Surfing in every season: The 11 best spots in Europe for winter and summer vibes

Surfing only in summer? Surf enthusiasts could give a talk, how greatis in winter. Europe is often not mentioned as the first destination for surfers when it comes to world-famous surfing destinations. Hotspots like Hawaii, Australia and Indonesia are often in the foreground. ButEurope offers some of the best waves in the world, making it an underrated paradise for surf fans. Surfing is possible here all year round and promises both powerful winter waves and relaxed summer conditions.For surf fans looking for new challenges, it's worth taking a look at the best surf spots in, which do not have to shy away from comparison with the top international destinations.Here are 11 surf spots that should be on your radar.

Whether it's about the biggest waves or adventurous surfing conditions in icy water - we present the best surf spots in Europe.

Unstad Bay on the Lofoten Islands in Norway is an exceptional Arctic surf spot that attracts surfers from all over the world. Nestled in an impressive backdrop of ruggedand the rough Northern Sea, this spot offers both beach breaks as well as left and right point breaks, which are suitable for beginners and experienced surfers alike. However, the conditions are not for the faint-hearted. With water temperatures averaging -11°C in late summer and -14°C in April, surfing here requires quality equipment - a 6/5mm wetsuit with a hood, gloves and booties is essential. Between November and February the days are short, often with only a few hours of daylight. But from April to August, the midnight sun turns the spot into a paradise for adventurers who can surf almost around the clock. Those who brave the extreme conditions will be rewarded with impressive waves and an unparalleled connection to the Arctic wilderness.

Thurso on the north coastis known for its Right Reef Break, which offers powerful and well-shaped waves and is one of the best surf spots in Europe. The spot is particularly suitable for advanced surfers who are looking for the challenge of powerful waves. In recent years surfing has grown in popularity in Scotland, meaning the main wave in Thurso often needs to be shared. But the region offers a variety of other surf spots - many of which are deserted, so you can surf away from the crowds. The best time for a surf trip to Thurso is autumn and winter, when the powerful swells of the North Atlantic storms ensure consistent waves. Despite the cold water temperatures, the spot is a popular destination for surfers who want to face the harsh conditions with a suitable wetsuit. Thurso is the perfect place for adventure seekers who want to experience not only great waves but also the untouched beauty of the Scottish Highlands - a must for anyone who loves the cold water and wilderness.

La Gravière, located on the southwest coast of France, is a legendary spot forwho are looking for barreling beach breaks. Both right and left waves break here and quickly become powerful and perfectly formed - ideal for those who want to experience the ultimate barrel ride. If you want to be successful, you have to remain flexible, keep a close eye on the tides and be prepared to change spots or paddle further down the beach if the waves are better somewhere else - because the waves can change hourly. The best time to surf La Gravière is from autumn to spring, with October to March offering particularly good conditions. The spot can run exceptionally well, especially in November and December, when the big winter storms produce the best waves. In the spring (March and April) there are still great conditions, but the swells become less consistent and the beaches can be busier.

Anyone who surfs here really has to master the board. The surfers are pulled onto the waves in boats because human strength is barely enough. Nazaré, on the west coast, has earned a legendary reputation worldwide as one of the most famous big wave surfing spots. There are right and left beach breaks here that range from one meter to over 15 meters. These waves offer incredible opportunities for both experienced surfers and those looking for a real challenge. Even if you never surf these giant waves yourself, Nazaré is a spectacular place to watch the spectacle. From the rock that towers high above the beach, you have a unique view of the waves that hit the shore with incredible force. The best time to visit Nazaré is autumn and winter, especially from October to March, when the swells from the Atlantic bring the biggest waves. During these months, waves regularly exceed nine meters, and in particularly strong storms the waves can reach up to 15 meters or more. Who as a surfer If you want to compete here, you should be aware of the size and power of the waves - this is a spot for experienced surfers who love and, above all, master big wave surfing.

Have you ever had the Netherlands on your radar as a surf spot? If not, you should change that. Scheveningen, the most famous surfing spot in the Netherlands, is ideal for one– not far away and with a relaxed atmosphere. Even if the wave resistance here is not as reliable as on the Atlantic coasts, this spot in the North Sea has a lot to offer, especially if you are there at the right time. The surfing community in the Netherlands is well connected and relaxed. As soon as you can see even a hint of surfable waves, the first surfers jump into the water. The conditions here are less demanding, making the spot a great destination for beginners and intermediate surfers. The surfing season in Scheveningen mainly runs from March to October. Stable weather patterns and summer storms can produce good waves, especially in late summer and fall (July to October). While the winter months (November to February) offer less consistent waves and colder temperatures, conditions are also less crowded during this time, making for calmer surfing experiences. If you want to surf in winter, you should equip yourself with a thick wetsuit.

