Surfing in April offers surfers a range of possibilities within Europe and Morocco.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for mild waves or an advanced surfer taking on powerful breaks, there’s something for everyone. On this page, we’ll guide you through the best surf spots, categorized by skill level and preference for sun and warmth.
Table of Contents
Surfing in April, an introduction
April, the month in which Europe slowly awakens from its winter sleep, offers surfers a perfect period to catch the first real waves of the year. Like a flower opening to the sun, the European and Moroccan coasts unfold with endless possibilities for every surfer.
Whether you long for North African sunshine or prefer to dive into the fresh Atlantic swell – April is a playground for surfers.
April is a month to cherish: less crowded line-ups, better accommodation prices, and wonderful waves.
SURFER’S TIP
In April, you can often surf with just a 3/2mm wetsuit in Morocco,
while you still need booties in Northern Spain.
Legend:
– ♂️ Suitable for longboard
– ♀️ Suitable for shortboard
– ️ Water temperature in April
Surf spots in April for beginning surfers
Catching your first waves. As a beginning surfer, April offers good conditions on many European beaches.
For sun worshippers
Praia do Amado, Algarve (Portugal) ️ approx. 16°C ♂️♀️
This is an ideal learning spot with consistently smaller waves. With water temperatures around 16-18°C, you’ll need a 3/2mm wetsuit. The wide beach provides space for beginning surfers, and there are several surf schools present. *Suitable for: longboard and shortboard*
Praia da Arrifana, Portugal ️ approx. 16°C ♂️(+) ♀️(-)
Arrifana is a beautiful sheltered bay with a sandy bottom and cliffs on both sides. Waves break calmly and predictably. Beginners feel safe here thanks to shallow water, good surf schools, and a relaxed vibe. Suitable for: mainly longboard, shortboard during larger swells.
Famara Beach, Lanzarote ️ 19-20°C ♂️(++) ♀️
Famara stretches over 6 kilometers with soft, gradual waves. With water temperatures around 19-20°C and air temperatures above 20°C, a thinner wetsuit is sufficient. Suitable for: ideal for longboard, also suitable for shortboard during larger swells
The Bay, Imsouane (Morocco) ️ 18-19°C ♂️(+++) ♀️(-)
The Bay is known for its extremely long, slow waves that are perfect for practicing standing up. With rides sometimes lasting 30-60 seconds, you get plenty of time to practice. Water temperature is around 18-19°C. Suitable for: perfect for longboard, less suitable for shortboard.
Panorama Beach, Morocco ️ 18-19°C ♂️(++) ♀️
Panorama has a wide beach with sandy bottom and calm, predictable waves. Ideal for absolute beginners and children. Protected against strong winds, causing waves to break long and friendly. Good infrastructure with beach bars and surf schools. Suitable for: longboard, beginning shortboarders
Banana Point, Morocco ️ 18-19°C ♂️(++) ♀️
offers calm, slow right-hand waves that run over a sandy bottom and some rocks. Waves are gentle, predictable, and consistent. Perfect for finding balance and practicing first turns. Suitable for: mainly longboard, shortboard in larger conditions.
Less warm locations in April for beginners
Playa de San Vicente (Cantabria) ️ 14-15°C ♂️(+) ♀️
Beautiful bay with calm waves. Sandy bottom and sheltered location provide clear waves, ideal for practicing basic skills like paddling and standing up. Less crowded than Somo. Suitable for: both board types, longboard has an advantage.
Moliets, France ️ 14-15°C ♂️ ♀️
Moliets welcomes you with open arms if temperature isn’t your top priority. Here, it seems as if Neptune himself shaped the sandy bottoms – with soft, sloping contours that create predictable, friendly waves. Expect water temperatures around 13-15°C; a wetsuit is necessary. Suitable for: both board types
La Côte des Basques, Biarritz, France ️ 15°C ♂️(++) ♀️(-)
This is not just any surf spot; This beach has a rich surfing history and is accessible for beginners, especially at low to mid tide. Facilities such as surf schools and rentals are well-organized. Water temperature in April: 13-15°C. Suitable for: excellent for longboard, less ideal for shortboard.
Also check: which wetsuit is needed in France?
For intermediate surfers: the next step
Surfers at an intermediate level look for spots with more power, length, and variation in the waves, but without extreme risks. April offers excellent options for this in both Europe and Morocco.
That said, the above-mentioned spots for beginners are of course also nice surf spots for intermediates.
The warm(er) destinations
Ribeira d’Ilhas, Ericeira (Portugal) ️ 16-18°C ♂️ ♀️(+)
A popular right-hand pointbreak with long, well-defined waves. Ideal for practicing turns and making longer rides. Suitable at different tides. In April, the water temperature is around 16-18°C. Suitable for: both board types, longboard for smaller swells, shortboard for larger conditions.
>> Check surfing in Ribeira d’Ilhas
Baleal (Peniche) ️ 16-17°C ♂️ ♀️
Varied beachbreak with different peaks. Average waves, friendly atmosphere, and clear conditions make this a great place to practice new moves and surf comfortably. Suitable for: both board types, versatile spot.
