Surfing is one of the world’s most thrilling water sports. With surfing, you’ll enjoy the tranquillity of being out in the ocean while getting a dose of adrenaline rush. Avid surfers looking for a new place to surf will be spoilt for choice, as there are thousands of great surfing sports around the world, guaranteed to satisfy your thirst for adventures.
If you need suggestions, here are the best surf destinations in the world.
- Cornwall
A land of rugged cliffs and picturesque fishing towns, Cornwall is a mecca for surfing in the UK. Its coastline is dotted with some of the world’s most excellent surfing spots, from the world-renowned waves of Fistral Beach to the more sheltered coves, more suited for beginners.
Cornwall is blessed with different waves, from the massive swells forming in the Atlantic to gentler waves in the more sheltered bays. Cornwall has a whopping 400 miles of coastline, offering something for everyone, whether you’re still learning the ropes of surfing or an expert surfer looking for more challenging waves. In addition, Cornwall enjoys a mild climate, which means the water is warm enough for surfing all year round.
Whether you love surfing or not, Cornwall is a fantastic place to visit. Aside from the stunning coastline, it’s home to friendly locals. Cornwall’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a wonderful place to escape everyday stresses and enjoy a relaxing surf holiday.
- Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for having some of the world’s best waves for surfing. It’s also home to lovely beaches, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. On top of that, the country is blessed with incredible weather throughout the year, making it a great year-round destination.
One of the reasons Costa Rica is an ideal holiday destination for surfing is that it benefits from having surf on two coastlines – the Caribbean and the Pacific. What’s even great is that it only takes less than five hours to cross towards the Caribbean from the Pacific Coast and vice versa, making it possible to surf on two coastlines in one day. Because of this, Costa Rica has excellent waves all year round. From May to December, the Pacific picks up swells from the southern hemisphere, while the Caribbean picks up swells from December to April.
When not riding the waves, you will find many other incredible things to enjoy in Costa Rica. If you’re into hiking, explore Tortuguero National Park, where you can get close and personal with fascinating wildlife species, including green turtles breeding on the beach. The park is also a sanctuary for rare birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and other species. After a day spent hiking or surfing, you will find plenty of fantastic nightlife spots to unwind and party with friends in Costa Rica.
- Barbados
Barbados is the perfect destination if you’re going to the Caribbean to surf. Alongside the amazing waves, there are several luxury rentals around Barbados, so you can spend longer here enjoying the water. The swells that drive waves towards the island come from all directions, which means you can surf here throughout the year. During winter, the island’s north and west coasts pick up plenty of swells. Plus, the constant trade winds ensure consistent breaks on the east coast.
The south coast would be the perfect base for surfers in Barbados. It has a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of great restaurants to indulge in delectable local dishes. It’s also close to the best surfing spots on the island, with South Point and Brandon’s having the most consistent breaks. The best time to surf on the south side of Barbados is during low tide, as the waves are fast and powerful. Another great thing about surfing in Barbados is that the water temperature will not go below 25°C and peaks only at 28°C from July to August.
Barbados appeal to all level of surfers. If you’re a novice, there are many great places to surf in Barbados, such as the Ragged Point on the east coast and the mellow breaks in Sandbank. For experienced surfers, the Duppies on the north coast and the Tropicana on the west coast are the best surf spots.
- Portugal
With a coastline stretching for more than a thousand kilometres, Portugal is undoubtedly one of the world’s best places to surf. It offers plenty of waves suitable for all surfer levels, so regardless of your surfing abilities, you will find a place to catch some waves. Aside from being an incredible place to surf, Portugal is home to lovely towns and villages, giving you plenty of beautiful places to explore when taking a break from surfing.
There are three major surfing regions on the Portuguese coast. On the west are Cascais, Nazare, and Peniche. In the north, the city of Porto is an ideal place to surf, more suited to intermediate surfers and beginners since the waves are typically smaller and more manageable, making it a safe place to hone your surfing skills. Meanwhile, the south coast is where you’ll find the top surfing spots in Portugal. It’s home to Lagos and Sagres, both popular among surfers. You will also find some incredible surfing spots in the Algarve, alongside stunning scenery and lots to do.
Of course, Portugal is not only about its waves. Since you will not be surfing round the clock while here, it’s worth taking some time to discover its rich culture and incredible food scene. You will find many restaurants serving fresh seafood along with delicious local wine.
- Hawaii
Surfing in Hawaii dates back to as early as the 4th Century. The surf culture is still alive here, especially on the North Shore, famous for its massive waves and some of the world’s best beach breaks. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, the best places to surf are Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline.
For the ultimate surfing experience in Hawaii, head to the North Shore’s Sunset Beach. It’s a popular surfing spot with its epic giant waves. Here, you’ll find the Pipeline, one of the world’s heaviest waves that can reach as high as thirty feet or more! If you’re an experienced surfer looking to hone your skills and challenge your surfing abilities, the North Shore is definitely the best place to be.
