12 Reasons a surf camp in Europe is the perfect getaway in 2026
- And guess what?
- Why the new year belongs to you (and the sea)
- 12. Early 2026 is the perfect time to explore
- 11. You’ll develop confidence that flows into the rest of the year
- 10. Surf camps give you structure with freedom
- 9. The weather in southern Europe is better than you think
- 8. The food culture makes every day feel special
- 7. Europe has waves for every surfer
- 6. You get access to experienced instructors and insider tips
- 5. It’s a chance to disconnect from daily stress
- 4. You’ll meet like-minded people from all over the world
- 3. It’s the perfect environment for surf progression
- 2. Spring and autumn/winter boast consistent waves without the crowds
- 1. It’s the ultimate fresh start for your mind and body
- FAQ: Planning a 2026 Surf Camp in Europe
And guess what?
A surf and yoga camp offers all of that in one simple choice. Endless beaches, great waves, grounding yoga sessions and a laidback atmosphere create the perfect conditions to reconnect with the ocean and yourself.
We're of course biased. But that doesn't mean we can't be right too!
Why the new year belongs to you (and the sea)
If you’re planning a surf trip or surf holiday for early 2026, there’s no better reset than joining one of the many surfing camps Europe is known for.
Whether you’re dreaming of the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea or the rugged northern coastline, Europe has surf schools suited to every skill level. And if you head somewhere like El Palmar (and we hope you do!), the area offers gentle waves, consistent waves, warm hospitality and, once we open in early spring, a surf house atmosphere that brings surfers of all levels together.
From beginner surfers catching waves for the first time to an experienced surfer looking for challenging rides, the new year is a perfect moment to reconnect with surf culture and explore some of the best surf spots in the world.
Here are 12 reasons why the new year belongs to you (and the sea).
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A young surfer rides a wave, smiles broadly and gives a thumbs-up to the camera while riding
12. Early 2026 is the perfect time to explore
Early 2026 brings quieter lineups, mild weather, world-class waves and plenty of space to roam.
From the French coast to southern Spain, winter waves can be excellent. El Palmar is calm and mild in these months compared to the rest of Europe.
This makes it the perfect setting for a peaceful start to the year.
Better yet, you can stay with us when we open in early spring. You’re only a short walk from the ocean and surrounded by a long coast with secret coves, palm trees and open sandy stretches.
Surf quiet peaks without stress
Enjoy soft, slow morning yoga sessions
Explore endless beaches and beautiful hidden spots
Stay in a beautiful camp with enough space to unwind
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A happy group of surfers in wetsuits jumping on the beach with their arms raised - cheering together after a successful session
11. You’ll develop confidence that flows into the rest of the year
Surfing builds courage, while yoga creates balance and body awareness. Together, they help you step into 2026 feeling grounded and capable.
Once spring rolls around, A-Frame’s experienced instructors guide you through surf etiquette, positioning, reading surf conditions and catching waves with confidence. It’s a combination that supports both your surf progression and your mindset long after you return home.
Build confidence through new challenges
Strengthen your foundation with yoga
Learn techniques that improve catching waves
Enter 2026 feeling calm and empowered
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A group of people doing yoga on the coast at sunrise - a peaceful and powerful start to the day by the sea
10. Surf camps give you structure with freedom
Ready to dust off the winter blues and take on the rest of the year? A surf and yoga camp offers a perfect mix of routine and relaxed atmosphere.
At A-Frame, mornings often begin with surf lessons or surf guiding. Afternoons ease into yoga, gentle stretching or time to rest.
Whether you’re staying in a shared room or a private room, you shape your day around your preferred surf levels and rhythm. The patio, palm trees, gardens and terraces offer a peaceful setting for reflection and recovery.
Enjoy the perfect mix of surf, yoga and rest
Move at your own pace (regardless of skill level)
Relax in spaces designed for recovery
Find enough space to follow your own rhythm
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Two surfers walk back from the beach with their boards under their arms as the sky is tinged pink by the sunset
9. The weather in southern Europe is better than you think
While the North Sea and northern regions stay cold, the Atlantic Ocean along southern Spain remains surprisingly mild in winter and spring.
Clear skies, gentle breezes and soft light make both surf and yoga feel natural this time of year. Winter water temperatures are more comfortable than many expect, and the relaxed atmosphere helps you unwind.
Enjoy mild surf conditions ideal for beginners and advanced surfers
Surf without harsh winter cold
Practise yoga outside when the weather allows
Travel off-peak for quiet surf spots and good waves
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A long table is set with typical Spanish dishes - ready for a relaxed dinner together at the surf and yoga camp
8. The food culture makes every day feel special
A surf holiday isn’t only about surfing. It’s also about nourishment, connection and good vibes.
A-Frame’s kitchen prepares wholesome meals inspired by the rich culture and vibrant culture of Andalusia, helping you refuel after active days in the surf and on the mat.
