The 5 Best Destinations to Learn Surfing This Summer [2025]
This article is all about the best surf destinations to learn surfing in summer 2025.
This article is all about the best surf destinations to learn surfing in summer 2025. Summer is just around the corner – and what could be better than spending it in the water? But when choosing your next travel destination, it’s not just about finding a beautiful vacation spot. It’s equally important to ensure that the wave conditions and the infrastructure of the surf spot match your surf level. The right surf spot can make all the difference in your surfing progress!
In this article, I introduce you to five dreamy surf destinations around the world that offer ideal conditions for beginners and intermediate surfers. From mellow waves to travel tips and professional surf schools – here you’ll find everything you need for the perfect surf trip!
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Top 5 Destinations to Learn Surfing This Summer
#5: Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a true gem for surf lovers and my personal paradise on Earth. With tropical temperatures year-round, this country offers excellent surfing conditions for learning to surf, whether during the European summer or winter.
The best time to visit depends on your preferences: The dry season (November–April) is sunny and pleasant but also busier and more expensive, especially in the popular surf regions. The rainy season (May–November) brings more rainfall, but showers usually occur in the evenings. Only from September onwards can there be full rainy days. However, for those willing to embrace a bit of rain, surf spots are less crowded, and accommodations are significantly cheaper.
Places like Tamarindo and Nosara are perfect for beginners, with gentle waves, warm water, and plenty of surf schools. Santa Teresa, on the other hand, offers slightly more powerful waves for those looking for a challenge.
In Costa Rica, you can not only escape the winter but also enjoy excellent surfing during the off-season in the summer months—while still embracing the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle.
Getting To
The best entry point is San José International Airport (SJO). From there, you can either take a domestic flight to Liberia or Tambor or use a shuttle service (e.g., Tropical Shuttle, including surfboard transport) to reach the surf regions directly. Travel time varies between 3 to 6 hours, depending on your final destination.
Surf Camp Recommendations: Rapture Surfcamp, Iguana Surf Camp, Lapoint
Tip:
Outside of tourist areas, credit cards aren’t always accepted in Costa Rica, so always carry enough cash!
#4: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka stole a piece of my heart – the people, the culture, the food, and of course, the waves! I didn’t want to leave. With a tropical climate and an average water temperature of 28°C, you can surf all day long.
The country has two monsoon regions, meaning rain seasons and wind conditions vary by coast. While the Southwest Coast offers waves year-round, its rainy season coincides with the European summer. If you’re surfing during this time, head to the East Coast, around Arugam Bay, where it’s dry season.
Surf Camp Recommendations: Kima Surf, Dreamsea, Layback Surf, Tailside
Getting To
To reach surf destinations like Arugam Bay (East Coast) or Weligama (Southwest Coast), fly into Colombo (CMB) and choose one of these options:
- Train: The cheapest and most adventurous way (about 4.5 hours).
- Taxi/Private Shuttle: The fastest but also most expensive option (around 3 hours).
- Surf Camp Transfers: Many camps offer their own shuttle services, which I personally always found convenient.
#3: France
France’s Atlantic coast is a paradise for beginner surfers! My surf trips in France always include camping between pine forests and the ocean, checking the waves at sunrise from the dunes, and of course, enjoying a fresh baguette snack on the beach. A perfect Travel Destination for Surfing in Summer.
The most popular surf spots are Biarritz, Hossegor, and Moliets. The endless sandy beaches provide excellent beach breaks, ideal for beginners. Since the waves often break further out, there are long whitewater sections—perfect for long rides! Plus, the vast beaches offer plenty of space. Wave conditions depend on tides and sandbanks, but spots like St. Giron, La Sud, and Carcans guarantee an amazing surf experience.
The water along the Atlantic coast can be quite chilly. You’ll need a 3/2mm wetsuit, though on very hot days, a 2/2mm shorty might work, depending on your cold tolerance. Most surf camps include a 3/2mm wetsuit rental.
Surf Camp Recommendation: Wellenreiter (german camp), PURE Surfcamp, Dreamsea
Getting To
- Bus Shuttle: Many surf camps offer bus transfers from Germany. The journey is long, but you’ll meet fellow surfers along the way.
- Car/Camper: France is perfect for a road trip—you can easily drive with your own car or camper van.
- Train Another option is taking the train to DAX station. Important: In the TGV (French high-speed train), seat reservations are mandatory. If you’re bringing a large surfboard, check TGV oversized luggage policies beforehand.
- From DAX, you can either arrange a pickup or take the Westcoast Transfer which runs three times daily from various airports and train stations.
- Plane: The nearest airports are Biarritz or Bordeaux. From there, you can take a shuttle service (e.g. Westcoast Transfer) or rent acar (e.g. via Sunny Cars). Many surf camps in France also offer their own airport shuttle services.
For public transportation, there are local options from the train station or airport, but if it’s your first time in France, navigating them can be quite confusing.
#2: Portugal
Just like in France, Portugal offers incredible Atlantic coast waves. For European surfers, it’s the number one surf destination, offering breathtaking coastlines, a warm climate, affordable delicious food, and year-round surfable waves—making it perfect to learn surfing in summer!
When I lived in Europe, I made sure to visit Portugal at least once a year, always exploring a new surf spot.
Portugal has something for every surf level—from gentle beach breaks for beginners to challenging reef waves for advanced surfers. The most popular surf regions are Ericeira, Peniche, and the Algarve. For beginners, the best time to visit is June to September, as the waves are generally smaller during these months.
You’ll need a 3/2mm wetsuit, though in the Algarve, a 2mm wetsuit or even just boardshorts/swimsuit might be enough since the water is slightly warmer.
