The Ultimate European Surf Seasons Guide for this year

Surf Jur

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02/04/2018

The Ultimate European Surf Seasons Guide for this year

Europe’s ultimate surf seasons guide

Updated for 2020

Where will you find the best waves in Europe? We’ll show you some surprising countries, surfspots and tips for a great place to stay.

A surfing year in Europe: from Arctic to Tropical conditions.

Check out the most beautiful area’s and surfspots in Europe in this graphic. And you’ll find full descriptions below. Including tips for specific surf spots.

Check this high resolution european surf guide (printable PDF)

Surfing in January

Find your waves in the southern parts of Europe.

Morocco

The winter swells are in full swing here. The water temperature is still pretty doable. A 3/2 wetsuit will normally do. Spots to check are Anchor Point at Taghazout, Immesouane (great for intermediates) or Safi. Awesome righthanders surf spots. Discover more about surfing in Morocco.

Fuerteventura

Not so far form Morocco actually. Easy to fly to and catch dream waves in clear blue waters. And if you’re just a little but lucky spend your day in boardshorts or bikini. The island is famours for its winds. But during wintertime the winds tend to die significantly. Get a stay near Corralejo and you’re near the best surfpots of the Island.

Surfing in February

Still head for the southern parts. The sun is getting stronger. And days longer. More surf!

Morocco and Fuerteventura are still a good pick in February, but the Algarve in Portugal, Andalusia in Spain and the Mediterranean are worth the trip.

Algarve

The Algarve gets it’s best waves during the winter months. Especially the southern faced part of the Algarve. Places like Zavial, Mareta and even Meia Praia at Lagos can get really really good. Take your 4/3 wetsuit though. Water can be cold. More about surfing in the Algarve.

Andalusia

Andalusia is a great area in Southern Spain. With places like Sevilla and Cadiz. Lots of culture and really good food. And some excellent surfing possibilities. El Palmar is a well known surf village. Great surfspots nearby.

Mediterranean

Not surfed by many, but even the beaches of Barcelona can get some awesome waves. If your’e not looking for urban surf, keep your eyes open for Sardinia. A beautiful island, with awesome waves mostly during the winter.

Surfing in March

Spring is in the air. Swells are all around. Countries like mentioned for previous months are still very good to go.

Algarve (Portugal)

Still the Algarve is awesome. If the sun shines, which is a chance of 80% you can even feel the first summer vibes. But also check more north. The westcoast of the Algarve with places like Arrifana.

Check out Casa Meranka for a great stay in the sweetspot of the Algarve.

Portugal centre

Portugal centre But even the surfspots near Lissabon. Here you can find some protection when the waves are too big.

Algarve surf escape

Surfing in April

Spring is taking over Europe. And arctic regions are becoming an easier surf possibility (weather wise).

Portugal

From now check also the middle part of Portugal. Between Lisbon and Porto with places like Ericeira and Peniche. Ericeira has places like Ribeira d’Ilhas (World Surfing Reserve). And at Peniche offshore winds are almost guaranteed. In between Peniche and Ericeira you’ll find Nazaré. World famous for big wave surfing. Great fun to watch.

Iceland

And here’s our first arctic pick. Iceland. The place where Cris Burkard shot is movie Under an Arctic Sky.

(photo on the right by Chris Burkard)

Norway

And here’s oru send arctic pick. Lofoten Islands. And specifically Unstad. One of the most beautiful places in the world. Check out the most Northern Surfschool of Europe. If you’re lucky, you can find fresh snow here too.

surfing iceland

Surfing in May

Europe starts to heat up. The surf too.

The arctic places as mentioned before are still very good to go. But more countries see great waves mixed with good weather.

The Netherlands

Surf in The Netherland? Yes, it’s possible. This month you can, occasionally, find some movement in the North Sea. Scheveningen is called Surf City. You can find a great surf scene here. And pretty good waves.

Did you know there’s solid surf in Sweden and Denmark too?

France

Check out the Vendee. Between Bordeaux and Bretagne you can find empty beachbreaks and reefbreaks. Check out spots like La Sauzaie (reef), Sauveterre (reef/beach), Les Conches (beach) and Le Phare (point).

Portugal

The Lisbon area is awesome. From Costa di Caparica to Coxos. And many many beautiful beaches and surfpots in between.

sauzaie surfspot vendee

Surfing in June

Summer is calling!

