Surfen in Europa — Wellen an der portugiesischen Küste
2026-04-03

Learning to Surf in Europe: The Best Spots for Beginners and Advanced Surfers

3 min read
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Quick Sprint

  • ▸ Europe boasts top surf spots with consistent waves, reachable in just 2–3 flight hours.
  • ▸ Peniche in Portugal offers year-round surfing and Baleal Beach provides ideal beginner conditions.
  • ▸ A one-week surf course costs €200–400 and is the most efficient way to start.
  • ▸ A softboard is recommended for the first 50 hours before upgrading to a hardboard.

Water Sports

Quelle: eigene Aufnahme

AUTHOR:

Benedikt Langer

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Surfing isn’t just Hawaii and Bali. Europe hides some of the world’s best waves — and they’re closer than you think.

Key Takeaways

  • Portugal (Peniche/Ericeira) offers Europe’s best beginner-friendly conditions
  • France (Hossegor/Biarritz) is Europe’s surfing mecca
  • A 4/3mm wetsuit covers most European spots year-round
  • A one-week surf course costs €200–400 — the fastest way to start
  • Stick with a softboard for the first 50 hours, then upgrade to a hardboard

Why Europe is underestimated for surfing

Europe’s Atlantic coast delivers consistent swells from September to April and pleasant water temperatures (14–20°C with a wetsuit). Portugal alone boasts more than 800 kilometres of coastline with dozens of world-class breaks. And the biggest advantage: compared to Indonesia or Australia, Europe is just 2–3 hours away by plane for German surfers.

The European surf scene has become more professional in recent years: surf camps with coaches, forecast apps for wave height and direction, and a growing community that takes sustainability seriously.

Top 5 surf spots in Europe for every skill level

1. Peniche, Portugal (Beginner to advanced): Baleal Beach for newcomers, Supertubos for experts. Surfable year-round, affordable accommodation.

2. Ericeira, Portugal (All levels): World Surfing Reserve with seven different breaks along 4 km of coastline. Foz do Lizandro is perfect for beginners.

3. Hossegor, France (Advanced): Europe’s Pipe — La Gravière produces the hollowest barrels on the continent. Only for experienced surfers.

4. Biarritz, France (Beginner): Grande Plage and Côte des Basques offer gentle waves and historic flair. European surfing began here in the 1950s.

5. Lofoten, Norway (Adventure): Arctic surfing in 5°C water, northern lights and empty line-ups. For adventurers with thick wetsuits (6/5 mm).

Gear and surf lessons: how to get started the right way

The fastest way to learn is a one-week surf course (€200–400 including board and wetsuit). In five days you’ll master: paddling, popping up, wave selection and turning. Practising alone in whitewater takes three times as long.

Own gear: a softboard (foam, 7–8 ft) for the first 50 sessions (from €200). A 4/3 mm wetsuit for spring/autumn (from €150). Buy a hardboard only once your take-off is reliable — upgrading too early slows you down, not speeds you up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you surf in Germany?

Yes — at the Eisbach in Munich (standing wave), on the North Sea (Sylt, Norderney during storms) and in surf halls (Surftown MUC, Citywave). True ocean waves, however, don’t exist in Germany.

How long does it take to learn to surf?

Standing in whitewater: 1–3 days. Paddling into unbroken (green) waves: 2–4 weeks of surf holiday. Confidently riding in the line-up: 6–12 months of regular surfing. Progress depends heavily on wave access.

What’s the cheapest surf trip in Europe?

Portugal: a surf camp with accommodation, board, wetsuit and lessons from €350 per week. Self-catering with your own gear: flight €50–100, Airbnb €20–40 per night. Budget for two weeks: €600–1,000.

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Cool-down

Click on a question to reveal the answer.

Which European spots are best for beginner surfers?
Peniche in Portugal (Baleal Beach) and Biarritz in France (Grande Plage, Côte des Basques) offer gentle waves and are ideal for beginners. Ericeira in Portugal also has a perfect beginner break at Foz do Lizandro.
How much does a surf course in Europe cost, and why is it worth it?
A one-week surf course costs about 200–400 Euro, including board and wetsuit. It’s the most efficient way to learn the basics—practicing alone takes three times as long.
What equipment do I need to get started?
For the first 50 hours, a softboard (foam, 7–8 ft) is recommended. Pair it with a 4/3mm wetsuit for spring and autumn. A hardboard should only be purchased once you can consistently pop up.
Can you surf in Germany?
Yes, but there are no real ocean waves. Options include the Eisbach in Munich (standing wave), the North Sea (e.g., Sylt during storms), and indoor surf centers like Citywave or Surftown Munich.
When is the best time to surf in Europe?
Europe’s Atlantic coast delivers consistent swells from September to April. Water temperatures are comfortable with a wetsuit (14–20°C), and many spots are surfable year-round.

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