Shared dinners create easy opportunities to meet like-minded people and enjoy the laidback spirit of surf life. And nothing beats breakfast and a warm coffee in the sun.
Enjoy nourishing meals after surf and yoga
Taste flavours shaped by a rich culture
Refuel with meals designed for active days
Connect with new friends over shared tables
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A surfer in a sun hat rides a wave towards the shore with a secure stance and focused gaze
7. Europe has waves for every surfer
From the Portuguese coast to the Basque Country, from the Canary Islands to France, Europe offers world-class waves for surfers of every background.
You’ll find gentle waves, reef breaks, powerful Atlantic lines and everything in between. Surfing camps like ours in Europe give you access to some of the world’s best surf spots, whether you want warm island swells or more rugged northern challenges.
In our opinion, El Palmar is a perfect destination thanks to its forgiving beach breaks, good waves and less crowds than other surf spots.
Explore waves suited to every skill level
Enjoy gentle waves as a beginner
Seek powerful lines as an experienced surfer
Access the best surf spots year-round
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A group of surfers stand in a circle on the beach and listen attentively to the surf coach, who gives professional tips before the session
6. You get access to experienced instructors and insider tips
Beginning your year with expert guidance accelerates your progress.
Our surf instructors focus on technique, confidence, safety and surf etiquette. We also help you understand surf conditions, tides and sandbanks.
Combining surf lessons or a complete surf course with yoga builds strength, mobility and balance, making it easier to learn to surf successfully.
Receive coaching tailored to your goals
Learn insider tips that build your confidence in the lineup
Improve paddle technique and pop-ups
Explore waves with surf guiding and local expertise
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A relaxed dog snoozes in the shade on the sandy beach, protected from the midday sun
5. It’s a chance to disconnect from daily stress
Surf life naturally slows everything down. Days follow a simple, grounding rhythm that brings you back into the present moment.
When spring arrives and winter starts to recede, our peaceful surroundings, ocean views, gardens and laidback surf house atmosphere will help you switch off with ease.
With communal spaces and beach cleaning activities, you reconnect with nature while contributing to its protection. Because surfing shouldn't be all take. There should also be some give too.
Enjoy real digital detachment
Slow down with surf, yoga and nature
Recharge in a calm surf house environment
Give back through beach cleaning activities
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An international group of surf students form a human pyramid on the beach, the surf coach lies in front of it laughing and giving a thumbs up
4. You’ll meet like-minded people from all over the world
Surf and yoga camps naturally attract friendly, curious and open people!
At A-Frame, you’ll meet surfers, yoga lovers, solo travelers, families and surfing enthusiasts from around the world, but especially other German-speaking countries.
Shared meals, surf sessions and yoga classes make it easy to form meaningful connections. Many guests stay in touch long after their surf holiday ends. And we often see return guests year after year who come together for their annual surf and yoga vacation.
Meet people who love surf culture and travel
Make new friends through shared experiences
Choose from shared rooms or private stays
Enjoy a warm and welcoming community
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An advanced surfer surfs a powerful right-hand wave in El Palmar, carving confidently on the clean wave under clear skies
3. It’s the perfect environment for surf progression
A surf and yoga camp gives you daily repetition, structure and focused learning.
Our surf courses follow a progression-based approach that supports every stage, from beginner surfers to advanced surfers. Yoga helps strengthen, stabilise and support recovery, giving you more effective surf sessions.
El Palmar’s beach breaks, consistent waves and reliable surf conditions make progress feel natural and enjoyable. That said, if you're happy just catching waves and having fun, we're happy too!
Follow a structured progression across surf levels
Improve flexibility and strength with yoga
Surf gentle waves that are ideal for learning
Build confidence before exploring harder peaks
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A clean, empty wave breaks on a quiet, deserted beach, framed by two small sand dunes under a bright blue sky
2. Spring and autumn/winter boast consistent waves without the crowds
Early season is one of the best times to surf in Europe.
While summer is hot, crowded and kind of crazy, spring and autumn/winter brings empty lineups, clean Atlantic swells and more waves per session. Whether you want to refine your technique or simply enjoy surfing minus the summer crowds, spring and autumn/winter provide the best conditions.
This is one of the main reasons we open when we do. We want you to have the best surf and yoga experience possible and get the most out of your money. Opening in spring and autumn/winter almost guarantees this.
Surf consistent early-season waves
Enjoy quieter spots with fewer crowds
Maximise your wave count for faster progression
Combine morning surf with afternoon yoga
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A surfer leaves the sea with his surfboard at sunset, waves breaking in the golden light in the background
1. It’s the ultimate fresh start for your mind and body
Finally... a surf and yoga camp is one of the most refreshing ways to begin a new year!
