Local tips: Alternative spots without the crowds – here’s where you can avoid the holiday traffic
Tobias Frauen
· 04.07.2026
“At the most popular spots on the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts, as well as at many holiday destinations, increased traffic on the water and on the beach is to be expected” – if there were 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; only a lucky few (looking at you, Bavaria!) get to enjoy the more relaxed, cheaper and perhaps even windier off-season. In neighbouring countries, too, almost everyone is currently on holiday and out and about in search of wind and relaxation.
Things therefore often get hectic at the top spots: fully booked holiday homes and campsites, packed car parks, crowded beaches and line-ups. Not everyone is entirely up to speed when it comes to right-of-way rules and good behaviour on the water – there’s a growing desire for secluded alternative spots, even if the conditions there might not be quite as good. We’ve got a few tips for you on how to avoid the worst of the hustle and bustle.
However, it’s rather unlikely that you’ll be completely on your own there – the mere fact that we have a Spot Guide doesn’t exactly make these spots the kind of place you’d call an absolute insider’s tip.
A spirit of discovery is what’s needed!
Tip: If you’re looking to satisfy your thirst for adventure, just have a look around for brand-new spots! Google Maps often shows clearly where there are accessible stretches of beach; sometimes you can even spot signs of sandbanks in the satellite imagery. Just head there and give it a go! Of course, there’s always a risk that the spot won’t work out or that there might be obstacles in the water. With a bit of luck, though, your spirit of discovery will be rewarded with a solitary session at a completely new spot!
Uggerby – an alternative stop to Hanstholm
When there’s a strong westerly wind, Hanstholm is clearly the top spot in Denmark. But what if the wind dies down? Then it’s worth making a detour to Uggerby, near Hirtshals. The journey is a bit longer, but actually more pleasant thanks to the motorway running all the way there. A sandy entry and moderate waves make Uggerby attractive even for beginners to wave riding, though you shouldn’t ignore the current near the shore. Further out, you’ll be rewarded with excellent ramps and, with a bit of practice, you’ll also find waves that allow for several turns downwind!
Dugi Otok in Croatia: Six spots in a very small area
Croatia’s longest island, Dugi Otok, seems to have it all – surf, bump & jump and lovely shallow water in the sheltered lagoon. The coastline is mostly rocky, there are no surf schools or shops, and the area is usually pretty deserted. For adventure seekers or independent travellers – such as those touring the mainland in a campervan – a trip over to Dugi Otok is definitely worthwhile, though, especially if the forecast shows a few days of southerly winds. That’s when the point break at Lopata really comes to life.
Waves and shallow waters at Jammer Bay and the Limfjord
Further east, running parallel to Krik or the Ringkøbing Fjord, between Bulbjerg and the Limfjord, a virtually unknown windsurfing paradise in Denmark – with North Sea waves and stand-up areas – leads a quiet existence. Whilst fantastic and easily accessible freeride and freestyle spots await on the banks of the Limfjord, conditions on the North Sea side can sometimes get quite challenging.
Solitary waves in Galicia
Northern Spain – or rather Galicia – is no longer an unknown quantity in the world of windsurfing, certainly not 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 certainly beautiful. Many hidden coves often offer secluded beach breaks, where the more common surfers tend to be driven off by the wind. In Ferroll Bay, there are flat-water conditions and a surf club. You should just make sure you’ve got plenty of spare parts with you...
Shallow-water spots in the hinterland of Cold Hawaii
Cold Hawaii simply has an unrivalled appeal – not just because of the surf 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 if the North Sea gets really rough – there are plenty of comfortable, uncrowded and safe alternative spots with flat water within a 45-minute drive of Klitmøller! Ideal for freeriding, freestyle or for kids and beginners!
Windsurfing spots in Djursland – flat water and waves around Ebeltoft
Djursland juts out into the Baltic Sea in a semicircle and, around Grenå and Ebeltoft, offers everything from flat-water areas to challenging wave spots. The western side of Djursland is flat and sandy, with bays cutting deep into the land to offer large flat-water areas – perfect for windsurfing. The heart of the windsurfing scene undoubtedly beats in Ebeltoft: just outside the gates of the pretty old town, with its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, the Ebeltoft Windsurf Club and a windsurfing school have been in operation since 2019; even in winter, you’re rarely alone on the water here. Away from this main spot, however, places like Ahl, Strandsborg and Øer offer much quieter alternatives with wonderful sandy beaches and dunes.
