Windsurf Europe: Top 10 European windsurfing destinations

Aug 23, 2017 BY AWE365 Team

Why spend a small fortune travelling halfway across the globe when you can windsurf Europe? Although the smallest continent Europe is blessed with lots of wind and lots of water – you just need to know where to go…. So we’ve put together the top 10 European windsurfing destinations.

Flickr image by Henrick Molte

Top 10 European windsurfing destinations

It should be added that the list is in no particular order and that it is based purely on the most popular pages on this site to windsurf Europe. With that in mind the top 10 should be considered as top destinations for windsurfing holidays.

Tarifa, Spain

Known as the ‘Wind Capital of the World’ and the southernmost point of the European continent. Tarifa has the average annual air temperature of 19°C and the water is usually between 13 and 20 degrees.




The season is year round but best from the beginning of March to the end of November. Even outside of these months you can still windsurf, however some beaches prohibit water sports during the height of summer. Conditions are different in spring, summer and autumn and also vary during the day. Flat water is most common in the summer.

Flickr image by by luis jimenez

There are numerous restaurants and bars, and the town has a lively nightlife. Cultural attractions such as churches and museums are available for those seeking entertainment for non windsurfers. Overall it is probably the best of all European windsurfing destinations.

Porto Pollo, Italy

Porto Pollo is on the island of Sardinia and is one of the best European windsurfing destinations. The four types of wind occurring in different seasons of the year create conditions for windsurfers with different skill levels and preferences. The best time to visit is between June and October.

Porto Pollo is a family friendly location. Dunes along the bay offer shelter to non-windsurfing partners and family members. Apart from the great windsurfing conditions, Porto Pollo offers many cultural attractions.

There are also clubs, bars and restaurants serving traditional Italian food. Numerous hotels, residences, camp sites and bed & breakfast accommodations are available making it a great place to windsurf Europe.

Flickr image by by Michela Simoncini

Vassiliki, Greece

Local thermal wind ‘Eric’ makes this bay, located on the southern coast of Lefkada island, a great destination from mid-May to mid-October. It is often considered the perfect spot for beginners. This is due to light morning winds and shallow waters. This place is best characterized by stable weather, well-developed infrastructure and easy access.

The beach is full of windsurfing schools. They offer lessons suitable for virtually everybody from beginners to advanced windsurfers. Storage space is available for those travelling with their own equipment. A good choice of accommodation from cheap self-catering studio apartments to more expensive hotels are available.

Biarritz, France

Flickr image by by Leucate Mediterranee

This luxurious seaside town is popular with tourists and windsurfers. Known worldwide for its strong windsurfing culture and competitions such as the annual Quiksilver/Roxy Jam tournament. The busiest months are June, July and August. Nevertheless, the average high temperature of 18°C makes it a year-round destination.

Despite the distance (over 500 miles), the spot is easily accessed from Paris by high-speed trains (TGV). Things to see include The Asiatica Museum, The Museum of the Sea, St-Martin’s Church, The Russian Orthodox Church and Museum of Chocolate. The town also has two large casinos: the Barrière and the Bellevue.

Zadar, Croatia

The climate in Zadar, Dalmatia ‘almost’ guarantees temperatures above 15°C form May to October. Summer winds are usually light to moderate, and are stronger in spring and winter.

Windsurfing schools with internationally licensed instructors are available. If you need a break from windsurfing, the city of Zadar also offers plenty of other attractions. These include Roman Forum, St Donatus’ Church or a 15th-century Citadel.

The city can be accessed via Zadar International Airport. Camp sites near sandy beaches can be found in places like Ninska Laguna. Its a great place for a holiday and in our opinion one of the top 10 European windsurfing destinations.

Antalya, Turkey

The province of Antalya contains many great sandy beaches for windsurfing such as Ozlen Beach. However some of the best beaches within the province are rather remote so more suited for those with their own transport.

Turkey Windsurfing Flickr image byneiljs

The city of Antalya is Turkey’s biggest international sea resort. With the annual average high temperatures above 24°C the season in Antalya lasts all year. However, summer months see the best southern winds.

There are many interesting places, festivals, events and historic sites within Antalya for days off the water or keeping the family happy. Antalya Airport has two international terminals linking the city to the rest of the world.

Rhosneigr, Wales

This spot has some of the best and most consistent windsurfing conditions in the UK. It is best windsurfed on the approach of high tide. Rhosneigr is suitable for beginners, but also offers strong waves and good conditions for freestyle.





There are three main beaches: Cymyran Beach, Pwll Cwch or the Boating Pool, and Traeth Llydan or Broad Beach. Watch out for massive rocks hidden at high tide.

The village contains caravan and campsites, pubs, windsurfing shops (e.g. Funsport) and hotels. Despite the proximity of Anglesey Airport, the easiest access is by car.