At A-Frame, mornings start with surf lessons, afternoons soften with yoga and evenings settle into wholesome meals and relaxed conversations. With beautiful camps, warm hosts, great food and the Atlantic Ocean on your doorstep, A-Frame is the perfect destination to begin 2026 with clarity and intention.
The only downside? Once January rolls around, our spring spots start filling up. This means that the earlier you book, the better. Get in touch to reserve your spot!
Reset your mind and body through surf and yoga
Enjoy a natural rhythm that restores energy
Find balance through movement, nourishment and rest
Start your year in a setting designed for wellbeing
FAQ: Planning a 2026 Surf Camp in Europe
Yes. Many southern European regions offer world-class waves, consistent waves, varied surf spots and warm water temperatures compared to northern Europe.
Absolutely. El Palmar's gentle waves, soft beach breaks and open setting are ideal if you want to learn to surf. There are daily surf lessons with experienced surf instructors.
Advanced surfers will find reefs, winter swells, powerful waves, famous spots and great surf guiding along the long coastline. The local coaches are happy to share insider tips!
A-Frame provides high-quality equipment such as boards, wetsuits and accessories. However, you can also bring your own, otherwise you are well equipped with us.
Yes! The relaxed atmosphere, shared meals and group activities make it easy to make new friends.
Yes, the surf camp really is just a few steps from the sea, which is super convenient for your surf sessions.
Beautiful accommodation, vibrant local culture, relaxed atmosphere, great location, good food, positive vibes and the perfect combination of surf & yoga for every level.
What others have to say
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Sebastian Münkel
a month ago
Absolutely fantastic time we had here, great beaches, lovely staff, fantastic food, -- no really, the food is among the best I have ever had, day after day -- very lovely guests and super convenient distances to the surfing.
- Surfing: the whole schedule is centered around the surf times, and for good reason. The staff make sure that the groups always get the best waves of the day, even if that means taking a short drive somewhere else. The equipment is great for learners (I cannot judge the hard tops etc) with clean, relatively new, and fitting wet-suits. In addition to the lessons we can always go for more sessions privately, with access to the equipment.
- Lessons: The teachers are fantastic, their joy is contagious, they made learning super fun. In addition to great individual feedback there are additional offerings in terms of lectures, e.g. on wave theory. The video analysis also really helps to internalize some additional feedback. But again, the teachers are great!
- Food: Great food, always accommodating dietary restrictions, and with great variety. Every meal is different to the last, the meals are flexible if you're almost an hour late it's still usually fine, and they make sure you have enough of all the food you could want. Unlimited coffee, tea and fruit is also a great addition. Beer and wine cost extra, but at basically no markup. But once again: best food, fantastic, 6/5.
- Lodgings: Apartments where you will either be with the group you traveled with, or other guests. Clean, quiet, daily cleaning, everything you really need if you want to retreat during the day, or even cook a meal. WiFi is fast enough to fulfill most use cases.
- Common areas: allow all levels of socializing, provide fantastic views, promote meeting your fellow surfers.
- Yoga: I am not a fan of yoga, so I didn't do any, but the ones who did said is was great.
- Additional services: Photos from your surfing adventures and mishaps are available, massages, additional outings outside of the surf lessons (for example surf-skating) are on offer as well, providing a beautiful well rounded programme for the entire day.
- Vibes: 10/10, chill, social, down-to-earth, helpful.
Overall, better holiday than for example a ski trip in November (and I love skiing too). Come here! -
Tobias_ keller.t
7 months ago
This has already been our second stay at A-Frame and again it was a super relaxed week and overall a holiday that can‘t be much better. We, a family with a toddler, can ony recommend this place to other families who are looking for a relaxed holiday with yoga, surf and amazing food. The people at A-Frame from surf coach to kitchen staff are just super friendly and you feel very much taken care at all times. Thanks so much to the whole team for another great holiday experience. We‘ll be back for sure.
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Victor Lombardi
7 months ago
Pretty much a perfect vacation. I learned to surf, did a lot of yoga, soaked up the beautiful weather, ate delicious food, and met some wonderful people. I don't speak German or Spanish and the staff switched to English to make everything easy for me. El Palmar is a very chill area and from there it's easy to make day trips to Conil, Vejer, and Cádiz.
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Inga
2 months ago
One of the best sufcamps I´ve visited so far. Excellent sufcoaches with a great accomodation and catering nearby the beach.
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Yoav Nassau
a year ago
Thoroughly enjoyed our stayed at A-Frame. Super friendly and helpful staff. We were always received with a smile and welcoming attitude. Shoutout to the kitchen people who were kind, and did an incredible job of serving tasty, healthy, and varied food that we all loved. We came with three small children and they all had a great time - surf lessons, board games, ping-pong table among other fun activities.
The house was spacious, well-kept, and clean. Would definitely stay there again if visiting El Palmar in the future.
