Surfing Holidays

Hitting the waves and scratching the clouds on holiday is truly an exhilarating experience

Some of the most beautiful destinations around the world cater to this sport with waves at just the right size and a euphoric atmosphere you will always remember. Are you the king of the wave or a novice surfer? Our top destination choices offer great options for the ultimate surfing holidays.

Destination ideas

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California dreaming in San Diego

Surfing in San Diego is a lot like watching a football match: You should experience it at least once, and chances are, you will want to do it over and again.

Why you should go

  • Simply put, there are nearly 115 kilometres of pristine beaches, each with unique breaks and breathtaking scenery.
  • The Pacific Ocean is exhilarating, boasting annual temperatures that range from 20ºC in the summer to a chilly -11ºC during the winter.
  • San Diego is also a great destination to experience outside of the water, with a large array of wonderful restaurants, a fun nightlife and family friendly attractions.

When to go

San Diego is idyllic all four seasons of the year:

  • The months of August until November are considered the most ideal, thanks to the Santa Ana winds which combine with the south swells to create impressive offshore barrels.

Surfing experts: You will want to go in the winter time.
Big breaks from the Alaska winter storms will make for an exciting surf session.

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What to do

With so many beaches to choose from, San Diego is truly a surfers paradise.

  • Beautiful Beaches: When you go on holiday, visit Mission Beach, Solana Beach, which boasts beautiful cliffs, hidden coves and a breathtaking view.
  • For Water sports enthusiasts: Certain areas of the La Jolla shores are great for many water sports, including kayaking, scuba and beginner surfers.
  • For experienced Surfers: The rocky shores of Windansea beach are perfect for the most experienced surfers.
  • Tourmaline Surf Park: Considered a coveted spot by wave enthusiasts. Tourmaline is located in North Country beach and is staffed by lifeguards year-round and is also a great location for sailboarding.

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California Surf Map

Surfing in Morocco

Breaking waves in Morocco

Not too far from the UK, surfers of all skill levels can be riding the waves of some of the most amazing beaches.

Why you should go

  • Just a few hours away from home and perfect for relaxing last-minute trips.
  • Morocco has amazing sights to visit including the Hassan Mosque, the Sahara Desert or the gorgeous blue streets of Chefchaouen.
  • The savoury and fragrant Moroccan cuisine will make you want to stay here forever.

When to go

  • The best time to visit and travel to Morrocco is during the winter months, as the swells are consistently good and the water temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 16ºC to 19ºC.

Expect year-round sunshine, but cold evenings from October through to March. 

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What to do

  • A flight to Agadir will get visitors approximately 20 kilometres away from some of Morocco's finest beaches along the coast of Taghazout.
  • Anchor Point covets clean lines and consistent tides, which can also be an ideal location for beginners or visitors wishing to learn the sport.
  • Other great locations in the area include the Cave or La Grotte, boasting some of the biggest waves in the area and located near Essaouira.
  • Though not the same sport, Kite surfing is also quite popular around Moroco. If interested in testing your kite skills, recommended destinations include Dakhla and Essaouira.

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Morocco Surf Map


Surfing the Gold Coast, Australia

Not only an iconic location, it is also where avid surfers go to break records, reach limits and get the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Why you should go

Australia is an oasis of diverse activities for all to enjoy.

  • Australia has a subtropical climate, great beaches, entertaining night life, theme parks, a rainforest and more, tourists will have a great time.
  • For the pro surfer: The Gold Coast guarantees some of the greatest surf spots around, including the man-made Superbank located in Snapper Rock, which is believed to provide pro surfers with one of the best surfer-sized barrel and longest waves, averaging approximately two kilometres. Superbank is also one of the busiest breaks, making that 2 kilometre ride a bit difficult.

When to go

  • Summer season: Temperatures start rising in December. It relieves travellers from the colder temperatures in Europe.
  • Average temperatures range from 20ºC to 28ºC with the climate experiencing less rain and humidity, making it an ideal time to be at the beach.

It is a subtropical climate and truly ideal for surfing holidays!

Feeling inspired?

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What to do

  • Gold Coast: With some of the greatest surf spots around, Australia's Gold Coast consists of great spots, including Coolangatta, Noosa, Kirra, Surfers Paradise, Duranbah and Snapper Rocks, to name a few.
  • Southern Australia: It also boasts mean surf spots, but with colder water temperatures and sharks often spotted, the area beckons only the most adventurous. For those willing, perhaps a trip to Venus Beach or Bells Beach would be of interest.
  • For visitors who want to take a break from the beach, Opodo recommends a stroll through the Surfer's Paradise Beachfront Markets, some quality time at the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk or a cuddle with a koala at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

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Australia Surf Map


The Surf Terrain in Mundaka

For those looking for the ultimate surf holiday or long to travel to a place where the sport has evoked the passion of the locals and is highly revered.

Why you should go

Mundaka offers world class breaks set among the breathtaking scenery of the Basque Country.

  • The area's sand banks are almost perfect, allowing for left barrels that are hollow for over 200 meters.
  • The Bay of Biscay is also home to huge swells that slam along the rocky coast.
  • The location is also ideal for a regular holiday, as it is scenic and offers wonderful seafood dishes and traditional menus.

When to go

  • For the wave ride of your life, you'll want to catch mid to low tide, which are more frequent to experience in the fall and winter months.
  • Water temperatures range from 18ºC in Autumn to 12ºC in February, though it warms up quite a bit in the summer months reaching a high average of 22ºC.

Any time of the year is a good time to visit, though the summertime may result in less consistent waves.

Feeling inspired?

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What to do

  • Explore the Basque country: Because of Mundaka's close proximity to Bilbao (approximately 40 kilometres) and San Sebastian, tourists looking to explore the Basque region can visit the world-famous Guggenheim museum in Bilbao or indulge in some of the best pintxos, or tapas, in San Sebastian, though any local bar would be sure to have authentic and delicious tapas.
  • For those who love surf events: Once a year in the beginning of October, Mundaka is transformed into a surfer's paradise, as it is host to the Billabong Pro Mundaka, a world championship tour for surfing.

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Mundaka Surf Map

«The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun.»

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Phil Edwards

Surfing Travel Tips

Whether you are expert or pro, here are some travel tips to help you on your way


How do I carry my board?
Review airline baggage allowances and fees before booking flights to ensure your surfboard is permitted and the regulatory ways in which to carry it. Click here for surfboard allowances and fees for top airlines.

Get travel insurance
Being extra careful when making travel plans by getting insurance that protects you from accidents and health situations in a foreign destination is just smart. Spend the extra money- it is always worth it.

Stay close to the action
Booking a hotel that is close to where you’ll be spending most of your time is always a good idea, especially if you are carrying around a large surfboard wherever you go. Besides, who doesn’t want to wake up to an ocean view?

Don't make it all about surfing
If you are new to taking a surf-specific holiday, choose a destination that offers other activities and fun things to do that are of interest to you. You may not want to spend all of your time in the ocean. Also, weather may pose reason to postpone your surfing excursion.

Beginner? No problem!
Beginners should choose a destination that offers surfing school. These camps are a great option in ensuring you make the most of your surf trip.

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