Whether you’re a prowho rides the tubes year round, or a novice whose gnarliest feat so far iswatching "Blue Crush" three times in a row, chances are you already know themajor European surf spots -- or maybe not. Destinations like Biarritz in southwest France andNewquay in the southwest of England are buzzing surf towns with more than justwater and waves to attract you. But what about the unusual spots where you’llfind isolated beaches, empty waters, and even a whole city for a backdrop? Forthose who want to embark on the road -- or wave -- less traveled, pack an extra-thick wet suit and check out these eight unusual European surf destinations.

1. Reykjavík, Iceland

Dagur Brynjofsson via Flickr

Iceland may well be

the most radical place in Europe to surf thanks to its freezing waters (that’s

where the extra-thick wet suit comes in) and relative isolation. Guided surfing

safaris to the Reykjanes peninsula, a short distance from Reykjavik, are

increasing in popularity thanks to the combination of great waves, a lack of

crowds, and a stunning natural landscape. And while Iceland may not have an Endless

Summer (pun intended), in the right season, its extreme daylight hours mean that

the days seem to go on forever.

Hotel Pick: Stay at the historic boutique Hotel Borg for its stylish Art Deco decor.

2. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

Dave Warley via Flickr

Tackling the extreme reef

breaks and sharp coral of Fuerteventura is a badge of honor in the European

surf scene — the Canary Islands aren’t known as the “European Hawaii” for nothing.

One of the most famous surfing islands in the Canaries, Fuerteventura has a passionate local

scene and you’ll find the weekend waves filled from September

through April with locals and qualified surf tourists trying to stay upright. If

Fuerteventura seems too daunting, try Lanzarote for a gentler induction to the

waves.

Hotel Pick: Stay close

to the water at the beachside Hotel Atlantis Dunapark.

3. Pembrokeshire, Wales

Hippy-Dippy via Flickr

Pembrokeshire, Wales

is renowned for its beautiful coastline — but it’s also home to some of the UK’s

best surf beaches. Clean and relatively quiet, Pembrokeshire’s coast offering a variety of breaks, meaning any level — from beginner to “Point Break” pro — can

find his or her wave.

And if surfing the

waves of an actual ocean worries you, there’s always a manmade one nearby. Set among the

rolling hills, mountains, and rivers of Conwy Valley, Surf

Snowdonia has a purpose-built lagoon complete with its own regular two-meter

wave that peels for 150 meters.

Hotel Pick: The Panorama

Hotel has elegant, spacious rooms with views out to sea.

4. San Sebastian, Spain

Aeryals via Flickr

The capital of Spain’s

Basque Country, San Sebastian attracts surfers from all over the world. But it’s

not just the waves at the famous Zurriola Beach that bring the surf bums to

town. The charming historical city is popular with all types of tourists and the nightlife, which has sprung up close to the beaches, has created a famous surf-party

scene here. Unlike some of the places on this list, in San Sebastian surfing is

a way of life — in the words of “Point Break”’sbank-robbing zen surf poet Bodhi, “They only live to get radical.”

Hotel Pick: Rooms at

the stylish, contemporary Hotel Astoria 7 are film-themed with DVDs and free

movies.

5. Gloucestershire, England

Ben Salter via Flickr

Who knew the UK had so

many surf destinations? This spot in Gloucestershire may not have the legend of

Hawaii’s North Shore but it has a whole lot of strange going on. Created by high-tide funneling water inland, the River Severn provides surfers with the chance

to glide along its tidal bore, a bona fide natural phenomenon. Waves can reach

up to two meters and have been known to carry surfers miles down river. The

walk back probably isn’t as much fun.

Hotel Pick: Stonehouse Court is a beautiful manor stay near the river.

6. Bundoran, Ireland

Liam Moloney via Flickr

It turns out that

being a lone isle consistently pummeled by the rugged Atlantic creates some

excellent surfing waves for Ireland, with the western County Donegal being the

pick of the country’s spots. The small seaside town of Bundoran has an

established surfing community where — despite water temperature approaching Icelandic

territory — a thick neoprene

wet suit is all you need to overcome the “small” problem of hypothermia.

Hotel Pick: Rest up

when you’re out of the water at the tranquil, lakeside Harvey’s Point hotel.

7. Sardinia, Italy

Roberta Marceddu via Flickr

With a mixture of wave

breaks suitable for a range of levels, Sardinia is one of Europe’s most

secretive surf spots. Relatively isolated — being an island helps — its beaches and waves avoid the overcrowding that comes with four-meter swells

elsewhere. Waves are the most consistent here of any island in the

Mediterranean and there are plenty of beaches around Cagliari from which to

launch.

Hotel Pick: La Villa

del Mare features spacious sea-themed rooms located across from Cagliari’s

beautiful Poetto Beach.

8. Munich, Germany

Scott Moore via Flickr

If sprawling beaches

and the thrill of the open water aren’t your thing…then you might want to

question your interest in surfing. However, there is hope for those who want to

keep things urban because there’s always the inner city Munich standing wave to

hang ten on. Located within the Englischer Garten, the wave forms in a small

section of the two-kilometer-long manmade Eisbach (ice brook) River. Despite the wave’s

stationary nature, it still attracts a loyal following and makes for a good

place to see experienced surfers strut their stuff when you’re in the city.

Hotel Pick: You’ll

find sophisticated rooms, a chic rooftop pool, and a Michelin-starred restaurant at

the Bayerischer Hof Hotel, located within walking distance of Munich’s hot

spots.

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