Top 10 surfing destinations
From the exotic and faraway shores of the home of surfing Hawaii to the west coast of France, Expedia.co.uk have selected the top 10 destinations across the world to grab some top surfing action. From beginners to pro’s, you’ll find somewhere to suit your style with Expedia.co.uk.
1. California
Most of the Californian coast is blessed with the pacific coast highway that stretches the length of the coastline and enables easy surf checks and access to hundreds of spots. California offers something for the beginner in Malibu or Manhattan Beach to the professional with waves like Mavericks outside San Francisco. Steeped in surfing history it should be on the top of your list for a surfing holiday.
2. France - West Coast
France is not only renowned for its superb food but also for its glorious beaches and quality surfing waves. The whole stretch of West coastline sees a varying quality of surf. The further down the coastline you venture the better the surf becomes. The French surf zones like Biarritz, Hossegor and Seignosse Le Penon mean waves of quality and perfection.
3. Lanzarote
Lanzarote, the most northern of the Canary Islands is located 100 km off the Moroccan coast. There are two main surfing resorts on the island, Costa Teguise on the east coast and Famara on the west coast. Costa Teguise is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. The small surf resort of Famara is 1,500 metres of beautiful beach with and has become something of a Surfers' paradise.
4. Feurtaventrua
Fuerteventura has perfect surfing beaches to suit all abilities, with the most consistent surf found on the North West coast. Corralejo has managed to retain its original charm and atmosphere, and there are still beautiful sandy beaches in the town centre. Most of the shops, bars and restaurants are along the main street which leads to the harbour which looks across the other side of town and the sand dunes.
5. Madeira
Sitting alone in the Atlantic, 350 miles west of the Moroccan city of Casablanca, Madeira stands defiantly in the way of any swell coming out of the North Atlantic. It is an extremely picturesque rich cultural island, rising sheer out of the ocean, and generations of locals have moulded its cliffs into an amazing system of fertile terraces full of flowering trees.
6. Australia
Australia is one of the world greatest surfing destinations. The dazzling Sunshine Coast encompasses a string of coastal towns strewn along the sparkling Pacific Ocean, with stunning blue-green hills as a backdrop. The region is a haven for surfers, swimmers, fishers, adventurers, or those who just want to hide away.
7. Bali
It’s been 25 years since the island of Bali became the epicentre of exotic surf adventure. Bali is still an excellent destination a quarter of a century on and offers true surfing magic. The southeast trade winds start in March and continue through to November each year offering good offshore conditions in Bali and providing classic and sometimes hollow tubes of pure surf fun!
8. Florida - Cocoa Beach
Florida’s Cocoa Beach is one of the finest all-purpose surfing destinations in the world and is one of those rare places where alluring natural beauty melds harmoniously with a 21st century lifestyle. Cocoa Beach provides you with six miles of soft sand fronted by consistent 2-4 ft waves. Water temperatures never drop below 62F and air temperatures rarely dip below 72F.
9. Hawaii
With monster waves and huge wipe-outs Hawaii is, of course, America's surfing Mecca, and the North Shore of Oahu is the State's Holy Grail. For beginners, the calmer waves of Waikiki will help you find your feet. If its pro waves you’re looking for head up to the North Shore and explore the likes of Sunset Beach, Pupukea Beach and the famous Banzai pipeline.
10. Portugal
A popular destination for every level of surfer; if you are looking to experience a unique European surf in the sun all year long then Portugal should be your first choice. It offers world class surf that matches anywhere in the world. Lisbon area is the heartland of Portugal surfing stretching all the way down to Peniche. The Algarve has a very mild climate with solid surf often with offshore morning breezes.
