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The 8 Best Surfing Destinations in the World

other · 2026-08-11

Time Out has released a list of the world's best surfing destinations, spanning the U.K., Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, and Oceania. The list includes St Ives in Cornwall, U.K., known for its sheltered Porthmeor Beach for beginners and nearby Gwithian Beach for longer rides; Tamarin Bay in Mauritius, offering a sandy seabed for safe learning; The Wave, an inland surf center near Bristol, U.K., which uses mechanical paddles to generate waves; Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, with separate areas for beginners and advanced surfers; Ericeira in Portugal, Europe's first World Surfing Reserve, with consistent waves and a surf culture; Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka, offering varied breaks and marine life; Taghazout in Morocco, home to the famous Anchor Point break; and Nosara in Costa Rica, with surfable waves 330 days a year. The list highlights that surf tourism is expected to grow 6% by 2030, and emphasizes the importance of choosing the right season and skill level for each destination. Accommodation options range from surf camps to luxury hotels, and local culture and cuisine are also highlighted.

Key facts

  • Time Out published a list of the 8 best surfing destinations worldwide.
  • Destinations span the U.K., Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, and Oceania.
  • St Ives in Cornwall offers sheltered Porthmeor Beach for beginners and Gwithian Beach for longer rides.
  • Tamarin Bay in Mauritius has a sandy seabed, making it safe for beginners.
  • The Wave in Bristol is an inland surf center that uses mechanical paddles to create waves.
  • Bondi Beach in Sydney has separate areas for beginners and advanced surfers.
  • Ericeira in Portugal is Europe's first World Surfing Reserve.
  • Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka offers varied breaks and marine life.
  • Taghazout in Morocco is home to the famous Anchor Point break.
  • Nosara in Costa Rica has surfable waves 330 days a year.
  • Surf tourism is expected to grow 6% by 2030.

Entities

Institutions

  • Time Out
  • Tate St Ives
  • Let's Go Surfing
  • Tamarin Bay Surf School
  • The Wave
  • Bondi Icebergs Club
  • SurfPoint Ericeira
  • Laneez Ericeira Surf House and School
  • Hippy Surf Camp
  • Ishin Surf Shop and School
  • Kekai Surf House
  • The Frog Pad Surf Shop and School
  • The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

Locations

  • St Ives
  • Cornwall
  • United Kingdom
  • Porthmeor Beach
  • Gwithian Beach
  • Mauritius
  • Tamarin Bay
  • Bristol
  • Sydney
  • Australia
  • Bondi Beach
  • Ericeira
  • Portugal
  • Nazaré
  • Lisbon
  • Hikkaduwa
  • Sri Lanka
  • Narigama Beach
  • Taghazout
  • Morocco
  • Anchor Point
  • Nosara
  • Costa Rica
  • Playa Guiones

Sources