Alice Barnes-Brown

Paddle, pop up, and whoosh along the waves – the thrill of surfing is addictive, and if you get hooked, you’ll soon be chasing those highs wherever you go. Perhaps you’ll even start planning your travels based on where the best swells are: surf tourism is well and truly on the rise, with the industry expected to grow 6 percent by 2030.  Whether you’re a total beginner looking for the perfect place to start your surf journey, or a seasoned surfer searching for a new favourite spot, these are the world’s coolest places to grab your board and ride the tides. RECOMMENDED: 🏄🏿 Move over, Taghazout: This is Africa’s coolest surf town⛰️ The best hikes in the world🚲 The world’s most beautiful cycling trails Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.