From European seas to Australian coasts, places not to miss during the fall season: here are the most fascinating beaches

With his board under his arm and adrenaline coursing through his veins, a surfer advances toward the sea. The waves crash on the shore, and as the autumn sun warms him, he puts his feet in the ocean water and looks toward the horizon: a new surf session is about to begin!

Every wave is an invitation to surf, and no matter the season: the call of the board is always heard. And even during the fall, the most beautiful surfing destinations offer breathtaking scenery and perfect waves. Fuerteventura, with its wild landscapes; Santa Cruz, the beating heart of California’s surf culture; and even Tamarindo, Florianópolis, and Australian beaches… in short, get ready to discover these amazing places and be inspired for your next adventure.

Europe: the best fall surfing destinations

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

An island where the wind blows shaping perfect waves that draw surfers from all over the world: this is Fuerteventura, the pride of the Canary Islands and a favorite destination for surfers in the fall. This corner of paradise offers waves for all levels, from beginners looking to tame their first wave to surfing veterans looking to hone their skills. The beaches of Corralejo and El Cotillo are two must-see gems: the former with its long, soft waves perfect for newbies, and the latter with a mix of reef and beach breaks that test even the most experienced surfers.

Portugal: Nazaré and Peniche

If you talk about surfing, you have to mention Nazaré, a location famous for its gigantic waves, among the biggest on the planet, which attract experienced surfers and professionals looking to ride record-breaking waves. Not far away, Peniche offers a wide variety of spots, such as Supertubos, known for its powerful, tubular waves. Peniche is suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers due to the variety of its beaches and sea conditions.

France: Biarritz and Hossegor

The southwest coast of France is fantastic for surfing in the fall. Biarritz, with its important surfing tradition, is famous for its spectacular beaches and perfect year-round surfing conditions. Hossegor, a little further north, is known as the“surf capital of Europe” thanks to its powerful waves perfect for tubing: it is no coincidence that the world’s best surfers gather here for world-class competitions. Hossegor’s beaches are a paradise for surfers seeking adrenaline challenges.

Read also: New Year’s Eve on the Board: The Best Beaches for an Unforgettable Surfing Experience

America: the most beautiful beaches to surf in autumn

Santa Cruz, Calif.

Santa Cruz is one of the most iconic destinations in the United States, and it’s not hard to see why: this Northern California coastal city offers the perfect mix of powerful waves and breathtaking scenery, attracting surfers of all levels from around the world. In the fall, Santa Cruz becomes even more fascinating, thanks to ideal surfing conditions and mild temperatures.

One of the most famous spots is Steamer Lane, a spot that gives four different wave sections-The Point, The Slot, Indicators, and Middle Peak. Each section has its own unique characteristics, but all provide an exhilarating surfing experience. The Point is famous for its fast, high-performance waves, while Indicators is perfect for longboarding due to its slower, softer waves.

For beginners, Cowell Beach is the ideal beach: in fact, it offers long, gentle waves that are perfect for beginners. Its protected location ensures consistent and safe waves, making it one of the best beaches for learning to surf in all of California.

Pleasure Point is another must-see hotspot because of its vibrant surfing community and waves suitable for all levels. Here, you can find a mix of longboard and shortboard waves, and the relaxed atmosphere makes every surf session an ultra-pleasant experience.

For those looking for a challenge, Four Mile Beach and Davenport Beach offer powerful, less crowded waves-they are spots better suited for intermediate and experienced surfers due to their challenging but rewarding conditions.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Puerto Escondido is a name that rings like a melody to surfers’ ears: its impressive waves and surf scene are well known to boarders. Located on the coast of the state of Oaxaca, this surfing paradise is world famous for Playa Zicatela, known as the “Mexican Pipeline.” The waves here are powerful, the ultimate for experienced surfers looking for adrenaline.

For beginners, Playa Carrizalillo is the perfect place: protected by a bay, it gives smaller, gentler waves, the ultimate in learning to ride waves. Here, beginners can enjoy a quiet surf session, away from the tumultuous waves of Zicatela.

Another must-see spot is La Punta, which offers long, easy-to-ride waves suitable for beginners and intermediates alike. The local surfing community is welcoming and the relaxed atmosphere makes every session enjoyable and safe.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Tamarindo, located in the beautiful Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, in addition to its friendly, family-friendly atmosphere offers the perfect mix of waves: we find beginner waves and expert waves. In the fall, Tamarindo becomes a popular destination due to its favorable weather conditions and consistent waves.

One of the main surfing spots is Playa Tamarindo, with its famous beach break in front of Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, a perfect spot for beginners because of its soft, easy-to-manage waves that allow them to learn the basics of surfing in a safe environment.