France

The Basque Country is one of our favourite picks this time of your. Still pretty solid swells around in the Atlantic that delivers good waves for places like Lafitenia, a classic righthander.

Check out our Surf Guide to France.

Spain

Northern Spain (Cantabria and the Spanish part of the Basque Country) needs the same swell as the French part of the Basque Country. Especially Cantabria will see more quiet line ups with a beautiful backdrop like the Picos de Europe. Check out St Vincent de la Barquera, a great surfpot.

surfing france

Surfing in July

Summer is here. Waves are gentle.

France

France is heating up or already hot. Beaches get packed. Les Landes offers enough space for every one. Long stretches of empty beaches and line ups are easy to find. Mimizan, Hossegor, Vieux Boucau and everything in between will get you surf good waves.

Spain

Check Galicia if you’re looking for a more quiet line up. It’s the northwest part of Spain. BEAUTIFUL beaches and surfspots.

Watch the video of a surftrip to Galicia.

UK

Not to forget the UK. And especially Cornwall and Devon. It will pick up swell easily. Surfspots to check are Lands End in Cornwall and Bude in Devon.

north galicia

Surfing in August

Busiest month of the year. Respect each other. And find your own spot

France

When the beaches of Les Landes and Gironde get packed, head for Bretagne. Bretagne (Finistere) will see waves every day. For every level. The water is cold though and it can get rainy. But as the Bretons say: it only rains on fools. Surfing in empty line ups is out there. Point breaks, beachs breaks. All you could wish for. Check out Baie de Trepasses, St Tugen, Plovan.

Portugal (North)

As mentioned above for july Galicia is good place to go. But also check out Portugal a bit more south from Galicia. Northern Portugal is still a remote area. Meaning pretty empty line ups.

Surfing in September

Summer vibes around. Swells are developing.

France

Maybe this is the best month to visit France. Summer is still present and swell is building. The Vendee is great to go. Super quite, awesome reefbreaks. But also Basque Country and the beach breaks of Les Landes are so worth it. Of course Bretagne is good to go too, but weatherwise it can be a bad month.

Spain

Spain (Basque County) is perfect in this month. Check surfpots around San Sebastian, like Zarautz, and Bilbao, like Sopalena.

Surfing in October

Between summer and winter. World Surf League visiting Europe.

France

Basque Country and Les Landes are good to go. Check out the Hossegor Pro if you’re around. The swell can be pretty strong. Ride safe.

Portugal

October is in our opinion one of the best months for Portugal. Whether it’s round Lisbon or the Alentejo (between Lisbon and the Algarve). Swell are almost secured. And the weather is super nice. Extend your summer!

Places to go: Ribeira d’ilhas, Matadouro, Odeceixe, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Zambujeira do Mar.

Or maybe event better: rent a camper.

Surfing in November

Start to move south. Unless you like surfing storms.

Algarve

The Algarve is getting good. West- and Soutcoast. A good place to stay to benefit from both sides is Casa Meranka, in the sweetspot of the Algarve.

Spain

Like the Algarve, Andalusia is starting to her thing. Swells from the Atlantic are reaching the Andalusian coastline.

Surfing in December

First snow flakes on the beaches? Not in Morocco or Canary Islands.

The Algarve, Andalusia are very good to go. But Morocco and Canary Islands are our tip for this month.

Morocco

Surfers looking for the endless summer are moving their campervans to Morocco. They know that the chance of surfing perfect righthanders is pretty high this month. While the weather is holding well, statistically.

Canary Islands

Relatively lots of Europeans (especially from Germany, UK, Netherlands) are flying to the Canaries during the holiday. Looking for sun and surf! Fuerteventura is a perfect pick if you’re looking for the surf scene and a great variety of surfspots to choose from.

8 reasons to visit Portugal

Surf Jur

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31/03/2018

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Last month The Telegraph published 22 reasons why you should visit Portugal. A few of them we really liked. And we added some.

1. The beaches

Portugal’s exquisite coastline, reliable weather and fine seaside resorts make it one of Europe’s best destinations for a beach break. Think of beaches a Zavial, Dona Ana, Furnas, Arrifana.

