Make Waves at the World's Ultimate Surf Spots
Whether surfing is your profession, hobby or something new you want to try, it’s important that you find the ideal spot to perfect your skills to make this a trip to remember. We've looked at some of the ultimate surf spots around the world - and with the perfect waves, a bit of sunshine and like-minded people, what more could you ask for? Our research* has revealed that 48% of people around the world say they are planning to take a beach vacation in 2017 – so why not head to one where you can also indulge in a spot of surfing too?
Brisbane, Australia
With a staggering amount of coastline, Australia has tons of great spots for surfing fans to take their pick from, and Brisbane on the east coast is a great place to start. Noosa Beach is great for all levels, Pinkenba for the intermediate and only for the experienced and brave, Boulders. As well as the great weather it’s good to know that Brisbane is endorsed by Booking.com travellers for shopping, restaurants and relaxation. The top nations that booked in 2016 were New Zealand, UK and China and top types of accommodations booked were aparthotels, hostels and motels.
Where to stay: The Lookout Resort Noosa is just five minutes from the main beach and situated on Noosa Hill – literally surfers paradise. When you’re not at the beach, guests can enjoy a dip in the resort’s heated pool or relax in the spa pool, followed by a BBQ in the gardens.
Newquay, UK
Newquay is one of the UK’S most loved seaside destinations, offering up the famous beaches of Watergate and Fistral for some of the best surfing around. It’s the perfect place for surf fans - whether you’re a pro, a beginner or simply like to watch! The iconic Boardmasters surf festival is one to see every August, bringing together the biggest names in surfing to compete. Newquay’s top endorsements from Booking.com travellers included beaches, surfing and scenery. The top nationalities that booked in 2016 included German, Australian, Swiss and the top types of accommodation booked were hotels, guest houses and bed & breakfasts
Where to stay: Kernow Trek Lodge self-catering apartments are just ten minutes’ walk from the beach, ideal for catching the early morning surf! The apartments are also just a five minute walk from the scenic South West Coastal Path so you can explore the beautiful coastline. The nearby beaches of Watergate Bay and Mawgan Porth are under a mile away so you can take your pick on where to spend the day.
Lagos, Portugal
This beautiful historic town along the Algarve coastline is ideal for surfers due to the proximity to excellent surfing beaches, including the sprawling Meia Praia Beach with great waves suitable for surfers of all levels. Travellers can spend their time exploring the town, enjoying the excellent local wines and putting their feet up - it’s no surprise Lagos’ top endorsements from Booking.com travellers included beaches, scenery and relaxation. The top nationalities that booked in 2016 included Spanish, German and British and the most types of accommodation booked were hotels, guest houses and aparthotels.
Where to stay: The newly opened Casa Mãe is just a short walk from the beach and is also in a popular area for golfers, so if you’re keen on that too you can combine both passions! It offers bike hire for you to explore the beautiful cobbled streets or you could take in some culture with the Santa Maria Church being only 550 yards away. Guests have rated this area as one of their favourite parts of Lagos, but if you feel like staying in, you can indulge in the on-site restaurant which offers a host of tasty local cuisine.
Honolulu, Hawaii
With over 100 named surfing spots on Hawaii’s largest island of Oahu alone, it is not surprising Honolulu makes the perfect hotspot for surfers and travellers alike. Once a sport reserved for Hawaiian royalty, now it’s unlikely you’ll be able to avoid this ‘sport of kings’! Catch a wave on Waikiki beach, where if you tire of surfing, you can also learn one of the fastest-growing water sports, stand up paddle boarding. Guests have rated Honolulu’s beaches, shopping and surfing as their top endorsements with top nationalities booking in 2016 are Japanese, Australian and Chinese and top accommodation booked were hotels, resorts and aparthotels.
Where to stay: The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club offers the perfect base to hit the beach when the waves are rolling. With vintage inspired bungalow suites and a cocktail service, you’ll also be swept away with the Swim Club’s poolside entertainment on your doorstep. Don’t miss the Mahina & Sun Restaurant’s delicious offerings made with organic ingredients sourced by local farmers to get you up and ready for the day.
Limon, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famous for its rich and geographically diverse landscape and Limon is no exception. You’ll find yourself surrounded by colourful Caribbean influences and treated to an abundance of activities from adventure tours to wildlife watching. For the thrill seekers, head out to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca where you’ll have the chance to catch one of the largest breaks in the world. Booking.com guests have rated Limon’s beaches, food and culture as their top endorsements. Travellers from Germany, Spain and Switzerland were the top bookers in 2016 and the top types of accommodation booked were hotels, lodges and guesthouses.
Where to stay: Treat yourself to one of 3 Bamboo’s luxurious treehouses, one of Booking.com’s bestsellers in Cahuita and a short drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. At 3 Bamboo you’ll find a hot tub, free shuttle service to Pa-tong beach and a 24 hour front desk. This one of a kind property offers an array of activities on site or in the surroundings including cycling, horse riding and fishing.
Malibu, USA
Surfing is just one of the great options available in this sunny Californian city which boasts amazing weather, great shopping and delicious restaurants. A paradise for surfers, Malibu is surrounded by perfect surf spots including Surfrider, Zuma and Malibu beaches where you can also try out bodyboarding and stand up paddle boarding. The top endorsements by Booking.com travellers are beaches, surfing and scenery and the top nationalities that booked in 2016 were British, German and French. The top types of accommodation booked were resorts, motels and apartments.
Where to stay: Malibu Beach Inn is a gorgeous retreat on the beach, featuring a soothing spa offering a menu of exotic massages – exactly what is needed after a strenuous few days of surfing! The rooms offer private balconies which overlook the beautiful Pacific Ocean and you’re just two minutes’ walk from Malibu Pier.
*According to data collected by Booking.com with 12,781 respondents across 13 markets in September 2016. Respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in 2016 and had to be planning at least one trip for 2017. All respondents had to consider themselves part of their travel decision-making process.