For intermediate and advanced surfers, Playa Langosta and Playa Avellanas offer more challenging waves. Playa Langosta, located south of Tamarindo, is known for its powerful left and right-hand waves, while Playa Avellanas, often referred to as“Little Hawaii,” offers consistent, tubular waves that draw experienced surfers from around the world.
Another spot not to be missed is Playa Negra, famous for its right-hand breaking point and powerful waves.

Florianópolis, Brazil

Florianópolis, known affectionately as “Floripa,” is one of the many surfing havens scattered around the world. Located on the island of Santa Catarina, this Brazilian city offers an extraordinary variety of surf spots, suitable for all skill levels. In the fall, surfing conditions become especially favorable due to consistent swells and ideal offshore winds.
One of the most famous beaches is Praia Mole, an iconic spot with both powerful left and right waves, the ultimate for those seeking variety and challenge. The beach is also known for its welcoming surfing community and relaxed atmosphere.

Asia and Oceania: where to ride the wave in the fall

Indonesia: the beauty of Bali

Bali is a favorite destination for enthusiasts, with legendary spots such as Uluwatu and Padang Padang. Bali’s waves are famous for their power and consistency, especially during the dry season from April to October. Uluwatu, with its breathtaking cliffs and perfect waves, is every experienced surfer’s dream. Padang Padang, on the other hand, offers tubing waves that challenge even the best. Bali is not just surfing: the island offers a vibrant culture, spectacular scenery, and warm hospitality that make every trip unforgettable.

Australia: the allure of the Gold Coast

Australia’s Gold Coast is synonymous with world-class surfing, with iconic spots such as Snapper Rocks and Burleigh Heads. The waves are well known to fans for their length and perfection, perfect for long rides. Snapper Rocks stands out for its Superbank, one of the longest right-hand waves in the world, while Burleigh Heads offers waves of rare power. In the fall, Australia’s Goald Coast is one of the destinations to definitely consider.

Read also: First Waves: Top Surfing Destinations for Beginners

In conclusion

Fall is an excellent season to discover surfing in such extraordinary places as Fuerteventura, where our surf school is located, Santa Cruz, Tamarindo, and Florianópolis. Each of them offers perfect waves for every skill level, from beginners looking to tame their first wave, to surfing veterans looking for adrenaline challenges.

From Portugal to Australia’s Gold Coast, via the exotic shores of Bali and the challenges of Puerto Escondido, each beach tells a story that combines the adrenaline rush of surfing with the local culture and environment. The chosen destinations not only witness natural beauty and ideal surfing conditions, but also invite immersion in local traditions, offering an irresistible mix of sport, culture and nature.

Takeaways

• Fall offers ideal surfing conditions in different parts of the world, allowing enthusiasts to take advantage of consistent swells and favorable winds. From the European beaches of Fuerteventura and Peniche to the vibrant Australian scene of the Gold Coast, each location offers a unique experience suitable for beginners and professionals alike;
• Places like Nazaré in Portugal and Puerto Escondido in Mexico attract the most daring surfers with some of the largest and most challenging waves in the world. At the same time, beaches like Tamarindo in Costa Rica and Playa Carrizalillo in Mexico are ideal for beginners because of their gentler, more manageable waves;
• In addition to the adrenaline rush of surfing, these destinations offer opportunities to immerse oneself in local cultures. Interacting with local surfing communities can enrich the experience by introducing people to different traditions, foods, and lifestyles;
• While surfing brings many economic benefits to local communities, it also raises issues of sustainability and coastal conservation. Surfers are often at the forefront of protecting marine ecosystems and beaches, promoting responsible practices that respect the natural environment;
• Every surfer, regardless of level, should prepare properly before tackling the waves. This includes knowing the local weather and sea conditions, having the proper equipment and observing water safety rules. In addition, it is always advisable to surf in company and inquire about the special features of each spot.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best fall surfing destinations in Europe?

In Europe, some of the best fall surfing destinations include Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, with its perfect waves for all skill levels, and Peniche in Portugal, known for its powerful, tubular waves like Supertubos. Biarritz and Hossegor in France also offer ideal conditions for fall surfing.

What are the main characteristics of Santa Cruz as a surf destination?

Santa Cruz, California, is renowned for its diverse wave sections, including The Point, The Slot, Indicators, and Middle Peak. It offers ideal conditions for surfing in the fall with mild temperatures and a mix of waves for all levels, from long and gentle to powerful and suitable for longboarding.

Why is autumn considered an ideal time for surfing in many destinations?

Fall is often considered an ideal time for surfing because it offers more favorable wind and wave conditions than other seasons. Many locations experience more consistent swells and offshore winds, which help form cleaner, tidier waves. This time of year also attracts fewer tourists, allowing surfers to enjoy less crowded spots.