Hidden gems in Crete
Anyone who’s ever been to Palekastro in eastern Crete might think they already know the island’s best spot. But with 1,000 kilometres of coastline, you can’t help but suspect that there must still be some hidden gems out there. If you’re keen to get out and about, you can still discover real hidden gems in an area half the size of Schleswig-Holstein, even during the holiday season!
Mari Ermi – a Scirocco gem in Sardinia
For many surfers, Sardinia is synonymous with Porto Pollo. But whilst the crowds there jostle for space during the summer, the island offers plenty of far more relaxed alternatives, one of which is Mari Ermi in the west. Secluded, beautiful and, when the Scirocco is blowing, a perfectly smooth spot for speed, freestyle and manoeuvres. Three rustic campsites offer no luxury whatsoever, but an incomparably beautiful atmosphere. The Scirocco blows diagonally offshore from the south-east and becomes stronger and more consistent the further out you go. But even close to the shore, where the water gets even flatter, it’s fantastic for speeding and, right here, you can jibe on almost perfectly smooth water – just like in laboratory conditions.
Road trip along Norway’s south coast
Norway is famous for the Northern Lights, short summer nights and countless fjords set against stunning landscapes – and every now and then you hear about good surfing conditions along the coastline. The best time to visit is actually in spring and autumn, as storms are more frequent along the coast during those seasons. However, the summer months are also highly recommended for a road trip with friends, family or even on your own.
Windsurfing on Lake Müritz – Germany’s largest inland lake
Sunshine, 22 degrees, a force-five wind – and not a soul in sight. Yet so many people travelling from the south to the Baltic Sea are bound to pass this way. If you put your indicator on in good time, just a few minutes later you’ll be standing on the shores of Lake Müritz, marvelling at the view. With 117 square kilometres of water, there’s more than enough space for everyone. Nowhere else are so few surfers spread over such a vast area. When a westerly or easterly front rolls in, the jump ramps can sometimes reach heights of over 1.50 metres, especially as the waves have plenty of run-up to build up properly. At wind force 6, surf-hardened wave riders have a clear advantage in onshore winds. At wind force 4, however, the Müritz is generally more of a freeride spot, where it makes sense to bring larger sails of over seven square metres, and which can help both beginners and those looking to progress take the next step.
Lake Cavazzo – the alternative to Lake Garda
A steady wind, Alpine panoramas and la dolce vita – you’ll find all this not only on Lake Garda, but also, on a smaller scale, at Lago di Cavazzo, halfway between Udine and Villach. Here, you wake up to a view of the water, catch the north wind in the early morning and then switch into relaxation mode. Good food, charming surroundings – it’s a lovely place to linger and unwind – and not just whilst looking for a parking space, but also when asking for the bill at the ristorante.
The Great Sea in East Frisia
Of course, calling it the ‘Great Sea’ is a bit of an exaggeration. Nevertheless, windsurfers will find everything they need for a fantastic windsurfing holiday on this small inland body of water in western Lower Saxony: accommodation right by the spot, plenty of wind and a huge standing area. Perfect conditions for beginners and those looking to improve, offering a sense of safety and the chance to practise manoeuvres with the convenience of the shallow area – meaning you can enjoy the water even in cooler temperatures without having to swim long distances. Nevertheless, there’s plenty of space for speed runs or – simply to explore the area – to sail almost right up to the reed beds on the western side of the lake.
A water sports paradise in Lusatia
Where coal excavators once left deep scars, a new water sports paradise has emerged. And every year, more lakes are being added in Lusatia. Between Dresden and Berlin, a spectacular water landscape is taking shape, featuring more than 20 new lakes – the largest man-made water landscape in Europe. There’s something for every wind direction here – and a great community to boot!
Tobias Frauen
Editor
