Surfing in Europe for Beginners in 2025
Are you thinking starting your surfing journey in Europe? If so this article you will learn the inside scope on;
The different countries in Europe that you can surf.
Our recommendation for the best places to start surfing in europe.
The difference between warm water surfing and cold water surfing.
River waves and man-made wave pools.
Having a good first experience surfing.
Chapter 1: Countries with Surf and Waves in Europe
The joy of catching your first wave is thrilling, once in a lifetime, and truly magical. Luckily, if you’re considering Europe to be the location for that wave, then you’re in the right spot. The European continent offers a vast geographic diversity that accommodates a wide variety of world-class locations to learn to surf.
Places range from the northern parts of Europe, such as Norway, to southern locations with warmth and cozy waters, such as Greece. The best part of it, is if your living in Europe, everything is a stone’s throw away to travel to.
As far as we know, any are with a large body of water coinciding, will have waves sooner or later. Even The Great Lakes, as shown in this video, in United States have waves. Those are just lakes!
So, at the end of the day any country within Europe has waves. From my expertise, and countless hours of watching Youtube and browsing the internet, I have seen people surf in these countries; Iceland, Greenland, Ireland, Scotland, Great Britain, Wales, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Russia, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Austria, and Switzerland.
Yes! Even Austria and Switzerland have waves to surf, although they are not your conventional nature made, storm created waves. But, these aren’t exactly the waves we recommend to surf your first time. Before, we hop into our recommendations lets differentiate the regions of Europe.
Chapter 2: How Surf and Waves are different in each Country
The main difference between these countries and the waves they show, will ultimately be their warmth. Greeland, the highest northern country in mainland Europe, will have significantly colder water temperatures than Greece, the most southern European country.
During the summertime weather will become more lively, warm, and friendly. Even better, during the summertime larger swells are less common, therefore making the waves smaller and more beginner friendly.
In the midst, of the colder seasons, such as autumn or winter, one can encounter larger storms that create bigger waves. Although, there are opportunities between these large swells where small swells exist, making it more beginner friendly. Alongside, the invention of the wetsuit by Jack O’neill, one can experience the joys of surfing even in colder water.
Countries that are more exposed to larger oceans or seas, will consistently receive larger storms, therefore larger waves. Some of these countries include Ireland, Wales, Spain, Portugal. On the otherhand, places that have a more restricted water body size will typically experience shorter waves, such as Italy, Greece, or Poland.
Lastly, it is important to consider river surfing and man-made waves. Some of these river waves can be found in Switzerland and Austria. Man-made waves also exist in a variety of countries within Europe. Although, there is a sensational feeling that is quite differen’t with a wave that pushes you created by nature.
Chapter 3: The Best Surfing Spots in Europe for Beginners
When it comes to learning to surf in Europe for Beginners we will boiled our answer down to three countries and a few specific locations from each. We ultimately, decided on these three as they are typically warmer water, have fun beginner size waves, and have a excellent culture coinciding.
The best three countries for beginner surfers in europe are;
Spain
Italy
Greece
Lets dive into each of them.
Why Learn to Surf In Greece?
Greece is not so much about the consistency of the waves, but rather the experience. Typically, Greece experiences smaller waves, making them very manageable to learn to surf in.
The weather in Greece is exceptional compared to the majority of other European countries. I can ateast that nothing beats a hot summer day on the Mediterranian sea.
We recommend two specific locations in Greece for learning to surf;
The Island of Ikaria;
A famous blue-zone supporting people the live long lives. A combination of good food, eclectic wine, and beautiful beaches, it a fantastic location to begin your surfing journey. The island itself boasts its own surf school as well.
The largest Greek Island, Crete;
Venturing to the big island of Crete you can find not only some fantastic waves, but also fantastic surf schools. This surf school I can recommend.
I remember riding the bus by the beach, right infront of their school, and wishing I was surfing the waves there.
Why Learn to Surf in Italy?
Surfing in Italy is not only about catching waves but also immersing yourself into the culture of pizza and pasta.
It has a similar vibe as Greece, in that the water is warm, the people are friendly, and the waves are just perfect to learn to surf on.
The two spots we recommend to start your beginner surf journey in Italy;
The Italian Island of Sardinia
Sardinia is the pride and joy of Italia! Another respective blue-zone, it hosts a wide variety of picture perfect beaches for surfing, good weather, and beautiful people. If you are interested in a well-rated surfschool I would recommend these guys for their great public reception.
Recco
This little town on the northern coastline of Italy, situated on the Linguarian Sea, offers some fantastic small waves to surf! We highly recommend checking out Black Wave Surf Shop for lessons.
Why start your beginner surf journey in Spain?
Spain is undoubtedly a fantastic location to learn to surf. Year round good surf, beautiful locations, and a fantastic coinciding culture make it the ideal location to start your surf journey. We recommend two cities to take a beginner level surf lesson in Spain
Santander A City of Fun
Santander is a excellent place to learn to surf. With a wide, sand bottom beach, and some fantastic surf schools such as Escuela De Surf Molinucos it makes it a great location to start. After the surf lesson, you can also check out one of the few Michillen Star restaurants that Santander boasts
San Sebastian
The Home of Surfing In Spain
San Sebastian is small city based in the Basque country of Spain. I would recommend here during the summer time to take a lesson and learn to surf if your a beginner. Check out Zurriola Surf Eskola if your looking for a lesson in that town.
Chapter 4: Other Surfing Locations in Europe for Beginners
I do not want to write off other locations in Europe for surfing. All I was doing was recommending Spain, Italy, and Greece as a fun beginner locations to surf, and make a trip out of them if you are so inclined.
With that said practically every other country offers the opportunity to try surfing for you first time. I personally have been to Denmark’s “Cold Hawaii”, located in Klitmøller, and seen beautiful easy waves to surf.
Alongside that, if location is an issue, and you are located in the mountainous regions of Switzerland or Austria, then finding a local river wave, or man-made wave pool is certainly an option as well.
Although, I must recommend catching a wave in an open ocean or sea, the feeling is simply different
Chapter 5: Concluding Remarks on Where to Start Surfing in Europe
At the end of the day I highly endorse you going for a surf as soon as you possibly can, so wherever location is closest to you. With that said, if time and luxury is something that it within your budget, make it an experience to remember. For that experience head to Spain, Greece, or Italy to begin your beginner surfing journey in Europe.