El Cotillo, Fuerteventura ️ 19°C ♂️(-) ♀️(++)
Known for good beachbreaks with powerful waves. Waves offer a challenge but remain manageable thanks to sandy bottom. The atmosphere is relaxed, with many cozy cafes and facilities nearby. Suitable for: mainly shortboard, longboard possible on smaller days.
>> Check more surf spots in Fuerteventura
Devil’s Rock, Tamraght (Morocco) ️ 19°C ♂️(-) ♀️(++)
Constant beach and reef breaks with sufficient power and length. There are multiple peaks that vary in difficulty level. The spot is less crowded than nearby Taghazout. Water temperature in April: around 20°C. Suitable for: mainly shortboard, less suitable for longboard.
Cooler, more powerful options
Supertubos, Peniche (Portugal) ️ 16-17°C ♀️(+++)
Supertubos is known from the World Surf League. Less intense in April than in winter, but still with powerful beachbreaks and tubes. Only suitable for intermediates during smaller swells. Wetsuit recommended (16-17°C). Suitable for: exclusively shortboard.
Somo, Cantabria (Spain) ️ 14-15°C ♂️ ♀️
Somo is a vast beach with multiple peaks. Suitable at different tides. Relatively calm in April, with water around 14-15°C. A good place to gain more control in variable conditions. Suitable for: both board types, “Malibu” section especially for longboarders.
For advanced surfers: challenging conditions in April
Advanced surfers are looking for more technical and powerful waves. Think reef or pointbreaks with higher speeds, barrels, or complex sections. In April, there are various spots in Europe and Morocco where you can find that – often with less crowd than during high season.
Warm destinations
Anchor Point, Taghazout (Morocco) ️ 19-20°C ♂️ ♀️(++)
Anchor Point is one of the most famous right-hand pointbreaks in North Africa. The waves here can be up to 500 meters long and break with high speed. Only suitable with sufficient swell and with experience in crowded line-ups. Water temperature in April: 19-20°C. Suitable for: both board types, optimal for shortboards.
Killer Point, Taghazout (Morocco) ️ 19-20°C ♂️ ♀️(++)
Killer Point breaks over reef and delivers powerful, fast rides with sections for quick turns. Requires experience due to the reef and intensity during larger swells. Less crowded than Anchor Point, but technically more challenging. Suitable for: mainly shortboard.
El Quemao, Lanzarote (Spain) ️ 19°C ♀️(+++)
This is a powerful reef break that is compared to Hawaiian spots. This left-hand wave offers deep tubes and powerful walls that are perfect for advanced shortboarders. Water temperatures around 19°C make it more pleasant than comparable spots in continental Europe. Suitable for: exclusively shortboard.
Discover everything about surfing around Taghazout
Carcavelos, Portugal ️ 16°C ♀️(+++)
Carcavelos near Lisbon is a beachbreak that produces waves ideal for aerials, snaps, and cutbacks. The tubing sections are perfect for dynamic shortboarding. Suitable for: exclusively shortboard.
Coxos (Portugal) ️ 16°C ♀️(+++)
Coxos north of [Ericeira](https://www.boardshortz.nl/surfen/portugal/ericeira/) is a powerful, hollow right-hand reef break, often considered Portugal’s best wave. Fast take-offs, deep barrels, sharp rocky bottom, only suitable for experienced surfers. Suitable for: exclusively shortboard.
Generally still a bit less warm in April
La Gravière, Hossegor (France) ️ 13-14°C ♀️(+++)
La Gravière is a shortboarder’s dream come true. This sandbar produces waves that are powerful. In April, the intensity can vary, but on the right day it still offers barrels. Suitable for: exclusively shortboard.
>> Check surfing in Hossegor
Playa de Pantín, Galicia (Spain) ️ 13-14°C ♀️(++)
Pantin is known from international competitions, accessible to advanced surfers in April. Consistent beachbreak, left and right breaking waves that are ideal for improving turns and speed. Suitable for: mainly shortboard.
Destinations for pros in April
Mundaka, Basque Country (Spain) ️ 13-14°C ♀️(+++) ♂️(-)
Mundaka is a legendary left-hand barrel that breaks over a sandy bottom. Requires timing and experience with fast, hollow waves. In April, the swell can still be powerful enough, with slightly less storm conditions than in winter. Water temperature: 13-14°C. Suitable for: predominantly shortboard, very experienced longboarders can also surf it
Nazaré (Portugal) ️ 16°C ♀️(+++)
Nazaré is world-famous for its gigantic waves in winter, but even in April there can still be days with 4-6 meter high waves. Only for very experienced surfers with knowledge of big wave safety. Not a spot for experimenting. Water temperature: around 16°C. Suitable for: exclusively shortboards/gun.
## What to keep in mind in April
April offers an ideal combination of factors for Dutch surfers: acceptable water temperatures, consistent waves, and less crowding.
Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps in Famara, an intermediate surfer making progress in Tamraght, or an advanced surfer braving the legendary waves of Mundaka – April in Europe and Morocco has suitable options for every level.
Consider the water temperatures when planning your trip and pack the right wetsuit. For warmer destinations such as the Canary Islands and Morocco, a 3/2mm is usually sufficient, while cooler destinations such as France and Northern Spain require a 4/3mm, possibly supplemented with booties.
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