13 Best Places to Paddle Board in Europe

Discover a world of adventure across the seas and lakes.

Have you ever imagined gliding across crystal-clear waters in stunning European landscapes?

The best places to paddleboard in Europe await you.

Embark on a journey through Europe’s breathtaking scenery and pristine waters. Are you ready to dive in?

Table of Contents

1 Map
2 Where to Paddle Board in Europe
3 FAQ

Map

Where to Paddle Board in Europe

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Amsterdam Canals

Location Type: Channel
Access Point: Various spots along the city canals (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, light to no wind
Popular Seasons: Spring and Summer
Wildlife Encounters: Urban wildlife, birds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic canal houses, bridges, Anne Frank House, Magere Brug
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect local regulations

The iconic canals of Amsterdam offer a unique urban paddling experience. Glide through the historic waterways lined with charming canal houses and picturesque bridges.

It’s a great way to explore the city while experiencing its nautical history.

#2 Lake Annecy, France

Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Plage d’Albigny or Plage des Marquisats (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear water, light wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, swans
????️️ Landmarks & Views: The Alps, Château d’Annecy, hilltop views
Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, respect local regulations

Lake Annecy, nestled in the French Alps, offers paddleboarders breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters. Its vibrant blue hue surrounded by towering mountains makes it a serene and picturesque spot for paddling.

Enjoy the beauty of the lake and explore the charming Annecy town while you’re there.

#3 Barcelona Beaches

Location Type: Oceanfront
Access Point: Barceloneta Beach or Nova Icària Beach (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Mild ocean waves, light to moderate wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seagulls
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Barcelona skyline, W Hotel, Port Olímpic
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect swimming zones, use caution in crowded areas

Barcelona’s beautiful beaches offer a fun-filled urban paddling experience along the Mediterranean coast.

Glide across the azure waters as you take in the captivating skyline and bustling beach atmosphere. Perfect for beginners and seasoned paddleboarders, it’s an ideal spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the vibrant Catalan coast.

#4 Lake Bled, Slovenia

Location Type: Mountain Lake
Access Point: Various spots around the lake, including campgrounds (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional light wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, swans, fish
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Bled Castle, Bled Island, surrounding Alps
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules, be prepared for changing weather conditions

Lake Bled’s tranquil waters offer a fairy-tale paddling experience, framed by Slovenia’s stunning Alps.

The pristine lake surrounds the picturesque Bled Island and medieval Bled Castle. Every paddling adventure on this enchanting lake promises serenity and scenic beauty like no other.

#5 Copenhagen Harbor, Denmark

Location Type: Bay
Access Point: Islands Brygge or Kalvebod Bølge (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm harbor water, light wind
Popular Seasons: Summer
Wildlife Encounters: Urban wildlife, birds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: The Little Mermaid statue, the Royal Danish Opera House, the historic waterfront
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for ferry and boat traffic, respect harbor regulations

Copenhagen Harbor invites paddlers to embark on an urban adventure through Denmark’s historic waterfront. As you navigate the calm harbor waters, you can admire iconic landmarks such as the Little Mermaid statue and the modern Royal Danish Opera House.

Explore the city’s maritime heritage while paddling through this idyllic Nordic setting.

#6 Algarve Coast, Portugal

Location Type: Oceanfront
Access Point: Various beaches, such as Praia da Marinha or Praia da Benagil (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, varying ocean currents
Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Fish, occasional dolphins
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, arches, secluded beaches
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious around cliffs, pay attention to changing tides

Paddleboarding along the Algarve Coast is a dreamy experience. The stunning turquoise waters are surrounded by limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and beautiful secluded beaches.

Glide through the dramatic coastal landscapes and discover the natural wonders of this picturesque region in Southern Portugal.

#7 Venice Canals, Italy

Location Type: Channel
Access Point: Various spots along the city canals (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, light to no wind
Popular Seasons: Spring and Summer
Wildlife Encounters: Urban wildlife, birds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic palaces, Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect local regulations

Explore the picturesque Venice canals on a paddleboard for an unforgettable adventure. Navigate through the historic waterways, admire iconic landmarks, and cruise past gondolas.

Glide beneath charming bridges and marvel at the city’s unique architectural beauty from the water.

#8 Lake Garda, Italy

Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Various beaches and marinas around the lake (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional light wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, swans
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding Alps, historic towns, Scaligero Castle
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules, be prepared for changing weather conditions

Lake Garda, nestled between the Italian Alps, is a captivating spot for paddleboarding. Its calm waters and stunning surroundings provide a serene paddling experience.

Discover historic towns, castles, and dramatic landscapes as you glide through Italy’s largest lake.

#9 Göteborg Archipelago, Sweden

Location Type: Oceanfront
Access Point: Styrsö, Vrångö, or Donsö islands (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate waves, light to moderate wind
Popular Seasons: Summer
Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, seals
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Scenic islands, rocky coastline, traditional fishing villages
Safety, Environment and Rules: Check weather conditions, use caution near rocks, understand local regulations

The Göteborg Archipelago offers countless islands to explore on a paddleboard. This picturesque setting is home to traditional fishing villages, charming island communities, and unspoiled natural beauty.

Cruise through crystal-clear waters and discover the rugged Scandinavian coastline just waiting to be explored.

#10 Thessaloniki Harbor, Greece

Location Type: Bay
Access Point: Thessaloniki Marina (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm harbor water, light wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seagulls
????️️ Landmarks & Views: White Tower of Thessaloniki, city skyline, waterfront promenade
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect harbor regulations

Embark on a serene paddleboarding journey through Thessaloniki Harbor. This historic Greek city offers a tranquil harbor setting with charming views of the skyline, White Tower of Thessaloniki, and waterfront promenade.

Glide across the calm waters and soak up the Mediterranean sunshine.

#11 La Rochelle, France

Location Type: Oceanfront
Access Point: Plage des Minimes (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Mild ocean waves, light to moderate wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic fortified city, marina, lighthouses
Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in crowded areas, respect local regulations

La Rochelle’s picturesque harbor and stunning coastline provide the perfect setting for paddleboarding adventures. Explore the historic fortified city with its impressive towers and lighthouses while gliding across the calm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The bustling marina serves as a beautiful backdrop to this charming coastal destination.

#12 Llangorse Lake, Wales

Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Llangorse Lake Sailing Club (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional light wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, swans, birds of prey
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Brecon Beacons, surrounding hills
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules, be prepared for changing weather conditions

Llangorse Lake, nestled in the Brecon Beacons in Wales, offers paddleboarders a tranquil rural setting. Glide across the smooth waters, admire the surrounding hills, and enjoy this serene natural retreat.

It’s an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders to escape the urban bustle and bask in the beauty of the Welsh countryside.

#13 Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Location Type: Mountain Lake
Access Point: Various spots within Plitvice Lakes National Park (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional light wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, birds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Waterfalls, lush forests, wooden walkways
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect national park rules, be cautious near waterfalls

Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Croatia, is a breathtaking destination for paddleboarding.

The crystal-clear waters of the lakes, surrounded by lush forests and cascading waterfalls, create a truly magical experience. Be prepared to be enchanted by the unparalleled beauty and serenity of this natural wonder.