5 Top Destinations For A Surfing Holiday Across The Globe

Cowabunga, dudes! Surfing is well underway at the Olympics – and we’re loving every second of it. Thinking of giving it a try? Here are five destinations for the perfect surfing holiday, near and far.

C&TH Guide to Responsible Tourism

5 Surfing Holiday Ideas

Cornwall, UK

Let’s start close to home: Newquay is a world-class surfing destination on the rugged Cornish coast, featuring reliable waves crashing onto soft golden sand beaches. Book into The Headland Hotel to enjoy a front row seat to the action at Fistral Beach, with panoramic windows peering over surfers battling waves all day long. The Surf Sanctuary can be found at the foot of the hotel, offering equipment and classes, whether you’re a total newbie, looking for a refresher, or ready to tackle some waves. For Brits, surfing in Cornwall is the perfect introduction to the sport. Once you’ve caught the bug, invest a little more time and money and venture off to one of these sun-soaked spots across the globe…

More UK Surf Spots

Tahiti

Tahiti, French Polynesia

Follow in the footsteps of Olympians and book a surfing holiday in Tahiti. Teahupo’o is the most famous surf spot but, with 121 islands spread across five archipelagos making up the nation, you’re never short of beaches perfect for catching waves in French Polynesia. Tahiti, the largest island, is home to volcanic mountains and black sand beaches, with the best surfing at Teahupo’o, Taharuu Beach and Taapuna – just beware the coral reef.

Fonte da Telha beach, Costa da Caparica, Portugal

Costa da Caparica, Portugal

For consistent surf with a side of Portuguese hospitality, venture to Costa da Caparica, a 30 km stretch just a short drive from Lisbon. There’s year-round consistency in the waves here, with plenty of space for surfers of all abilities – so it’s a great summer surfing holiday option for beginners and aficionados alike. Stay in one of our favourite Lisbon hotels for the perfect city-beach holiday.

Playa De Famara

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Spain’s ever-windy Canaries lend themselves to surfing holidays, with sandy beaches and consistent surf. Lanzarote’s great surf in particular has earned the nickname ‘European Hawaii’. The top areas include Famara (especially El Quemao, La Santa, Caleta Caballo, Caleta de Famara, and San Juan where a leg of the world championship was held) and the North-East (including Orzola, Jameos del Agua and La Garita). Visit from late spring to early autumn for the balmiest weather, or in the winter for the biggest waves.

Waikiki beach, Honolulu

Hawaii, USA

Speaking of European Hawaii, surf fans should jet off to Hawaii on their next surfing holiday. Thought of as the birthplace of surfing (though Polynesia also stakes a claim on this accolade), with the earliest written account of the sport dated 1779, when Lieutenant James King spotted native Hawaiians riding wood planks on the swells of Kealakekua Bay. So tourists can expect world-class waves, especially on the north shores. Surfers surround the coasts of every island, but Oahu’s north shore is home to competition-worthy waves. Meanwhile, you’ll also find surf schools on most islands, perfect for beginners to learn from seasoned experts. Big wave season runs roughly between November and February – perfect for a touch of winter sun.