On & Beyond the Surfboard

There’s more to Mexico than sombreros, enchiladas, and tequila. Some of the biggest surfable waves in the Americas can be found on the Pacific coast of mainland Mexico.

While other locations may have been the true birthplaces of surfing, one thing’s for sure – Hawaii is the spiritual home of surfing and the birthplace of modern surfing.

From a surfer’s standpoint, Portugal has it all. It’s not just the awesome waves, but also the surf culture, its authentic charm, and the fact that it’s inexpensive that make it one of the world’s top surfing destinations.

Portugal is a surfer’s paradise. Its huge coastline is dotted with waves of all shapes and sizes, rolling in one after the other, some located just outside lively beach towns with buzzing nightlife, others remote and serene. Simply put, Portugal has something for everyone.

Doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned surfer or you’re just starting out; Portugal is one of the most surfer-friendly countries out there. 

“What level of surfer am I?” is a question that inevitably pops up when deciding where to travel, when to go, and what surf camp to choose.

With both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, delicious food, and miles after miles of white sandy beaches, Costa Rica, the “rich coast”, certainly lives up to its name.

Tea and coffee, coconuts and cinnamon, crystal-blue water, palm-fringed beaches, stilt fishermen, and mellow surf breaks. No wonder Sri Lanka is on every surfer’s radar.

Previously known as Ceylon, the land of tea and coffee, coconuts and cinnamon, Sri Lanka is one of the most reliable surfing destinations in the Indian Ocean. 

Hawaii is the most isolated landmass on the planet, a chain of volcanic islands exposed to all swell and wind directions. For surfers, this means one thing: year-round waves for all skill levels.  

With over 300 gorgeous sandy beaches, year-round warm water, steady winds, and consistent swells, Costa Rica is a surfing mecca and one of the best places in the world to learn to surf. 

When we think of great surfing destinations, most of us have Hawaii, Bali, Australia, or Portugal on our minds. A place where the sun is shining pretty much all the time, the weather is never too cold and the scenery is nothing short of amazing, right? 

The capital of surfing in the USA, California is the birthplace of surf culture. This stretch of coastline is home to some of the world’s most famous waves and surf towns.

To call Australia a surfing mecca is already somewhat of a cliché. Surfing is deeply rooted in Australian culture, and the country is home to some of the world’s best surfers and waves. 

Are you ready to charge bigger waves that pack more power, work on your aerials and turns on challenging sections, and hone your tube riding skills? Indonesia is one of the best places on the planet to improve your surfing.

The world’s largest archipelagic state and the third most biodiverse country in the world, Indonesia is Asia’s surfing capital. 

Have you been dreaming of surfing the legendary waves that Morocco is so famous for? If you’ve been intimated by their notoriety before, no need to be anymore. Morocco is one of the best places on earth to progress and improve your technique in record time.

Samba, carnivals, football (soccer), capoeira, the Amazon…there are many things that come to mind when thinking of Brazil. But the world’s fifth-largest country is also chock-full of kitespots.

Encircled by the Pacific Ocean, the Celebes Sea, the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, The Philippines consists of 7,107 islands. Each of them is home to potential surfing spots.

Featured in countless surf movies and magazines, with perfect waves and endless barrels, the Mentawai Islands are one of the most sought-after surf trips on the planet.

Although only a stone’s throw away from Bali, Lombok is very different from the hustle and bustle of its big sister. Still free from mass tourism and over-development, it has that raw natural beauty that most of Bali’s coastline has unfortunately lost.

With its world-famous Superbank, Byron Bay, Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and Torquay, Australia stands at the very top of any avid surfers’ bucket list.

Colombia is a spectacular land of variety and opportunity. It almost seems as though, no matter where your interests lie, the country always has something to offer. 

In Southern Morocco, where the deserts, argan plantations, and the Atlas Mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean, two sleepy fishing villages turned international surfing hotspots attract wave chasers all throughout the year.

Imagine surfing a perfectly-peeling wave all by yourself, one that has hardly ever been touched before, perhaps not even named yet. 

With surf spot after surf spot, rights and lefts, steep and powerful, mellow and long, hollow and rippable waves, you are spoilt for choice in Southwest France.

Who hasn’t heard of the legendary waves at Cloudbreak, Restaurants, and Frigates, three of the best left-handers on the planet, and dreamed about surfing them or at least having a peek at the pros?

