6 Surf Hostels Around the World

These budget-friendly accommodations offer more than a bed—they provide a community connection that unites oceans. 

Main entrance of Playa Jaco, Costa Rica. Armando Olivo Martín del Campo. CC BY-SA 4.0 

Wake up to crashing waves, grab your board, and paddle out. Surf hostels are not just places to rest your head; they’re miniature global hubs where travelers, surf enthusiasts and adventure seekers converge. Whether you’re a solo backpacker or part of a group, surf hostels foster friendships and shared experiences such as communal dinners, bonfires on the beach, and impromptu jam sessions with fellow travelers.

Hostels often offer surfboard rentals and lessons, making it an easy way to pick up new skills. Each hostel has its unique flavor, influenced by its location and culture. From Bali’s laid-back vibes to Portugal’s rugged beauty, you’ll taste local cuisines, explore places through their waters and witness unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.

 1. 99 Surf Lodge - Popoyo, Nicaragua 

Surfing in Popoyo, Nicaragua. Dylan Wooters. CC BY-SA 2.0 

99 Surf Lodge in Popoyo, Nicaragua, is a sleek, low-slung modernist hotel that perfectly balances style and unpretentiousness. Situated right on the legendary surf beach of Popoyo, it offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure in a region that is hospitable yet not overdeveloped. Each room boasts an ocean view, allowing guests to check surf conditions from the comfort of their beds. The bungalows and suites, which can accommodate up to four guests, feature private verandas to enjoy the constant offshore breeze. Despite its design-hotel aesthetics, 99 Surf Lodge remains affordable, making it a great value destination. Surfing is the main attraction, but guests can enjoy various water activities and nearby mountain hikes. The hotel’s gym and the on-site restaurant, Taberna 99, provide additional amenities to fuel and rejuvenate guests. With yoga classes, retreats and two seasonal restaurants, including Mesquite, 99 Surf Lodge ensures a memorable stay. Whether surfing, dining or simply relaxing, this beachfront retreat perfectly blends modern comfort and natural beauty. 99 Surf Lodge is a higher-end surf hostel and rates start at $130 per night. 

2. San Sebastian Surf Camp (Stoke Travel) - San Sebastian, Spain

Scenic view from the comb of the wind ride to the Ondarreta beach. Laura Peña. CC BY-SA 3.0 

San Sebastian Surf CAMP, an all-inclusive surf house in the Spanish Basque Country, offers an exhilarating blend of surf, yoga, and vibrant nightlife. Since 2005, Stoke Travel’s Surf Camps have been the go-to destination for exploring San Sebastian and the Basque Country, providing an unbeatable combination of surfing and partying. Now located in a converted Basque farmhouse near Zarautz, the camp has only improved. The communal atmosphere is enhanced by staff who double as surf instructors and prepare all meals, ensuring a seamless experience. The basic package includes dorm accommodation in the scenic Pagoeta nature reserve, healthy homemade meals, daily pickups to Zarautz, introductory surf lessons, and daily yoga classes. Guests can also enjoy unlimited access to surf equipment, local activities, and an open bar for a small fee. With hearty home-cooked meals, welcoming vibes, and awesome parties, this surf camp promises an unforgettable experience. San Sebastian Surf CAMP offers a unique and immersive adventure in a stunning natural setting. There is a two-day minimum and rates start at $50 per night. Get in touch with San Sebastian Surf Camp (Stoke Travel) here. 

3. Hostel & Surf Camp 55 - Ericeira, Portugal

Surfing at Praia do Matadouro. Web Summit. CC BY 2.0 

Hostel & Surfcamp 55 in Ericeira, Portugal, is a fantastic destination for surfing beginners, embodying the slogan “When you feel the Ericeira 55 vibe you don’t want to leave…” Overlooking the ocean and located in the heart of Ericeira, this unique hostel offers a true surf and travel experience. It accommodates up to 22 guests in seven thematic rooms with sea views, providing a relaxed and colorful atmosphere. Guests can enjoy surf lessons, guiding and equipment on-site, as well as daily yoga retreats. The communal lounge area is perfect for socializing, and the shared kitchen allows guests to prepare their own meals or join themed dinners and wine tasting sessions. Located just a five-minute walk from the beach, Hostel 55 also offers free WiFi and various discounts on local activities, including bicycle and board rentals. With clean facilities, friendly staff, and a vibrant communal feel, Hostel & Surfcamp 55 ensures an unforgettable stay in the picturesque fishing village of Ericeira. The nightly rate is $40 and you can contact them here Hostel & Surf Camp 55.  