Best Surf Spots For Beginners
Algarve: Praia de Amado & Arrifana
The Algarve has warmer water compared to the rest of Portugal, allowing for longer sessions and more intensive practice. Praia de Amado is one of the best beginner-friendly surf spots in Portugal, thanks to its consistent conditions and spacious beach, ensuring everyone has enough room to catch their first waves. Arrifana, with its stunning landscape and protected bay, provides gentle waves, making it an ideal spot for beginners.
Surfcamp Recommendations: Rapture Surfcamp, Wavy Surfcamp, PURE Surf Camp
Ericeira – Foz do Lizandro
Ericeira is my favorite place in Portugal! This surf town is a true paradise that attracts surfers from all over the world, from beginners to pros. The coastline north of Ericeira was even designated a World Surfing Reserve in 2011, highlighting the quality of the waves and the protection of its coastline.
Beyond world-class waves, Ericeira offers a vibrant surf atmosphere, a lively scene, and great infrastructure: accommodations, surf shops, restaurants, and surf schools are all within easy reach.
As a beginner, you’ll likely find yourself at the Foz do Lizandro beach break—a fantastic spot to celebrate your first surfing successes this summer!
Surf Camp Recommendations: Lapoint, Rapture Surfcamp, The Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat
Peniche – Cantinho da Baía
Peniche is home to some of the best waves in Europe, but beginners can also find great spots here. Thanks to two peninsulas, there’s always a beginner-friendly wave depending on the swell and wind direction.
Cantinho da Baía is one of Portugal’s most well-known surf locations and the best beginner surf spot in Peniche. This 3-kilometer-long beach offers ideal learning conditions: gentle waves near the shore, with larger waves further out for those ready to progress. This setup lets you gradually build confidence and tackle bigger challenges.
Surf Camp Recommendations: SoulSurfcamp, Baleal Surfcamp, Peniche Surfscamp (only the Surf School)
Getting To
The easiest way to get to Portugal is by plane: For the Algarve, fly into Faro. For Peniche & Ericeira, the closest airport is Lisbon. From there, you can reach the surf spots via shuttle, rental car, or public transport.
If you’re traveling from within Europe, you can also drive or take the train to Portugal. I also went on a road trip here once – simply amazing!
#1: Indonesia
More specifically: Bali & Lombok—the perfect destinations to learn to surf in summer!
During the European summer (April to October), Bali and Lombok experience dry season, offering consistent waves for all surf levels. Plus, the water is warm, so no wetsuit needed—just grab your board and go!
Reading Tip: Lombok vs Bali: Which is the Better Choice for Your Surf Trip2025?
Bali
The best beginner-friendly surf spots are on the west coast during the summer months—especially in Canggu, Seminyak & Kuta.
Here, you’ll not only find perfect beginner waves but also a vibrant atmosphere with countless trendy cafés, restaurants, and top-notch tourist infrastructure.
Reading Tip: The 8 Best Surf Spots in Bali for Beginners & Intermediates
Reading Tip: 25 Must-Visit Cafés in Bali That No Surfer Should Miss in 2025
Tip:
- Dry season means crowds! If you prefer a quieter experience, aim to visit towards the end of the season.
- Book accommodations early—the best places near the surf spots fill up quickly during peak season!
Surf Camp Recommendations: Check out my detailed guide on the best surf camps in Bali!
Getting to Bali
Fly into Denpasar (DPS). From there its 4 km to Kuta: 4 km (~15 min drive) and to Canggu 19 km (~1 hour, depending on traffic)
If your surf camp doesn’t offer a shuttle, I recommend using Grab or Gojek (like Uber). Download the app beforehand to ensure a fair price.
Lombok
Lombok may be less well known than Bali, but you can learn to surf here just as well in the summer. A trip to Lombok is often associated with less hustle and bustle, because while Bali can get very crowded in high season, things are (still) much more relaxed on Lombok.
Beginner-friendly surf spots like Selong Belanak are not only perfect for catching your first waves, but they also look like a postcard dream!
Reading Tip: Surfing in Lombok: Your Guide to the Underrated Surf Paradise
Reading Tip: Lombok Travel Guide: Surfing, Exploring, Insider Tips
Getting to Lombok
A direct flight to Lombok (LOP) is possible, but only a few airlines fly there. The most common route is via Bali (Denpasar). From Bali you can either fly to Lombok (about 3 minutes) or take a speedboat. You can find more information about this in my Lombok travel guide
Tip:
Got extra time? Combine Bali & Lombok into one trip for the best of both worlds—that’s my favorite way to do it! 😀
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a nearby European destination or tropical waves with warm water, there are amazing places worldwide to learn surfing in summer.
Each of these Top 5 Surf Destinations offers ideal conditions for beginners and intermediates—from gentle waves and experienced instructors to a relaxed surf culture.
Where will you go next? Let me know in the comments or drop me a message! 🙂
Extra Travel Tip:
As soon as I arrive at the airport, I get instant mobile internet access with an eSIM, making my onward journey hassle-free! My personal favorite is Saily – their data packages are fairly priced, and the app is super easy to use. Plus, with the code “saltwatersecrets”, you get 5% off! Another good provider is “Airalo”.
If Wi-Fi is enough for you, I highly recommend using a VPN like NordVPN. When connecting to public networks at airports, hotels, or cafés, your data – especially passwords – is often vulnerable to hackers. After a personal incident with Booking.com in Vietnam, I’ve become extra cautious in these situations.
This article was all about the best destinations to learn surfing in summer!