2. The weather

Lisbon is the continent’s sunniest capital city of Europe, boasting an average of 2,799 hours of sunshine a year, pipping Athens, which has 2,771 hours of sun a year. Even in winter you can have sunshine for weeks.

3. The waves

Thanks to the rolling swell of the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is one of Europe’s best surfing destinations with a wave for every ability. Best of all, the breaks are relatively uncrowded. More about surfing in Portugal.

4. The Hawaii of Europa

The Azores was described as “the Hawaii of the Atlantic” by Telegraph Travel’s Chris Leadbeater. “They are lost in deep seas; steep-sided, beautiful, wild,” he wrote. “This is not to say the weather matches the glow of Pacific America – cloud and rain dog the Azores as much as sunshine – but such climactic inconstancy only adds to the aesthetic. Every day is different.” And it has awesome surfing too!

5. Pastel de natas

So good to start the day. We can’t think of another place that has these kinds of custard tarts (or pastel de natas, as they’re called in Portugal). The most famous place to buy and eat them is at Pasteis de Belém in Lisbon. But a local bakery will do just fine.

6. The wine

Portugal’s national drink (port or porto) is ubiquitous across the country, particularly in its eponymous home. Any bar and restaurant worth its salt will sell the fortified wine, but for larger quantities head to one of Portugal’s plentiful off-licences, which sell anything from dusty, 100-year-old bottles worth €1,000, to more affordable vintages.

7. The Food

Fresh fried Sardines, Tuna or other fish. Visit a village at the ocean side and you’ll smell it. The smell of the fresh fried fish is there. It’s delicious.

8. The Cities

Porto and Lisbon stand out. Porto with the river Doura, it’s port, it’s Eiffel bridge is a great old city. With a surf spot (Matosinhos) in the city. Lisbon is bigger and more a “world city”. Here you can eat the Pastel de Natas, visit castles, hear Fado music and go to lots of different surf spots in the surroundings.

Check the 22 reasons of The Telegraph.

Surfvideo Galicia – Spain

Spain

Surf Jur

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13/03/2018

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A Surftrip Around Northern Spain

Watch this great video. See the surf possibilities in Northern Spain. The Beautiful landscape.

Casa Meranka #Algarve

Surf Jur

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10/03/2018

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An oasis in the sweetspot of the Algarve

Casa Meranka is located in the southwest of the Algarve. In the small village of Figueira.

It is an oasis of peace in this 200 year old former farm, in this already quiet and cozy village.

Close to beautiful beaches such as Praia das Furnas and Zavial. And near Sagres and Lagos.

Casa Meranka is runned by Josh (UK) and Margo (NL). They have traveled extensively and, among other things, have had a guesthouse in India. But they saw their future in the Algarve with their son and daughter. A super sympathetic couple with heart for what they do. Focused on nature and the ocean.

5 beautiful cottages

Casa Meranka has 5 authentic houses that you can rent. All equipped with everything you need: bathroom, kitchen. There are cottages for 2 and up to 5 people.

It is a nice place because these holiday houses are mutually connected and thus provide a fence with two courtyards in the middle. One courtyard has a swimming pool and a patio where you can sit in the shade to relax.

View all houses of Casa Meranka here.

Casa Meranka is unique, because of the pleasant and casual way you get to know how Josh and Margo want to run this place.

For example, they have a garden where fruit and vegetables grow and the chickens scratch. Delicious fresh food and fresh eggs every day.

Casa Meranka is suitable for families and (surfing) couples / friends.

Location Casa Meranka

Casa Meranka is located very favorable. It is an hour’s drive from Faro airport. A quarter of an hour from Lagos. And fifteen minutes from Sagres.

But why take the car if this is your backyard;

In 20 minutes, you can walk through a green valley to an idyllic and quiet beach (Praia Figueira). From here you can walk to Salema (village by the sea) or Praia das Furnas on low tide.

Furnas is a quiet beach without bar and restaurant. Just pure nature. And through the pools that are created by the flow of low- and hightide, children can play here wonderfully.

Shops and restaurants

Very near (5 min) there’s an Intermarche. And in the village itself there’s a small local supermarket. In Raposeira (5 min) you can find a daily market with products from the region.

There are a few bars / restaurants in the village itself. We have eaten delicious pizzas at O Sabor da Alegria where they also serve the local red wine. Recommended.