Flickr image by cookipediachef

Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands

This is a well-known windsurfing spot on the coast of the North Sea. It’s approximately 350 miles form London and only 19 miles from Amsterdam.

Wide beaches offer plenty of space making it ideal for beginners. Despite lower winter temperatures, the spot is available all year round and one of the top 10 European Windsurfing Destinations.

There are equipment-renting facilities as well as many restaurants and bars in the town.

Brandon Bay, Ireland

This is one of the top windsurfing locations in Ireland. It’s excellent for beginners on calm days. Experienced windsurfers will be in their element when waves get higher.

Brandon Bay offers good windsurfing conditions at any time of the year, but it’s best to visit in autumn. Prepare for possible rapid changes of weather.

This is a perfect choice for those who prefer quieter and remote places with a bit of beauty thrown in. Inexpensive flights are often available from Stanstead to Kerry Airport, which is about an hour drive form the bay. Accommodations are available in local lodges and cottages (mostly self-catering).

Flick image by Rowan of Ravara

Albufeira, Portugal

Along with many other spots in the coastal region of Algarve, this is a fantastic place for speed windsurfing due to the flat waters and reliable winds. The sun shines here most of the year and temperatures are usually between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. Season lasts from May to September.

Albufeira is the largest resort in the region. Faro airport is approximately 30 minutes drive from the city. There are two main tourist-oriented areas: Areias de São João, also known as ‘The Strip’, with bars such as Garage, La Bamba, Jazz or Gaggs; and the quieter Old Town with remains of traditional Arabic architecture.

Let us know your thoughts on this top 10 European windsurfing destinations – it is not meant to be an all inclusive list but please let us know of any spots to windsurf Europe that you feel we should add. And be sure to check out our windsurfing discounts as you could save a fortune.

 
 

One response to “Windsurf Europe: Top 10 European windsurfing destinations”

  1. Porto Pollo – near Palau – North SardiniA
    Windsurf-Village apartments & MB-Pro Center – Windsurfing & Kite Center
    Rentals – Windsurfing & Kitesurfing Courses – Equipment Storage

    The MB-Pro Center team is all set to welcome you for your dream holiday – windsurfing and kitesurfing at Porto Pollo. A high quality standard Center.!
    Apartments right near the beach with all the comfort you need for 2, 4 or 6 persons.

    200 brand new RRD boards & Neil Pryde rigs in all sizes and a large selection of kids gear are ready to go. SUP boards and sea kayaks are available free of charge in combination with weekly rental package deals. Sun beds are complementary during low season. Training at all levels is under the expert supervision of our international team of instructors.

    The white sandy beach around Pro-Center is bordered by crystal clear water and is ideal for learning as
    well as for leisure and relaxation. If you wish to come with your family and want to enjoy surfing without worrying about your kids, we offer free supervision. Facilities at Pro-Center include: WiFi access, a beach bar and a restaurant. Don’t miss happy hour in the beach bar and in the weekly BBQ and beach party.

    Porto Pollo
    Perfect conditions for Beginners and Advanced-Windsurfers

    The advantageous location of the MB-Pro Center along the channel between Corsica and Sardinia, guarantees great wind conditions for Windsurfing & Kiteboarding. We have four wind systems; the Tramontana, Maestrale, Ponente and Scirocco which blow across both bays of Porto Pollo at wind strengths ranging from 4 to 8 Bft.: ideal for all levels of Windsurfers/Kiters. In the morning winds are ideally suited for beginners. In the afternoon, a stronger breeze prevails and presents exciting conditions for more radical action. During the summer, the prevailing wind is the Ponente, with wind forces ranging between 4-8 Bft. During the autumn the Scirocco, from North Africa, typically blowing at 5-6 Bft, can reach strengths up to 8 Bft. In addition to the wind-favorable geographical situation of the site, the wind in the bay is also accelerated due to the narrowing of the hilly terrain around Porto Pollo. The combination of terrain and location in the straits of Bonifacio results in exceptional windy flat water conditions. Small waves can also be found a little further out in the bay. Furthermore the whole family can enjoy the many activities offered, as well as the such as beach-parties with live music and barbecues on the beach.

    Lessons:
    Have you ever dreamed of blasting at exhilarating speeds whilst hanging comfortably in your harness with both feet in the straps of your windsurfboard? At the MB-Pro Center we can not only teach you this but also much more. Under the expert supervision of our experienced staff, through watching our own learning videos and by practising on our simulators, you will learn all the secrets of windsurfing while enjoying the safety and comfort of the beach. Whether you are a beginner or already an expert, you will find a large variety of courses well adapted to your level or your needs. With nearly 30 years of experience in windsurf education, the MB-Pro Center is the perfect place for you to progress rapidly.

    Kids-Windsurfing-Academy
    We offer special lesson packages with a full day use of the equipment for your kids from 7-14 years.
    The Kids (4-6 years) windsurfing playground is the perfect start for the youngest.

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