I’ve surfed everywhere from Mauritius to Bristol – these are the world’s best surfing destinations

Best for: Different bays for different days

St Ives is one of the UK’s best surfing destinations, but Cornwall’s cragged coastline means there are plenty of surf spots (facing different directions) to suit the ever-changing British weather. Porthmeor Beach is a novice’s paradise, sheltered from fierce southwesterly winds that can churn up the waves – plus, it backs onto St Ives’ vibrant town centre (explore the Tate St Ives for a dose of modern art). A short drive away, rugged Gwithian Beach can be quieter and offers long rides back to shore.

Book a lesson at: Makai is right on Gwithian Beach, and offers coasteering, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding for days when the surf isn’t playing ball.

Stay here: Nestled among the dunes, Three Mile Beach has 19 luxury beach houses, all with hot tubs and saunas.

Best for: Total newbies

This Indian Ocean island isn’t typically associated with surfing, thanks to a reef that breaks waves way offshore, but mountain-backed Tamarin Bay is one of the few spots where beginners can get to grips with the sport. The southeasterly trade winds mean consistent swells in the winter season, while a sandy sea bed provides a soft landing for jumping (or falling) off. It’s a small, but popular spot among local surfers: go with a Mauritian school for the best experience.

Book a lesson at: Tamarin Bay Surf School, where friendly show beginners how to make the best of smaller waves.

Stay here: The rooftop pool at Veranda Tamarin is a great place to watch other surfers at work.

Best for: Reliable waves, every time

Any surfer knows that a surf trip can be made – or broken – by unfavourable conditions. The Wave – Bristol’s inland surf centre, which opened in 2019 – uses powerful mechanical paddles to create smooth and satisfyingly regular waves up to 1,000 times per hour. Beginners can take lessons near the ‘shore’, while more confident surfers can go deeper and ride the faster, higher waves. Add a bunch of surfing enthusiasts to Bristol’s young, buzzing music scene, and you have a recipe for one of the UK’s coolest cities.

Rent from: Intermediate surfers are welcome to bring their own board, but beginners can rent a foamie at the on-site surf shop. 

Stay here: The Camp at the Wave has safari-style tents with woodburners, kitchenettes and – crucially – private toilets. 

Best for: Bucket-list breaks

Few places are more iconic than Sydney’s Bondi Beach, a kilometre of glorious golden sand. But did you know that surfers of all levels can savour a piece of the Aussie action? Beginners head to the northern end for smaller waves and sheltered waters, while the southern tip features powerful southeasterly swells right by the Bondi Icebergs Club saltwater pool. On shore, the vibes are immaculate: think barefoot strolls, al fresco artisan pizza and sipping quality Australian coffee by the Bondi pavilion. 

Book a lesson at: Established in 1995, Let’s Go Surfing is the only licensed surf school on Bondi Beach. 

Stay here: The lobby of QT Bondi features a collage of surfers and a smattering of surfboards, so you’ll feel right at home.

Best for: Finding a community

As Europe’s first official World Surfing Reserve, expect consistent waves and a surfer-friendly culture in this Portuguese town. Beginners will love visiting in the summertime, when the days are warm and the waves calm along its five-mile coastline, while intermediates and pros should aim for autumn: the crowds thin out, but the swells get more powerful. Ericeira is also conveniently situated between Nazaré – where true pros can catch some of the world’s biggest waves, often up to 15 metres high – and the lively Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

Rent from: SurfPoint Ericeira, metres from the Praia do São Sebastião, has board rentals and second-hand surfboards for sale.

Stay here: Laneez Ericeira Surf House and School has dorms, en-suite rooms and apartments for all budgets – plus outrigger canoe and yoga tutorials.

Best for: Steep swells and spicy food

A winter trip to Sri Lanka’s southwest coastline doesn’t just offer a dose of vitamin D; it’s also the best time to surf here. Surfers flock to the fishing village of Hikkaduwa, where a handful of breaks cater to all levels. Beginners can master their pop-ups close to the golden sand of Narigama Beach, while near the harbour walls, more experienced surfers will find left-handers with long ride times. Even when the waves are flat, you can snorkel or scuba on Hikkaduwa’s coral reef to spot sea turtles. 

Book a lesson at: Hippy Surf Camp has both 75-minute lessons and 10-lesson courses at a reasonable price. 

Stay here: Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon lies between Narigama Beach and the Coral Reef, but staying poolside with a cocktail is equally appealing. 

Best for: Keen surfers (and yoginis)

Morocco’s surf capital is close to the country’s best-loved break, Anchor Point, which during winter can produce 500-metre rides. However, in the summer, beginners will find plenty of beach and reef breaks for gentler Atlantic sessions. Accommodation-wise, there’s everything from trendy surf camps to beautiful riads – but wherever you stay, make sure you have a roof terrace, where you can stretch out with yoga sessions in the morning and chill with a fresh, sweet Moroccan mint tea at sundown.

Rent from: Ishin Surf Shop and School not only offers board rentals and lessons, but also quadbike and buggy tours. 

Stay here: Kekai Surf House in the town centre has comfy single rooms from €25 per person, plus board and wetsuit rooms to store your kit.

Best for: Luxury and wellness lovers

This gem on Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline claims to have surfable waves 330 days of the year, with wave heights averaging two to six feet – perfect for those with some surf skills already under their belt. Playa Guiones is a popular spot to practice your technique, but its four-mile shoreline means there’s plenty of space for everyone to surf. Like much of Costa Rica, Nosara is big into eco-tourism – so pay a visit to the wildlife sanctuary or take a day off with some naturally-sourced spa treatments.   

Rent from: The Frog Pad Surf Shop and School offers everything from shortboards for pros to 10-foot foamies for beginners.

Stay here: The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel has everything the Nosara surfer could need, from plush suites and peaceful pools to surf lessons and ziplining tours.