4. Farm Hostel - Canggu, Indonesia

Young surfers in Bali, Indonesia. Tiket2. CC BY 2.0 

The Farm Hostel in Canggu, Indonesia, offers an exceptional experience for travelers. With five different types of dorms, all air-conditioned and equipped with en-suite bathrooms, the hostel ensures maximum comfort and privacy. Each bed is larger than average, featuring curtains, a reading light, an international power outlet, and a large locker for personal belongings. Located just 1.2 miles from Batu Bolong Beach and Canggu Beach, The Farm Hostel provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a bar, and a restaurant serving international cuisine with vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan options. The hostel also offers a paid airport shuttle service. 

Nestled at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac surrounded by rice fields, banana trees, bamboo and a running stream, The Farm Hostel is a tranquil retreat. Despite its serene location, it is just minutes away from great surf spots, tasty food, vibrant nightlife, and excellent coffee. Since its opening in 2015, The Farm has grown from 22 beds to 118 beds, featuring nine mixed dorms and seven female dorms. With high-speed internet, a small breakfast included, two pools, multiple common areas and a central location in Canggu, The Farm Hostel is a must-stay destination in Bali and rates start at $36 per night. 

5. Rosemary Hostel - Florianópolis, Brazil

Praia Mole, Florianopolis, SC, Brasil. Papa Pic from Eldorado, Argentina. CC0

Rosemary Hostel in Florianopolis, Brazil, offers a unique and empowering experience for travelers. Located just a minute’s walk from Trilha Da Galheta and a short distance from Praia da Barra da Lagoa, this hostel provides an ideal setting for reconnecting with nature. With eight rooms featuring climate control, private balconies and mini fridges, guests can enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay. The hostel is well-connected to local attractions, including the Open Sea Turtle Museum and Barra da Lagoa Natural Pools. Guests can savor South American cuisine at the nearby Restaurante Maria & Maria or explore the vibrant Praia Barra da Lagoa district. Rosemary Hostel is designed to challenge both body and mind, offering exceptional accommodation, healthy meals and inspiring activities. Whether you’re looking to relax or embark on an adventure, Rosemary Hostel promises a memorable stay with its international family, the Dream Team. The Rosemary Hostel’s nightly rates begin at $33, and there are several different types of accommodation. 

6. ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel - San Diego, CA, USA

Surfing in San Diego, California. Bengt Nyman. CC BY 2.0 

ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel in San Diego offers an unparalleled experience right on the boardwalk overlooking the ocean in Pacific Beach. Known for its cozy beds, beachfront facilities, and friendly hosts passionate about showcasing local culture, this hostel invites guests to bring their beach clothes and flip-flops and immerse themselves in the surf lifestyle. The hostel emphasizes sustainable lodging, cultural contact and providing a unique hosted experience. Guests can enjoy oceanfront accommodations just 1.9 miles from Belmont Amusement Park, with amenities including BBQ facilities, a garden and a shared lounge. A daily free continental breakfast is provided, featuring bread, fruit, cereal, oatmeal and coffee. The hostel also offers a 24-hour front desk, indoor lounge with workstations and table tennis. With several room options, including female-only, coed dorms, and private rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel ensures a comfortable stay. The large private outdoor deck is perfect for socializing, checking out the waves and soaking up the sunshine. Hosted social events, surfboard, wetsuit and bike rentals, as well as partnerships with top-rated wellness and yoga studios, make this hostel a legendary spot for travelers since the 1980s. Whether you’re surfing, relaxing or exploring, ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel promises a social, friendly, and fun atmosphere with rates starting at $49 a night

---

Julz Vargas

Julz is a student at Wellesley College studying Anthropology and Spanish. She grew up in Los Angeles, CA, and has studied all around the world in places such as Costa Rica, Greece, Iceland, and Spain. She is passionate about employing writing as a tool to explore human connection and diversity. Julz aspires to foster cross-cultural connections through community-based research, amplifying inclusive and diverse media about global cultures, foods, and people, to encourage individuals to engage more wholly with the world.

6 St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations from Around the World

By Julia Kelley

From enjoying Irish cuisine to celebrating local history, countries across the globe from Argentina to Malaysia celebrate their relationship with Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York. James Felder. CC BY 2.0. 