Surfspots nearby

You are close to the most beautiful surf spots in Europe. Think for example of Zavial. But also to Luz and Tonel.

Because you are in the corner of the Algarve you will always find a wave for every level. On the West- or the South coast.

And to make it completely easy, there is a life-sized surf chart at Casa Meranka.

In addition, Josh and Margo also rent surfboards. If you want more choice for your surfboards, check this article about surfboard rentals in the Algarve.

More about surfing in Portugal. And check this article in case a southwest storm (or west) hits the Algavre to see what spots to surf.

How to get there?

Flying is easy, because Faro has an international airport. From there you can take the bus. There is a bus stop in front of the door of Casa Meranka. But more convenient is a car. Our preference goes to Sunny Cars. They choose the best price from the different car rental organizations. And the price includes extra insurance. Incidentally, we also got a nice upgrade.
Prices

Prices vary per cottage and per period.

View here the complete price list of Casa Meranka.

Where to surf when the Algarve shows her ugly face

Surf Jur

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08/03/2018

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Where to surf when the Algarve shows her ugly face

Beaches bullied. Cliffs are collapsing.

It’s been dry in the Algarve for the last year of so. But, nature listened to the prayers of the Portugese and showed her ugly face from the end of February until now (march 8).

That means big storms over the Algarve. Huge waves too. Up to 6 meters. 7 even. And full moon, causing major high tides. And leaving beaches and restaurants bullied by the ocean.

Maritime police had even issued a warning to the entire country:

Stay away from coastal cliffs, either from walking on top of them or underneath.

Due to the bad weather battering Portugal, they were (still are) all at risk of collapse – with the danger “especially” down south in the Algarve.

Also tornado’s were experienced. Imagine.

And the forecast now (see magicseaweed) sees a massive, ragged west swell will hit Portugal, Galicia and northwest France, but severely hampered by onshore winds in most places. Waves between 20 and 40 feet.

Video big waves

Check out this video of the big waves in the Algarve:

And almost unsurfable. Almost.

So, where to surf in a storm? 5 tips to surf safely.

We made a surfmap for you when the westcoast is unsurfable.

Here’s a list of some beaches to check when it’s storming and the waves are massive:

Meia Praia

Actually this is one of your best chances. It’s a surfbeach in Lagos. So very easy acces. See the waves below, while the westcoast received 10 ft plus waves. Meia Praia got a nice 2 tot 3 ft wave. Meia Praia can handle southwest winds.

Praia das Furnas

Tucked away in a corner near Figueira. A stunning beach. Quiet too. Needs Northwest winds to deliver clean waves. But has really strong protection due to the high cliffs.

Praia da Luz

Favors Northwest winds as well. North winds are even better. It’s a nice bay. And a cool little beach town with the familiar white houses. There’s a wave to be found in the middle of the bay. But the reef on de left side is more popular to surf.

Zavial

Zavial is the most famous surfspot. Yes, that means crowds. It’s a pretty heavy wave under these circumstances. So advanced surfers only. Need a bit of north in the wind direction to deliver the clean waves. You will get barreled here.

Marthinhal

Our last “insider” tip. Such a lovely beach again. In a rather posh environment made for families. But the beach is awesome. And the waves leave you speachless. Expect a clean, blue ocean and machine like barrels.

But once again. Be safe, ride smart. And watch out for collapsing cliffs.

Need a place to stay?

Check out accommodations in the Algarve

How to repair wetsuit?

Surf Jur

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21/02/2018

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Wetsuit repair

Here’s our checklist for smaller and bigger damages on your wetsuit.

Good advice to start with: Inspect your wetsuit for rips and tears after each use. Smaller damages are way easier to repair than the bigger damages.

Small wetsuit damage repair (1 to 2 inches)

Here’s what you have to do. You’ll be back in the water in minutes.

Clean and dry the damaged area of your wetsuit.
Apply a thin layer of your wetsuit repair kit, e.g. Neoprene Queen, to both the edges of your ripped neoprene.
It should become touch dry in three minutes. Apply a second thin layer of adhesive again. Wait for it to become touch dry again.
Then carefully align the edges and press them firmly together.
Hold for a further two minutes under pressure.
Allow to dry for about 10 minutes.
The repair of your wetsuit is now finished and ready for use.

The repair kit achieves full strength after 24 hours. But you can use your wetsuit immediately.

