August 2026
Surf’s Up! Europe’s Best Destinations for September Surf
CamperDays’ shares the coolest coasts to cruise for the start of surf season
With peak summer crowds having thinned, pleasant temperatures and more consistent swells on the Atlantic, early autumn is when European surfing is at its best. From Portugal and Spain to France’s Atlantic coast, September combines reliable surf, warmer days, less traffic and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it one of the best months of the year for a surfing holiday.
Max Schmidt, Managing Director of CamperDays, says, “For surfers, a campervan or motorhome is arguably the ultimate way to explore Europe’s coastline because it gives you the freedom to follow the waves rather than being tied to one destination. You can wake up near the coast, keep your boards and equipment with you, and move on when the forecast points to better conditions elsewhere.
“September through to November is particularly appealing time for a surfing road trip, as it offers the best combination of warm water, consistent hollow waves, less traffic and fewer crowds.”
Read on for Max’s top European surfing road trips…
1. Ericeira, Portugal
Portugal’s surf capital offers an impressive concentration of breaks, making it suitable for a range of abilities, from beginner to seasoned surfer. September brings a great combination of consistent swell, pleasant temperatures and fewer peak-season crowds. Ericeira is one of a handful of World Surfing Reserves in the world, so rather sticking to the famous beaches, ask locals about smaller breaks such as São Julião or Foz do Lizandro, as conditions can vary dramatically from one cove to the next.
For the optimal road trip, start in Lisbon and head west towards the coast, stopping in Cascais and Sintra before settling into Ericeira for several days of surfing.
2. Peniche, Portugal
Surrounded by surf breaks, Peniche is a peninsula on Portugal’s central-west Atlantic coast that was once an island. Becoming connected to the mainland through the gradual accumulation of sand and sediment, this unique topography gives it an unusually rugged, wave-battered coastline. As such, Peniche can offer dramatically different conditions depending on the swell and wind, and September is an excellent time to explore the area without the intensity of the summer crowds.
Make Peniche your base before heading north along Portugal’s dramatic coastline. Stop at Baleal for more surf, visit Nazaré to see its famous big-wave coastline, then continue towards Figueira da Foz.
3. Hossegor, France
For experienced surfers looking for more power and bigger waves, Hossegor is one of Europe’s top surfing destinations. Its powerful, hollow waves are partly thanks to an unusual deep-water submarine canyon just offshore, which channels Atlantic swell towards the coast. September marks the beginning of the autumn swell season, when conditions can become particularly powerful.
To maximise your road trip, begin among the vineyards and coastal scenery of Bordeaux before heading south towards France’s famous Atlantic surf coast. Spend time around Hossegor, then continue to Biarritz and the Basque Country.
4. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
If warm weather is high on the priority list, Fuerteventura is a strong September contender, with average daytime highs of 28 degrees Celsius. One of the oldest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Fuerteventura combines a sunny climate with a wide selection of surf spots and warmer water than mainland Europe. Don’t underestimate how much the volcanic island’s winds can affect surfing plans, however; it’s best to keep your itinerary flexible and follow the conditions rather than committing to one surf spot, making a campervan an ideal option.
For the ultimate road trip, explore the island from north to south, combining surf sessions with volcanic landscapes, remote beaches and sunset stops. Base yourself around Corralejo and El Cotillo before heading south towards Costa Calma and Morro Jable.
5. Northern Spain
Spain’s northern Atlantic coastline offers a compelling alternative to the better-known Portuguese and French destinations. September can bring increasingly consistent swell, while the dramatic coastline, smaller crowds and excellent food make it an attractive surf-trip option. In the Basque Country, look for small sidrerías, seafood restaurants and local pintxos bars rather than only eating in the main tourist centres, which offer the perfect post workout meal.
Follow Spain’s spectacular northern coastline west from Bilbao, stopping at surf beaches and seaside towns along the way. Continue through Cantabria and Asturias, where rugged cliffs, green landscapes and Atlantic beaches make the driving as rewarding as the surfing.
About CamperDays
Launched in Germany in 2013, CamperDays is Europe’s leading camper tour operator, working with 150 partners in over 1,000 locations globally.
CamperDays facilitates access to over 40,000 vehicles available for rent worldwide, including in the UK, Europe, Australia, USA, Canada and South Africa. The platform allows customers to choose from a selection of trusted providers globally via an easy three step booking process, with rentals available from just £70 per day.
Since it was launched, CamperDays customers have booked over 1,000,000 nights in vehicles rented through the site. CamperDays provides access to a broad selection of campervans and motorhomes catering to every type of traveller, with transparent pricing and no hidden costs. All vehicles come with insurance, with excess, as standard, to allow renters a truly carefree holiday.