How do you surf while interrailing? Surfing is an amazing sport. In fact, it is often more than that, it´s a lifestyle. You may have heard before that surfing is not easy or possible while doing a train ride through Europe. However, it is entirely possible to combine the two for an amazing and unique travel experience. No matter if you are already an advanced surfer, or just starting, this article will provide you with everything you need to surf the beautiful beaches of Europe!
How to combine interrailing with surfing
In order to combine interrailing with surfing, it is best to dedicate a specific timeframe of your trip to hitting different surf spots. In Europe, these spots are exclusively along the Atlantic coast of France, Spain, and Portugal. There are also certain times of the year that create better surf conditions.
So to have a great surf experience the most important factors to consider are time and place. Generally speaking when interrailing it is easier, but also more expensive to borrow boards at the beach than bringing your board. However, it is also totally doable to travel with a board and take it with you on public transport.
The best surf breaks in Europe (for Interrailing)
In this part of the article, we will discuss locations and how to get to them. Especially when interrailing it can be challenging to inform yourself, but just a glance at this list should help you. We will go along the Atlantic coastline of Europe from the South to the North.
The Best Surf Breaks in Portugal
1. Where and how to surf while interrailing in Lagos, Sagres
Lagos Beach
Lagos is situated in the South of Portugal’s Algarve coast. The city offers great surfing for beginner surfers, Lagos also has a train station which means interrailing won’t be a problem. If Lagos conditions are not enough for you, you can always take a 1hour bus ride to Sagres, which has some stronger swells.
Looking to stay in Lagos? Try the rising cock hostel!
2. Where and how to surf while interrailing in Costa da Caparica
Promenade in Costa da Caparica
Heading towards Lisbon? Costa da Caparica is a great and very original place to surf, with great conditions to surf for beginners in the Summer and more advanced Surfers in Winter, this place really draws a lot of crowds. The Costa is one of the original places where surfing started to become popular in Europe. To reach Costa da Caparica you can take a bus from Lisbon or Sétubal there, which both have train stations. This will help you to surf while interrailing! One of the best surf schools is Gecko Surf School, with some of the best prices and teachers!
3. Where and how to surf while interrailing in Ericeira
Waves in Ericeira
It is simply impossible to not mention Ericeira when talking about surf spots in Europe, the place is legendary for its amazing breaks, strong surfer community, and beautiful cliffs. Ericeira is Just 40 minutes by Bus outside of Lisbon, and with many surf hostels to choose from this place is perfect for a stay of multiple days.
Looking to surf while interrailing in Ericeira? Check out WOT Ericeira Surf Hostel!
4. Where and how to surf while interrailing in Peniche
Peniche Beach
Peniche has a great and super unique location. Due to being on a peninsula, the surf break is more exposed to the open ocean here. To reach Peniche while interrailing it is best to take a train to Caldas da Rainha and from there a bus. Peniche offers great surf all year around.
The Best Surf Break in Spain
Bilbao (Basque Country), Spain
Beach near Bilbao
The basque country is famous for its many opportunities for great surfing. And Bilbao can act as a great hub to find your way to many of northern Spain’s best Surf breaks, such as San Sebastian, Biarritz, Zarautz, and many more. Bilbao has also got a great surfer scene. Being the Basque country´s largest city it is very easy to reach Bilbao by train from anywhere in France or Spain.
Looking to stay in Bilbao? Check out Latroupe La Granja Hostel!
The Best Surf Breaks in France
1. Where and how to surf while interrailing in Biarritz
Waves in Autumn/Winter in Biarritz
Biarritz is just a short Bus ride from Hossegor. And an even shorter train ride from many major train stations nearby. In summer, Biarritz has excellent conditions for beginners and offers a variety of surf schools to choose from. Board and equipment rentals are usually available at these schools too.
2. Where and how to surf while interrailing in Hossegor
Sunset in Hossegor
Hossegor is France’s most famous location to catch waves. The waves here break fast and hollow, which certainly allows for some nice barrels to form. But even for beginners, Hossegor can be ideal, especially in the summer when conditions are easier to handle. In order to get to Hossegor, you should get a bus from one of the closest train stations, such as St.Vincent de Tyrosse (when coming from the North) or Bayonne/Biarritz (when coming from the South).
When to go on your Surf trip
If we’re talking about how to surf while interrailing, we have to recognize that timing plays an essential role in whether or not you will have a great session surfing. Depending on your skills you should preferably go during different seasons. In Europe, the biggest swells usually happen in Fall and Winter, from late September until February. These bigger conditions are usually only recommended for intermediate and advanced surfers though. For beginners, the best time to learn is in Spring and Summer, with spring often being the less crowded time and therefore ideal for learning.
However, these are just the average conditions during these seasons to get a better understanding of surf conditions you can use apps/websites such as Magicseaweed.com or Surf-forecast. These apps can give you a bit of information before your session.
Where to stay during your Surf trip
You may have already seen the references to some of our hostels in this listing, staying at a surf hostel is of course one of the best ways to go about it. But even “normal” hostels often offer surf lessons through partner schools. At Europes Famous Hostels we offer comfort and a good price to make your experience the best it can possibly be. You can book your stay directly here at the website for the best price!
Why stay at a Famous Hostel?
Beyond good quality and competitive prices, Europe’s Famous Hostels has also partnered up with Interrail to bring you the Eco-Wanderer campaign. The goal of this campaign is to promote a more sustainable way of traveling. This is done by giving discounts to those who choose to interrail rather than travel by plane. Your train travel kilometers are then converted into a discount of up to 20% (depending on the Kilometers traveled) at any Europe’s Famous Hostel locations!
The train is not an option for you? Save up to 20% by traveling with FlixBus
We have a great deal for you! FlixBus is one of the most in-demand companies when traveling and is the best possible option combining comfort with wallet-friendly as well as environmentally friendly traveling.
Choosing to go by FlixBus you have the opportunity to participate in the Eco-Wanderer campaign as well and save up to 20% by choosing to travel sustainably and avoiding planes. Try our calculation tool to claim your discount!
And that’s not all… You can get a 10% discount on FlixBus tickets after signing up and 15% off your next rides after completing 3 trips with Eco-Wanderer!
Safe travels and be sure to travel smart! Like this article? Check out our Instagram and TikTok page to see more of these!