Bigger wetsuit damages and repair (> 2 inches)

Here’s what you have to do; use a patch of neoprene. And then:

To apply a patch of neoprene over a damaged area, ensure both patch and damaged area are clean.
Apply neoprene adhesive to the back of the patch and also to the damaged area. Ensure full coverage.
Allow to become touch dry for three minutes.
Apply a second layer of adhesive and allow to dry. For about 10 minutes.
Place to patch on to the damaged area and apply heavy pressure to the patch for two minutes.

The bond achieves full strength after 24 hours. But again, you can go in the water immediately.

Stitches and seams

If the stitches or seams are torn it is a good idea to take your wetsuit to a professional for repairs.

How to prevent damages

Avoid standing over hard or rough surfaces like sharp rocks when putting on your wetsuit. Use a towel or your boardbag to stand on.

When putting on or taking off you wetsuit be careful with rings, fingernails and watches as they can easily damage your wetsuit.

How to repair wetsuit video

Photography Cheat Sheet

Surf Photography

Surf Jur

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24/01/2018

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Good chance that you want to make some cool photo’s on your surf holiday.

Click in this link and understand the pure basics of your camera (aperture, shutter and ISO). And get your settings right. And see that you can make better photo’s and improve your surf photography.

> Photography cheat sheet <

Shooting in RAW or in JPEG?

Surf Jur

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18/01/2018

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We all know (right?) that professional and semi pro photographers shoot their photos in RAW. So they can edit all the details of the photo later. To have a better photo in the end to publish.

But…

Your camera uses an internal memory ‘buffer’ to store images taken in continuous shooting mode, and RAW files, which are large, fill it up much more quickly.

This means that if you’re shooting sports, JPEG images will allow you to capture a sequence lasting many seconds.

And with an action sport as surf photography it’s wise to shoot sequences. As the illustration belows shows. So you can pick the best timed photo later.

Than again. RAW gives you to be better quality.

What do you choose?

Picture credits

Kepa Acero in Morocco

Surf Jur

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04/01/2018

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Kepa Acero is one of our favorite surfers. He visited Morocco more than once. And in this video you can see why he likes Morocco so much as a surf escape.

Surf movies on Netflix. The Top 9.

Videos

Surf Jur

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31/12/2017

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Surfing movies in Netflix in 2019

Nowadays we’re binging all over the place. Netflix leading the pack. And we’ve got good news for you. Netflix had some great surf movies on offer. Here’s our top 5 surfing movies on Netflix.

1. Under an Arctic Sky

Under an Arctic Sky by Chris Burkard. An amazing movie with awesome shots of Iceland’s nature and surf. A must see.

2. Given

A surfing movier about a couple with a little child travelling all over the world. The child is growing up surrounded by the ocean and different culture. Such an experience.

3. Resurface a surf documentary

Wow. See how surfing can help veterans in this Netflix surf documentary. Physically and mentally. Surfing is fun!

4. Surfwise

A surfing movie about the Paskowitz family. A well known surfer and doctor. He’s living with his wife and 9 children in as bus. Imagine what can happen.

5. Fish People

A surf documentary directed by Keith Malloy. FISHPEOPLE tells the stories of a unique cast of characters who have dedicated their lives to the sea. Featuring Dave Rastovich, Kimi Werner, Matahi Drollet and more.

6. A plastic ocean

A Plastic Ocean is more an adventure documentary. Shot on more than 20 locations over the past 4 years. Explorers Craig Leeson and Tanya Streeter and a team of international scientists reveal the causes and consequences of plastic pollution and share solutions.

7. Surf’s up

A surf movie by Sony. An animated film this time. Why not? It’s about a teenage Rockhopper penguin Cody Maverick, an up-and-coming surfer, who enters his first pro competition. Cody believes that winning will bring him the admiration and respect he desires, but when he unexpectedly comes face-to-face with a washed-up old surfer, Cody begins to find his own way, and discovers that a true winner isn’t always the one who comes in first.

8. Soul surfer

A surf film based on real facts. It tells the life of the surfer Bethany Hamilton, a teenager who returns to the competition after losing an arm by the attack of a shark.

9. Further

Okay. Not a surf movie. But it’s featuring Jeremy Jones. And if he’s on a board, you better watch it. He’s discovering new places. Finding lots of powder.