Every surfer loves a beach break.  The waves are close to where you can leave your friends on the shore sunbathing, you don't have to paddle far to get into position, and as soon as you've finished one wave, you can be back on another.  What's even better is that if you do fall off your board, your landing is going to be a soft one.  The sandy ocean floor treats everyone's feet a whole lot better than a reef or rock break.  So it's time to make the most of the summer weather, pick up your board (even if it's your first time) and head into some of the best beach breaks in Europe:
 


If ever there was an ideal spot to start to learn to surf Rossnowlagh could well be it.  The wide beach break in Donegal Bay is pretty consistent all year round, working on most tides, with wind and groundswells, and provides left and righthand breaking waves.  Can't really go wrong with that even if you are beginning, so get out there.
 
  • Cote des Basque, Biarritz, France


Here's one of the most picturesque spots, and you've probably already seen photos of it from the Roxy Jam Pro Biarritz with the infamous island chateau in the background.  It's a fun, mellow wave that is ideal for longboarding lasting anything between 50 to 200m in length, and also providing good left and righthand waves.
 
  • Amado, Lagos area, Portugal


Amado is a beautiful beach break that is very consistent throughout the year and works at all tides.  The waves are fun with some good kick to them, creating punchy hollow waves that will entertain more the progressive surfers, whilst smaller waves roll through, perfect for beginner surf lessons. The beach is in the protected natural park of the Western Algarve and far from blocks of apartments and mass tourism.
 
  • Foz do Lizandro, Ericeira, Portugal


The perfect spot to learn to surf abroad as the waves are fun, easy to learn in (especially at low tide) and it's water isn't crowded during the week.  Foz do Lizandro is found 5mins walk from central Ericeira, so it's ideal for a holiday where you take in the sights, shopping and nightlife, but have the beach on your doorstep.
 
  • El Cotillo, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands


This volcanic sand beach of Fuerteventura is breathtaking, especially with its western facing location, so sunset surf sessions are a must.  El Cotillo's powerful waves create fun lefts and rights, and can even push through long barreling rides when the conditions are right. Watch out for the odd Canarian pro surfer in the water showing how it's done when the waves get bigger.