Making Waves: the 5 Best Spots to Go Surfing around the World

Surf’s up! Whether you’re an expert wave rider or newbie, Holiday Lettings suggests spectacular locations from Cornwall to California that’ll soon have you hitting the water.

Surfing at sunset California

This is, of course, the ultimate place to go Surfin’ USA. Experienced surfers are drawn to the mighty swells of Mavericks near San Francisco. Meanwhile, beginners can get to grips with their boards further south at gentle Santa Cruz. And even if you fancy a change of pace as the day goes on, you can still stay out on the water as there are lots of kayaking outings and whale-watching trips around the area too.

After a good night’s rest, greet the morning’s rays of sun at the Mark Abbot Memorial Lighthouse in Santa Cruz and pop inside to catch the surfing exhibits. Then keen gardeners will enjoy strolling to the nearby UCSC Arboretum to spend an afternoon among exotic plants and colourful hummingbirds. And you can’t leave the area without quality-controlling a local vineyard’s produce, so it’s handy that MJA Vineyards are only a couple of miles away.

Amazing place for surfing, Australia

You’ll soon see why the Gold Coast has been dubbed a surfing paradise: it offers over 40 miles of sun-soaked sand and vast waves breaking onto rocky points. Pick one of 35 beaches where you can join classes at one of the many surf schools, or watch the pros in action at one of the competitions that are often held along the coast. Then you can relax at a trendy beachside cafe or bar and toast a great day on the water.

Surfers Paradise (where else?) is the perfect base while you’re exploring the area. Adrenaline junkies will love a jet boat’s high-powered blasts of water and its 360-degree spins at over 55 miles an hour. If you’ve got more sedate tastes, you’ll probably prefer a drive south from Surfers Paradise to Springbrook National Park; you can walk through the bush to admire waterfalls and spot glow worms that twinkle magically as night falls.

Surfing at sunset Jeffreys Bay

Once a sleepy Eastern-Cape fishing village, Jeffreys Bay is now a bustling town that attracts visitors with its world-renowned reefs and perfect points. It’s even home to one of the world’s best rides at Supertubes, where you can gaze in awe as the wave breaks for over 300m from left to right. Since you’re already down on the beach, don’t miss the opportunity to dive into the warm water for a fab scuba diving or snorkelling adventure too.

When the ocean’s flat, you can investigate the history of the town and its surfing culture at the Surf Museum. If you’re inspired by their display of vintage boards, why not design your own with one of the many local board shapers? Do drop by the fascinating Jeffrey’s Bay Shell Museum to see the iconic cowrie and rare paper nautilus, before drifting back to the water for a spot of beachcombing of your own as the sun goes down.

Surfing in Spain

If you’re after turquoise waters plus year-round sunshine to dry you off whenever you fall into them, Fuerteventura is a terrific choice. After all, the island is just 55 miles off the Moroccan coast, so Atlantic breezes take the heat off African temperatures and create perfect surfing conditions both first thing and in the late afternoon. Being on Fuerteventura is also an amazing opportunity to experiment with some other watersports from windsurfing to bodyboarding.

For a complete contrast to the glittering waves, travel inland to soak up the island’s lunar landscape. Renting a bike or riding on horseback are both brilliant ways to absorb this unique setting. When you’ve finished, you’ll deserve a pampering session at the luxurious Spa Bahia Vital in Corralejo on the northern tip of the island. Alternatively, there’s a treat for golfers at the Mirador de Lobos course which is just a few minutes drive from central Corralejo.

Adventerous kitesurfing, UK

Newquay, the UK’s surfing capital, is celebrated for its reliable waves and terrific selection of beaches. They stretch along the scenic north coast of Cornwall and offer something for everyone. Towan, one of the most sheltered beaches to the east of the town centre, is a favourite with novices. The Cribber, a hidden reef break off westerly Little Fistral Beach, is a fantastic destination for confident surfers as it often picks up huge swell. While you’re in Cornwall, you should definitely join a kitesurfing or surf rafting jaunt too.

Fallen for the gorgeous Cornish countryside? You can power through it in style on the Lappa Valley Steam Railway’s vintage trains. Then it’s well worth checking out neighbouring Trerice, a charming sixteenth-century manor house that offers a vivid picture of the region’s history as well as decadent cream teas. For a lovely end to the day, do try the Lane Theatre on the outskirts of Newquay - their productions of Bugsy Malone and Looking for Love are highlights of the season.

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Exploring the world’s most beautiful places is a tough job but somebody has got to do it! I’ve loved exploring since spending childhood summers in Newport, Rhode Island and Marstrand, a little island off the west coast of Sweden.

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