Area tips: Alternative spots without the crowds - here you can avoid the holiday traffic
Tobias Frauen
· 29.07.2025
- Uggerby - alternative spot to Hanstholm
- Dugi Otok in Croatia: six spots in a very small space
- Waves and shallow water at Jammer Bay and the Limfjord
- Lonely waves in Galicia
- Shallow water spots in the hinterland of Cold Hawaii
- Windsurfing spots in Djursland - standing area and waves around Ebeltoft
- Secret spots on Crete
- Mari Ermi - Scirocco gem in Sardinia
- Road trip along Norway's south coast
- Windsurfing on the Müritz - Germany's largest inland lake
- Lago di Cavazzo - the Lake Garda alternative
- The great sea in East Frisia
- Water sports paradise in Lusatia
"At the most popular spots on the North Sea and Baltic Sea as well as at many holiday destinations, increased traffic on the water and on the beach is to be expected" - if there was an ADAC for windsurfers and wingfoilers, it would probably issue this or a similarly pointless warning in July and August. Almost all German federal states are on holiday at the same time, with only a lucky few (Looking at you, Bavaria!) enjoying the more relaxed, cheaper and perhaps even windier low season. In neighbouring countries, too, almost everyone is currently off and out and about in search of wind and relaxation.
That's why it often gets stressful at the top spots: Fully booked holiday homes and campsites, congested car parks, full beaches and line-ups. Not everyone is completely up to speed when it comes to rules of the road and good behaviour on the water - there is a growing desire for secluded alternative spots, even if the conditions there are perhaps not quite as good. We have a few tips for you on how to avoid the worst of the hustle and bustle.
But it's unlikely that you'll be completely alone there - the fact that we have a spot guide doesn't exactly qualify these areas as absolute insider tips.
A spirit of discovery is required!
Tip: If you want to quench your thirst for adventure, simply look around for completely new spots! On Google Maps, it is often easy to see where there are accessible sections of beach, and sometimes you can even recognise some indications of sandbanks in the satellite image. Just go there and try it out! Of course, there is always a risk that the spot will not work or that there are obstacles in the water. With a bit of luck, however, your spirit of discovery will be rewarded with a solitary session at a completely new spot!
Uggerby - alternative spot to Hanstholm
With a strong westerly wind, Hanstholm is clearly the top spot in Denmark. But what if the wind drops? Then it's worth making a detour to Uggerby near Hirtshals. Although the journey is a little longer, it is actually more pleasant thanks to the continuous motorway. A sandy entrance and moderate waves also make Uggerby attractive for wave beginners, but the current in the shore area should not be ignored. Further out, you will be rewarded with excellent ramps and, with a little practice, you will also find waves that allow several turns to leeward!
Dugi Otok in Croatia: six spots in a very small space
Croatia's longest island, Dugi Otok, seems to have it all - surf, bump & jump and beautiful flat water in the sheltered lagoon. The coast is mostly rocky, there are no surf schools or shops and the region is usually pretty deserted. However, for the adventurous or individual travellers who are travelling by van on the mainland, for example, a crossing to Dugi Otok is definitely worthwhile - especially if there are a few days with southerly winds in the forecast. That's when the point break of Lopata comes to life.
Waves and shallow water at Jammer Bay and the Limfjord
Parallel to Krik or the Ringkøbing Fjord, further east, between Bulbjerg and the Limfjord, an almost unknown windsurfing paradise in Denmark with North Sea waves and standing areas leads a shadowy existence. While the shores of the Limfjord offer fantastic and perfectly accessible freeride and freestyle areas, the North Sea side can get a bit choppy.
Lonely waves in Galicia
Northern Spain, or rather Galicia, is no longer an unknown quantity in the windsurfing world, at least since Thomas Traversa's big wave adventures. But you can also go windsurfing there, even if you're not looking for the really big waves, the scenery is always beautiful. Many hidden bays often offer secluded beach breaks, and the much more frequent surfers tend to be scared away by the wind. There are flat water conditions and a surf club in the bay of Ferroll. Just make sure you have enough spares with you...
