Europe’s top spots for water sports enthusiasts this summer

While many tourists want to enjoy calm and relaxing vacation, many like to spend them as actively as possible.

For those of you who instead of lying on the beach would like to dive into the water and enjoy the thrill of the water sports, we made a list of some of the best destinations in Europe for the water sports enthusiasts.

 

WINDSURFING

 

 

Lefkada, Greece  

Spot recognized as one of the best in the world. In the morning, before the wind starts to blow hard, flat water creates the perfect environment for learning for the beginners. In the afternoon the direction of the wind is changing making it perfect for the more advanced windsurfers. Lefkada is also a great place for active holidays. In addition to windsurfing, diving, other beach and water sports, and even paragliding can be practiced there.

 

Sardegna, Italy

Sardinia is a beautiful place on its own, with  wonderful culture, excellent cuisine and proximity to the most attractive monuments of the south of Europe. It is a paradise for divers and snorkelling fans, but also its coasts are perfect for the windsurfers.

 

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain

Second largest of the Canary Islands, Fuertaventura is a mandatory place for any respected windsurfer. Excellent wind statistics and plenty of great spots make it one of the most important places in Europe for all the water sports lovers. It also has an amazing climate with mainly desert landscapes, mountains, gorges and sand dunes.

 

Rhodos, Greece

One of the most popular Greek islands offers ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The Mediterranean wind provides excellent wind statistics. It is also one of the most beautiful places in Greece where in between training sessions you can admire ancient architecture and wonderful views. It is however better for the more experienced.

 

SURFING

 

 

Cornwall, England

Over the last several years Cornwall became the UK’s surfing capital. With the main base of surfers north coast with the city of Newquay it is now crowded with surfing schools, resorts and shops. It is full of spots for both beginners and experienced surfers. Cornwall is above all the perfect blend of old and modern with many small villages with wooden houses as well as many new extravagant restaurants and galleries.

 

Landes, France

With many spots located close to one another and sharing similar wind conditions it is the perfect place for surfing. It is a wonderful summer destination for all of you who wish to relax in between your sessions. It also offers a few places for those who like to surf in extreme conditions, such as La Graviere, La Nord or La Piste.

 

Donegal Bay, Ireland

Located in the northwest of Ireland it is one of Europe’s finest surfing destinations, due to a perfect combination of direct west-facing location and the funnel-shape of the Bay. Located there Rossnowlagh and Bundoran are recognised by the European surfing community as among Ireland’s finest surf beaches with good facilities and excellent water quality.

 

Algarve, Portugal

One of Europe’s most famous surfing destinations it offers variety of options for both the beginners and the experienced. Surfers, who are looking for a quiet and peaceful place should head south-west where the coast is quiet and practically uninhabited. The West Coast is popular with surfers from all over the world looking for the long Atlantic waves crashing into beaches offering the perfect surfing conditions.

 

KITESURFING

 

 

Tarifa, Spain

With nearly 300 days of wind and sun each year, Tarifa has been called Europe’s kitesurfing capital for years. Not only is it a beautiful destination on its own, with great beaches and gorgeous landscapes, it also offers consistently good conditions, perfect for longer escapades.

 

Ringkobing Fjord, Denmark

With many great kiting spots, the Ringkobing fjord is yet another great option. With very consistent winds, as well as flat and relatively quiet waters it is one of the best kite spots in Europe. Perhaps not as worm as some of the other options but definitely worth giving it a try!

 

Leucate, France

Leucate is a famous kitesurfing destination, famous amongst especially the experienced kitesurfers. You can enjoy the perfect conditions between July and October. And during your spare time you can admire the wonderful French Riviera.

 

Lake Garda, Italy

You don’t have to visit the coastal regions of Europe to enjoy this wonderful sport. Strong winds blow throughout the year at Lake Garda in Italy, making it a great spot for kitesurfing. It is also one of the most beautiful and famous sights in the country, so you will definitely love the view!