break or simply to watch massive waves crash so close to the shore that it’s hard to imagine riding them. You’ve likely heard so much about ‘La Grav’ that it feels like you’ve experienced it firsthand, even if you’ve never set foot in France. This wave draws surfers in, no matter what the conditions may be.'

Type of wave: Barrelling beach break offering both rights and lefts.

Things to know: There’s a saying about the waves in France: if the surf looks perfect, you’ve likely missed your chance. It’s true—tides are significant here and can drastically change a wave in just an hour. Stay flexible and don’t hesitate to paddle down the beach.

Interested in discovering more of France's coastline? Check out our guide to the best beaches in the country

4. Staithes, England

Alf Alderson appreciates that the UK’s top reef break is slightly off the beaten path to the north. However, as a staple of British surfing, many eventually make the journey here.

'Surfers from across the UK now flock to Staithes for its three fast, powerful reef breaks that rise from the murky North Sea waters. Northerly swells, possibly originating from the Arctic, crash onto Staithes after being funneled in. When these waves meet the right offshore winds, Staithes can really come alive.'

'Most of my visits to Staithes take place against a backdrop of muted sea and sky, a grey-brown canvas where excitement meets the melancholic scenery and cold waters. No matter the weather, something magical happens when a perfect wave rolls in. Dropping into one of the smooth lefts at The Cove, experiencing that weightless feeling before speeding along the face and watching the barrel unfold before me, I’m transported to Portugal.'

Type of wave: Left-hand reef breaks over shallow reefs.

Things to know: A high-performance shortboard or a semi-gun is best for larger swells. A wetsuit of at least 5/4 mm is recommended, with thicker options for winter, along with booties and a hood.

Planning a road trip in England? Check out our top driving routes

5. Nazaré, Portugal

The sea has nourished the inhabitants of Nazaré, Portugal, for centuries, and this tradition thrives with Big Wave tourism. Portuguese photographer Ricardo Bravo has observed this transformation firsthand.

'Generally, the beaches here are better left alone. Most families in Nazaré earn their living from fishing, and many have experienced loss to these tumultuous waters. Praia da Vila, the main beach in the village, is already known for its dangers. Further north, Praia do Norte, where the swells can often triple in size and intensity, feels like a hellish landscape.

'While I deeply respect those who surf at Praia do Norte, it’s the ocean and its breathtaking forms that leave me in awe every time I see it break. Throughout my travels, I’ve never encountered waves like those in Nazaré: they are powerful, raw, unpredictable, and intimidating. Even if surfers catch them for fleeting moments of triumph, these giants remain unconquerable.'

Type of wave: Right- and left-hand beach breaks, ranging from 3ft to over 50ft.

Essential information: Nazaré has risen to fame as one of the world's premier big-wave surf destinations and is particularly renowned for its spectator experience. Even if you never plan to surf, watching from the headland offers a unique glimpse into the world of big-wave surfing, making the trip worthwhile.

Explore these essential tips before your journey to Portugal

6. The Peak, Ireland

Ireland boasts a coastline teeming with surfable waves. Alf Alderson travels to Bundoran, where a remarkable and iconic surf town has emerged alongside some of Europe's finest swells.

'Every surfing experience in Ireland, especially in Bundoran, transcends merely riding waves. The region’s untamed, romantic scenery and deep-rooted culture starkly contrast with the typical surf trip environment. My visits to Bundoran often involve a hike up the lower slopes of the 1500ft Benbulbin, a striking monolith towering over the town. The peculiar and poignant ambiance here has inspired countless artists and poets throughout history,'

'From my vantage point on the hill, I gazed at the coastlines of Sligo and Donegal, once more lost in thoughts of the surf here. Ireland’s jagged outline writhes like a snake, revealing some of the most diverse waves in Europe. Flat days are seldom; I’ve always found waves on every trip, whether gentle rollers past the golden sands of Tullan Strand or formidable, head-high A-frames at my beloved spot, The Peak.'

Type of wave: Left-hand reef break.

Essential information: A car is crucial for accessing the variety of breaks here. Be sure to bring gear suitable for cold-water waves that can range from knee-high to triple overhead.

Discover the highlights of Ireland's coastline on these top road trips

7. Mundaka, Spain

Some claim that Mundaka means 'fickle' in Basque. After multiple trips to Northern Spain, hoping for favorable conditions, Jake Howard finally got lucky.

'For three years, I pursued the waves of Mundaka without success. Each time I arrived to cover the Billabong Pro, the wave remained elusive. While many world-class breaks are known for their fickleness, Mundaka's unpredictability is exceptional. Protected from the raw power of the Atlantic, it demands a very specific swell angle, which is why surfers are drawn to it. When conditions align, it transforms into a freight train of a left-hand barrel that requires dedication. Yet, first and foremost, it demands patience.'

'I had barely been in the water for a few minutes when a large, rolling set surged through the early morning light. Silhouettes danced around me like jumping fish. I managed to avoid the first two waves, perhaps not fully prepared. But the third wave that approached was the one I needed.'

'I was up. All anxiety vanished, replaced by the exhilaration of racing down the line. The waves were serious, demanding my full focus. At last, Mundaka had welcomed me.'

Type of wave: Left-hand, sand-bottom point break.

Things to know: Maintaining your position in the lineup can be tricky. Enter through the harbor to place yourself directly in the lineup. Once in unprotected waters, it feels like stepping onto an aquatic treadmill.'

Looking to hike through Northern Spain? Discover the region's top trails

8. Sennen Cove, England

In the far west of England's Cornwall, Alex Wade found his place in a rugged landscape where surprises await in the water.

'A 3ft wall of green-blue water rushes toward me. I drop in, and as I glance along the face, a burst of grey, blue, and silver zips down the wave. It’s a dolphin, riding alongside me. I steer left, standing tall, watching the dolphin in front, both of us carried by the wave, wishing this moment could last forever.'

'In my 35 years of surfing, the most unforgettable ocean experiences have occurred just a stone's throw from my home in Cornwall. Sennen Cove is the UK’s westernmost beach, a breathtaking and wild spot, consistently blessed with swell and perfectly suited for surfers of all levels.'

Type of wave: Beach break.

Things to know: Like all beach breaks, strong riptides can occur on larger days. Avoid parking in the cove during summer as it gets crowded; instead, park in the field above and walk down to the beach.

Explore more of England's top beaches

9. Supertubos, Portugal

This powerful and relentless beach break in Portugal is unforgiving for errors. Stuart Butler learned this lesson the hard way.

'The next wave was slightly bigger and angled more northward – it surged straight toward me. I pivoted, paddled a few easy strokes until I felt the wave lift me. I dropped in, executed a smooth bottom turn as the wave rose high. Ahead of me, the lip curved – a rare chance to enter the tube. Once inside, the wave was surprisingly easy to ride. I simply leaned in and savored the experience. Eventually, I was shot out cleanly onto the shoulder, a grin spreading across my face.'

'As I turned to paddle back out, Supertubos was ready to reclaim what it had just given me. A new set crashed down on top of me, yanking the board from my grip. Then, I felt the all-too-familiar tug on my ankle. I had snapped my leash once more. It’s no surprise that the surf shops in Peniche are booming.'

Type of wave: Beach break, where the lefts are generally superior to the rights.

Things to know: Although Supertubos is a beach break, don’t underestimate its intensity. Perfect conditions are rare; closeouts are common. Bring extra leashes. When the surf is good, expect large crowds and a skilled local lineup that knows how to snag the best waves.

Discover more of Portugal's coastline. Explore the country’s most stunning beaches