Shallow water spots in the hinterland of Cold Hawaii
Cold Hawaii simply has an unrivalled appeal - not only because of the spots, but also because of the community and the magnificent landscape of Thy National Park. If it gets too crowded in Klitte, Hanstholm or Vorupør - or the North Sea gets really nasty - there are numerous comfortable, empty and safe spot alternatives with shallow water within 45 minutes of Klitmøller! Ideal for freeriding, freestyling or for kids and intermediates!
Windsurfing spots in Djursland - standing area and waves around Ebeltoft
Djursland stretches out into the Baltic Sea in a semi-circle and offers everything from a standing area to a robust wave spot around Grenå and Ebeltoft. The west side of Djursland is flat and sandy, where bays cut deep into the land and offer large standing areas - perfect for windsurfing. The heart of the surfing scene undoubtedly beats in Ebeltoft: the Ebeltoft Windsurf Club and a surf school have been located at the gates of the pretty old town with its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets since 2019, and even in winter you are rarely alone on the water here. Away from this main spot, Ahl, Strandsborg and Øer offer much quieter alternatives with wonderful sandy beaches and dunes.
Secret spots on Crete
If you've ever been to Palekastro in eastern Crete, you might think you already know the best spot on the island. But with 1,000 kilometres of coastline, the suspicion creeps up on you: there must still be some secrets. If you're mobile, you can discover real secret spots in an area half the size of Schleswig-Holstein, even during the holiday season!
Mari Ermi - Scirocco gem in Sardinia
For many surfers, Sardinia is synonymous with Porto Pollo. However, when the crowds are out there zip-surfing in summer, the island offers plenty of much more relaxed alternatives, one of which is Mari Ermi in the west. Lonely, beautiful and a smooth speed, freestyle and manoeuvre spot at Scirocco. Three rustic campsites offer no luxury, but an incomparably beautiful ambience. The Scirocco comes diagonally offshore from the south-east and becomes stronger and more constant the further out you go. But even close to the shore, where the water becomes even shallower, it is fantastic for speeding and jibing on almost perfectly smooth water, just like in laboratory conditions.
Road trip along Norway's south coast
Norway is known for the northern lights, short nights in summer, numerous fjords in dreamlike landscapes - and every now and then you hear about good surfing conditions along the coastline. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn, when storms are more frequent along the coast. However, the summer months are also recommended for a road trip with friends, family or on your own.
Windsurfing on the Müritz - Germany's largest inland lake
Sunshine, 22 degrees, force five winds - and nobody here. Yet so many people travelling from the south to the Baltic Sea inevitably pass by here. If you set the indicator in time, you'll be standing on the banks of the Müritz in amazement just a few minutes later. There is plenty of space for everyone on 117 square kilometres. Nowhere else are so few surfers spread over such a large area. When a westerly or easterly front comes along, the jump ramps can be over 1.50 metres high, especially as the waves have plenty of time to build up. With six-force winds, surf-experienced surfers have a clear advantage in onshore winds. However, with wind forces of four, the Müritz is generally more of a freeride area, where larger sails over seven square metres make sense and can help beginners and intermediates alike to take the next step.
Lago di Cavazzo - the Lake Garda alternative
A constant wind system, Alpine panorama and dolce vita are not only found on Lake Garda, but also on a smaller scale on Lago di Cavazzo, halfway between Udine and Villach. Here you wake up with a view of the water, surf the north wind in the early morning and then switch to relaxation mode. Good food, charming surroundings - it's a great place to relax and unwind - and not just when looking for a parking space, but also when ordering the bill at the restaurant.
The great sea in East Frisia
Of course, Big Sea is a great exaggeration. Nevertheless, windsurfers will find everything they need for a great surfing holiday on the small inland water in the west of Lower Saxony: Living at the spot, plenty of wind and a huge standing area. Perfect conditions for beginners and intermediates, a safe feeling and manoeuvre practice with the comfort of the standing area - even in cooler temperatures without long swims. Nevertheless, there is enough space for speed runs or - to simply explore the area - almost up to the reed belts on the west side of the lake.
Water sports paradise in Lusatia
Where the coal excavators once left deep scars, a new water sports paradise has emerged. And more lakes are being added to Lusatia every year. Between Dresden and Berlin, a spectacular water landscape is being created with more than 20 new lakes, the largest man-made water landscape in Europe. There is an option for almost every wind direction here - and a great community to boot!
