TOP 10 SURFING DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE

Although there are very good surfing beaches in Spain, such as Pantín in Ferrol, El Golfo in Lanzarote, Tarifa in Cádiz or Mundaka in the Basque Country, we have chosen the beaches of Somo and Loredo, in Cantabria as they’re the cradle of surfing in Spain. Somo has consistent waves ranging in size from small to medium and its beach, 6 kilometers long, is considered the first nature reserve in Spain and second in Europe. These beaches are next to Loredo beach, 3 kilometers long, for surfers to enjoy. It is estimated that more than 500 surfers have a residence there.

Floripa, as the Brazilians call it, is a paradise made of ten beaches, relaxed life and lots of partying, and also one of the best-surfing destinations in the world surrounded by the beauty of nature. The waves on the beaches of Santinho, Moçambique, Imbituba and Garopaba beaches are perfect for surfing. Many of the winds are generated by the deep low pressures that continue beyond Cabo Hornos, sending big waves from the north throughout the year, especially between April and October. Floripa has become the most visited destination in Brazil, where the environment is also suitable for nature tourism and ecotourism. Eleven of the top 34 surfers in the World Surf League (WSL) ranking are athletes born and trained in some of the more than two thousand beaches of the Brazilian coastline of almost eight thousand kilometers. That is why Brazil is no longer known only for good soccer, but also as a cradle of surf champions such as Italo Ferreira, the current world surfing champion.

Siargao is an unspoiled paradise and one of the most beautiful areas of the planet to reconnect with nature. It is the surfing capital of the Philippines and home to one of the best waves in the world, known as Cloud 9, whose thick and hollow tubes create an exciting and challenging experience. There are also many other waves to surf for beginners and all levels of surfers. Siargao can only be reached by domestic flights and this has helped preserve the island's atmosphere and environment, making it one of the most authentic island destinations. When you’re not surfing, you can take an island-hopping excursion, and visit Sugbu Lagoon to snorkel in crystal clear waters among colorful fish and stingless jellyfish or delve into the wonderful caves of Sohoton.

Since the 50s, this beach has been a reference of the history and culture of surfing. For this reason, it was named the first world-surfing reserve. Malibu enjoys an excellent location due to its proximity to Los Angeles and it’s suitable for both beginners and expert surfers. Malibu’s good weather conditions all year round make this beach attractive for surfers as well as being one of the first places in the world where surfing started, outside its birthplace, Polynesia.

At Playa Grande the water is warm, and the waves are great all year-round, making the surfing experience almost perfect. This beach stretches along the northern Pacific coast in the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica and, in addition to its incredible waves, it has wonderful sunsets. But the waves are reason enough, they’re consistent and moderate enough to accommodate a surfer of any skill level. However, the selling point of this beach is the year-round waves and wind conditions, ideal for a great surfing experience. Another aspect that makes Playa Grande unique is the speed with which the tide comes in. The beach offers the best surfing experience at high tide up to mid-tide.

Due to its nine best surfing beaches and high environmental standards, in 2011 Ericeira became the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe with its five kilometers of coastline and held the ASP World Surfing Championship World Tour. It is also a traditional Portuguese fishing village with an old town that sits on cliffs and is full of bustling cafes, stores and restaurants.

Located on France's southwest coast of the Landes, it has miles of beautiful beach breaks and some impressive pro-level tubes reminiscent of Hawaii. Thanks to its competition-level waves, world-class surfers come here and every year in September the pros compete in Quicksilver Pro France in Hossegor.

Australia is a vacation paradise in general, especially for surfers. Gold Coast is the surfing destination number one of Queensland. It is famous for its numerous right-hand point breaks, long beach breaks and a new artificial reef at Narrowneck. The best season for surfing is from January to July, although its temperate subtropical climate makes it possible to practice surfing most of the time. Kirra beach waves are some of the fastest and most famous on the planet. They say that the best time to surf it is at dawn and the best month is February.

Honolulu is the capital of the archipelago of Hawaii and is located on the south coast of the island of Oahu. It is well known for its iconic crescent moon shaped beaches, where surfers from all over the world meet. It has several beaches with easier or more dangerous waves. The case of Sunset Beach, located on the north shore of Oahu, is famous for its giant winter waves not recommended for beginners and for its spectacular views. It hosted the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational surfing championships until 1985.

It is the jewel of African surfing and probably one of the best places to do so on the planet. Each year hosts the annual ASP World Tour event that brings together spectators and surfers from around the world. Jeffrey's Bay is an inlet of the South African coast located between the Garden Route and Sunshine Coast, where warm currents from the Indian Ocean mix with those of the Atlantic creating very special sea conditions.  The main surfing spot in J.Bay is Supertubes, which thanks to its constant waves is the site of the annual Billabong Pro surf contest held every July. Other popular spots, also frequented by locals and visitors due to their 3-meter waves are Kitchen Window, Boneyards, Phantoms, Magnatubes and Albatross.