Ericeira, located on the western coast of Portugal, is a world-famous surfing spot and the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe - a distinction that underlines the importance of this place to surfing culture and environmental protection. The region offers a variety of waves, from gentle beach breaks to powerful point breaks, offering ideal conditions for both beginners and advanced surfers. The best surfing conditions occur from October to March, when the strong winter swells bring consistently good waves. Ericeira is also an attractive destination in spring and summer with lots of surfable waves, especially for those looking for smaller and less demanding waves. In addition to the excellent surfing conditions, Ericeira is characterized by a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in which the surfing community is well connected and always ready to share their passion.

Biarritz, on France's Atlantic coast, is considered the heart of surfing in France and was the first European location where surf culture took hold. The city has long since developed into an international surfing mecca and offers a variety of surf spots for all levels of experience. From gentle beach breaks to more challenging point breaks, both beginners and experienced surfers will find ideal conditions here. The surfing season in Biarritz extends mainly over spring and autumn, from May to October, when the waves are consistent and temperatures are pleasant. Especially in late summer and autumn, the swells from the Atlantic offer perfect conditions for large and powerful waves. In winter, temperatures drop, but experienced surfers can still look forward to exciting and less crowded waves. The city is known for its elegant boulevards, beautiful coastal scenery and charming cafes, ideal for relaxing after a successful day of surfing.

Sylt, the most famous North Frisian island, offers surfers a variety of spots along its coast. Experienced surfers will find larger and more challenging waves, especially in the northern part of the island, around the Elbow. This exposed location ensures constant swells, which offer ideal conditions, especially in the autumn and winter months. In the western part of the island, near Rantum, there are numerous beach breaks suitable for all experience levels. Especially in summer, the spot is ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. Westerland beach also offers mild waves and is a popular place for beginners who want to learn to surf or improve their skills. For advanced surfers looking for bigger and more powerful waves, the areas around Braderuper Heide and List are highly recommended. The best surfing time onextends from spring to autumn, with autumn and winter offering the best conditions for experienced surfers with stronger waves and less crowded beaches. Sylt is therefore a surfing paradise that has the right wave for every surfer, whether beginner or professional.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a popular destination for surfers of all levels. The island offers a variety of spots, from gentle beach breaks to more challenging reef and point breaks. The most famous spot, Playa de las Américas, is particularly suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers who enjoy flatter waves. For experienced surfers, El Médano and Benijo in the south and north offer larger, more powerful waves. The surfing season is onis all year round, with the best conditions occurring in the winter months from October to April when the swells bring larger waves. In summer the waves are smaller and ideal for beginners. With consistent weather and varied waves, Tenerife is a perfect surfing destination for anyone who wants to surf all year round.

The Eisbach in Munich is world-famous and offers a unique surfing experience in the middle of the city. At this standing wave spot in the English Garden, surfers can surf all year round, regardless of the season. The wave is constant and has a length of around two to three meters - ideal for experienced surfers who love the challenge of a standing wave. The Eisbach is particularly suitable for advanced surfers, as surfing a standing wave requires a high level of control and technique. Beginners should therefore prepare well as the wave can be quite demanding. The spot attracts many people from all over the world. The best conditions are in summer when temperatures rise and the waves remain constant. But even in winter there are always brave surfers who brave the cold temperatures and ride the Eisbach wave.

Bundoran, on the northwest coast, is a paradise for surfers who love the rough waves of the Atlantic. The spot offers a variety of waves that are suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. Particularly well known is “The Peak”, a legendary reef break that offers challenging conditions. The best time to surf Bundoran is from September to March, when the waves are most consistent and powerful. Very large waves can occur here, especially in winter. In the summer months the waves are usually smaller and the conditions are better for beginners. The combination of strong waves, rugged coastal scenery and friendly, relaxed surfing community makes Bundoran a popular destination for surfers seeking an authentic surfing experience in an untouched part of Ireland.