The best European surf resorts and surf camps
Spending (at least) a week catching waves, lounging in hammocks, and toasting the sunset at a remote surf camp is definitely a balm for the stresses of everyday life. Of course, we get that you absolutely need to head to Bali for the best surfing. Or even better: Australia. But still... Suppose that isn’t possible this summer, even just for a bit, then consider one of these destinations. Also delightful. These are the best European surf resorts and surf camps.
France + Spain
Create a no-brainer:Ripstar, the go-to organization for surf camps. Everything arranged down to the last detail, there is no time for conviviality here, and respect for nature comes first. Anyone who thinks they are too old to learn surfing is wrong. Ripstar organizes small-scale Premium Surf Camps in Europe. There is an 18+, 25+ and 30+ camp. Premium, what does that mean? More luxurious, more beautiful and smaller than you are used to, but still everything under the motto: eat, sleep & surf.
And Ripstar, wouldn't be Ripstar if they didn't have something for everyone. The Surf & Family camps are highly recommended by families. To be fair, active family holidays are the most fun, as Ripstar proves again. During these camps (in the Netherlands or Europe), you learn to surf on holiday with the whole family. Even the youngest have been taken into account with the special 'Surfing with Smurfs' lesson. Do you feel like floating on your board all day? That's certainly allowed, but so much fun is organized such as clinics and games for children and adults.
One of the best-known organizers of surf camps is surely Enter the Wave. From the beautiful Spanish hills of Oyambre & Asturias, to the French pine forests of Biscarrosse, to the rugged coast of Portugal near Lisbon.
The perfect combination of atmosphere, surfing and music. A magical place to spend your summer with a group of friends, or to meet new people!
Women only: sorry not sorry! In the heart of the French surf scene, Elin and Amanda host this amazing surf and wellness retreat. Bonanza: a large amount of something desirable. And yes, that is exactly what it is.
Maybe a bit exclusive, because the retreat is certainly not cheap and fully booked within a week after launch. Now we want even more! But the focus is broader than just what is on the shelf. A glass of wine is also part of it, as is dancing until the early hours. The goal? Not necessarily to become the best shredder in the water, but community and fun with like-minded peeps. Here too, you are more than welcome as a beginner.
This French resort gives you the opportunity to try out a combination of glamor and camping: glamping. There is no reason to sacrifice comfort and luxury if you want to enjoy an amazing experience in nature. You will sleep here in comfortably furnished tepee tents with super nice mattresses. And even better: you don't have to bring your own bedding from the Netherlands all the way to drag along. A perfect concept for people who like to be outdoors and love camping, but above all want to enjoy comfort. All this in the surf village Mimizan on the French coast.
Surf tribe in Biscarrosse is the surfing holiday in France for the whole family. Mom and/or dad having drinks and lazing on the beach, kids on the surfboard (professionally supervised of course). Although parents are also more than welcome to surf at Surftribe. There is a wonderful atmosphere in the air here, thanks to the wonderful climate, good accessibility, beautiful nature, old cities and picturesque villages. The activities program is packed, so you can SUP, visit the surfing village of Biscarrosse, longboard in the area and enjoy live performances, film nights and sports competitions in the evening.
Portugal
Marnie Rays is the hot news surf retreat in the surf mecca of Portugal: Ericeira. Set up by @linseyholland (just checking, pretty Insta incoming). Linsey herself missed a surfing community for kooks (inside joke for beginning surfers).
What makes this retreat so wonderful? The focus is not just on surfing, but also on wellness – think yoga, but also yummy food. Accessible? Check. Good-looking? Check. Surf-skater vibes? Double check.
Near the coast, halfway through Portugal and around the corner from Ericeira, you will find the breathtaking Barril. There is sea, there is greenery, there is good surf and voilá, there is Casa Quintas! A lovely small-scale quinta where you can laze, swim and enjoy the surroundings. On your own private balcony, in the large garden or by the pool – the people at Casa Quintas know what a holiday is.
Casa Quintas is located in the World Surf Reserve with the most famous spot Ribeira d'Ilhas just five minutes away. Surf dudes and dudettes paradise, for both pros and beginners.
Everything you need Noah Surf House in Santa Cruz, Portugal. In addition to a restaurant and bar, the surf hotel also has a lovely swimming pool and hot tub. The kids can have fun on the skating rink and during the surfing lessons.
A little bit more quiet? Rent bicycles at the hotel and explore the area.
Morocco
Okay, okay, yes, Morocco is certainly not Europe, we know that, but in our view the country is so accessible that it could easily be that, right? A ticket doesn't cost the world and because the Moroccan coast in our country is virtually undiscovered, it is wonderful to explore anonymously.
One of the best places where this is possible is boutique hotel Amouage, the Surf Maroc club's own hotel. Of the latter, you should know that the group organizes surf clinics and yoga holidays at all levels, at various addresses along the same Moroccan coast, with their headquarters in the hippie surf resort of Taghazout. Here, between the cities of Agadir and Essaouira, everything is surfing – highly recommended! This also applies to Café Mouja, also from the group, a bright café overlooking the beach with both Moroccan dishes and international classics, lots of fish and everything fresh and in season. The smoothie bar is not to be missed and according to many you can drink the best coffee in the area here.