Mint tea, tagine, couscous, colorful bazaars, fascinating medinas, bold flavors, camel rides, Saharan sands, and flawless waves… Morocco is a sensory overload!

Summer in Spain brings to mind images of sun-filled days, incredible beaches, laidback vibes, and a huge variety of friendly waves for beginners.

South America is home to truly epic surf. With over 144,000 miles of coastline and just about every kind of wave imaginable, you can really take your pick. Most surf spots are never too crowded, and the countries are budget-friendly too.

Sand dunes, lunar landscapes, crystal-clear water, and blue sky; any time of the year. Plus the occasional Saharan breeze in your hair. Otherworldly surroundings only a stone throw’s away from Europe.

Two words: mythical and diverse. Although it would take much more to describe the fascinating realm we call Peru, these two definitely do justice to its tumultuous history, culture, geography, food, and surfing scene.

Some of the best waves in Europe are found on the Iberian Peninsula, and Spain’s long sun-kissed coastline is the perfect destination for a surf trip. Any time of the year.

A world of extremes, where noisy cities meet authentic street markets and luxury seaside resorts are intertwined with deserted beaches, Thailand is a popular travel destination for many reasons. Unfortunately, surfing is not one of them. Yet!

The Iberian Peninsula is home to some of the sweetest surf spots in Europe. With almost 3,100mi (5,000 km) of coastline (the Canary Islands included), Spain is famous for its rich culture, gripping history, scrumptious food, and its surf.

Peniche is famous for quite a few things – long sandy beaches, surfing, sardines, and Supertubos, one of the best beach breaks on the planet. It is also mainland Europe’s westernmost city and one of the best places to learn to surf in Portugal.

Europe’s answer to Hawaii, the Canary Islands are a place of endless summer. Off the coast of northwest Africa, the Spanish archipelago consists of seven major islands with year-round warm weather and consistent surf.

The birthplace of surfing in Europe, France is home to some of the best beach breaks on the planet.

The jewel in the crown of Portuguese surf, Ericeira is often compared to Mexico’s Baja California and Australia’s Gold Coast. Are you wondering why?

Nestled between Bali and Sumbawa, Lombok has long lived in the shadow of its western neighbor. Referred to as Bali’s sister, the two are often compared while there are, in fact, more differences between them than similarities.

Australia is a magnet for surfers, and Victoria makes no exception. The seductive beaches and powerful waves close to Vic’s vibrant capital of Melbourne are a gold mine for adrenaline junkies.

Besides kangaroos and koalas, surfing is also one of the first things that come to mind when thinking about Australia. 

With so many waves within such a small area, Bali is a great place to learn to surf and enhance your skills. From first-timers to progressing surfers and pros, there’s a spot for all.

Picture this: flat-water lagoons, medium-sized waves, consistent wind during summer, and a vibrant nightlife, all set against a drop-dead gorgeous backdrop. That’s kitesurfing in Portugal for you!

Having been pinned on the surf map in the 1950s, Morocco is a preferred surfing destination for Europeans looking to escape the cold winters back home, but its legendary waves also attract surfers from far and wide.

We can all agree that Southeast Asia is a surfer’s paradise! It’s not just the surf breaks, but also the beaches, the weather, the people and all those little things that make a surfing destination highly sought after by surfers. 

The land of wine, baguette, and cheese, the history, landscapes, and surf in France are without rival. 

Also known as the ‘Island of 1,000 Temples’, locals believe Bali is blessed by the gods. With 271 miles (437 km) of coastline, idyllic beaches, epic barreling waves, a surfer-friendly community, and laid-back atmosphere, it certainly seems to be. 

Indonesia is a coveted destination among wave enthusiasts, and one of the best places in the world to learn to surf. 

Portugal is a surfer’s paradise. It has hundreds of surf beaches, it has Nazaré, the biggest wave ever surfed, and a laid-back surfing community.

Surf’s up all over the world now that summer is at its peak. Surfboards and sunbathing have already become the norm on beaches around the globe, and seaside towns are reaping the benefits, including Argentina’s lush coastline.

There’s more to Cuba than mojitos and Che Guevara. Far beyond the country’s quintessential symbols, its colonial architecture, hand-rolled cigars, Spanish guitars and African drums echoing in the streets, lie fantastic diving spots and… some sweet surfing!

Any surfer knows that Portugal is a wonderful surfing destination. But then again, with 586 miles (953 km) of coastline and a lovely weather all year round, there wasn’t really any doubt there.