Surfing and Beaches

The capital of European surfing is just minutes away from the Hotel California. Join us in Newquay for a surfing holiday that will leave your arms aching and your body buzzing!

Fistral

The legendary Fistral Beach in the heart of Newquay caters for all surfing abilities. You can find lessons at both the south and north end’s of the beach, hire equipment, surf and swim safely thanks to the ever alert lifeguards and explore the rock pools at low tide. There is nearly always a wave at Fistral that can often get hollow and powerful. Surf works best at all tides and a south easterly wind.

No surf? Check out the National Surfing Centre at North Fistral - good food, drink and a selection of surf shops.

Crantock

Crantock is the Hotel California’s nearest beach and can be accessed from the hotel at low tide. With lifeguards on duty throughout the summer, Crantock offers a mellower surfing experience compared to Fistral. The rivermouth can produce some excellent rights, with the south end producing some good lefts on a bigger swell.

Surf conditions can be easily checked from our sun terraces, Crantock is best at low tide and is offshore on a south easterly wind.

Newquay Bay

The Newquay Town beaches consist of Towan, Great Western and Tolcarne. These three breaks face in a more Northerly direction and need a big swell to come to life. Working on all states of tide and on a south westerly wind, head to the bay if Fistral or Crantock is too big.

Check the Sea Life Centre to see what was found offshore that morning, or head to the Harbour for a warming post surf coffee.

The Hotel California is perfectly situated for your surfing holiday.

Early August sees the return of the immensely popular Rip Curl Boardmasters at Fistral Beach. A festival of surfing, skating and music, check www.ripcurlboardmasters.co.uk to see the full line up and book your tickets.