Every year on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day marks the feast day of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has become synonymous with a celebration of Irish culture and heritage, usually identified by customary symbols of shamrocks, leprechauns and the color green. While the day began as a uniquely Irish tradition, celebrations outside of the country have grown in popularity, as foreign countries honor their history with Ireland. What results is a cultural mixing and blending of Irish celebrations, like kilt-wearing or Celtic dancing, with local religious and historical traditions. Around the world, Irish heritage is celebrated as a pillar of cultural appreciation. 

The Green River in Chicago. R Boed. CC BY 2.0. 

1. The United States

St. Patrick’s Day is not only widely observed across the United States but is one of the country’s largest annual celebrations. Since its introduction to the U.S. by Irish soldiers in the 18th century, St. Patrick’s Day has been marked by a series of traditional Irish emblems: shamrocks, parades and the color green. The city of Chicago upholds a particularly strong Irish appreciation. Cook County, which includes Chicago, has the largest population of Irish Americans in the U.S. Chicago’s famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade was first held in 1843 and has since become one of the largest parades in the country, featuring the city’s premier Irish band wearing green kilts and colorful floats adorned with Irish flags. Even more famous is the annual dyeing of the Chicago River. Beginning in 1962, city workers have traditionally dumped hundreds of pounds of green dye into the downtown Chicago River, turning the water a vibrant emerald hue. Originally beginning as part of an effort to clean up the river, the tradition stuck and has been a favored celebration ever since. New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is another famous U.S. custom that finds its roots in 1762, before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world, it is a hallmark of Irish appreciation in the country and remains a celebration of cultural pride.

Irish Pub in Buenos Aires. Marcelo Campi. CC BY-SA 3.0. 

2. Argentina

South of the U.S., one can also find lively St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Argentina. Currently, about half a million people of Irish descent reside in the country, the fifth largest Irish diaspora population in the world. Moreover, Argentina is Ireland’s oldest Latin American ally, with the first South American Irish Embassy opening in Buenos Aires in 1948. As such, strong cultural and historical ties link the two countries, with Buenos Aires demonstrating one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Latin America. Featuring vibrant festivities, the main event takes place along the Avenida de Mayo, where visitors can enjoy various Irish foods and drinks, Celtic music and Irish dancing. Nighttime celebrations come alive through “La Noche Verde,” where parades and music continue long after sunset. Celebrants can also patronize the city’s long-standing Irish pubs, such as DownTown Matías, John John and The Kilkenny. However, no matter where or how one commemorates the day, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Argentina are a festive reminder of the country’s cherished connection with Ireland. 

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Mexico City. Flama23. CC BY-SA 4.0. 

3. Mexico

Mexico has a long and respected history with Ireland, rooted in diplomatic, economic and cultural exchanges dating back to the Mexican-American War. Irish American soldiers played an important role in this battle, fighting on Mexico’s side in Saint Patrick’s Battalion. These Irish immigrant fighters saw a mutual struggle with the Mexican army, recognizing the threat to Mexico’s land and rights as a mirror for their own hardships at home. Ever since, Mexico has regarded St. Patrick’s Day as a time to commemorate and honor these soldiers. Spanning over the month of March, Mexico City holds San Patricio Fest Mexico, one of the country’s largest celebrations. Festivities culminate on the weekend closest to St. Patrick’s Day, with events ranging from telling Irish history and stories to Celtic music concerts. Coyoacan’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is another highlight, following a route from the Hidalgo Garden to the National Museum of Interventions in tribute to Irish immigrants in Mexico. During this event, the Mayor’s Office reflects on the close connection between the two countries, reminding attendees of the strong and passionate community shared between Ireland and Mexico.  

Flag of Montserrat. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. CC BY 2.0. 

4. Montserrat

Located in the West Indies, Montserrat or the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean,” is another region that represents a large population of people with an Irish heritage. The island has been a territory of the United Kingdom since the 17th century, when then Governor of Saint Kitts Sir Thomas Warner sent a group of Irish Catholics to Montserrat to create a settlement. Moreover, during this time was the arrival of slaves from West Africa, resulting in a unique blend of cultural diversity throughout the island. Today, Montserrat is the only country outside of Ireland to observe St. Patrick’s Day as a national holiday. On the island, the day not only celebrates Montserrat’s Irish influence but also honors the enslaved population who rebelled against the island’s leaders on March 17, 1768, while they were enjoying an Irish feast. As such, the day remains an important reminder of both cultures’ histories on the island, celebrated through large events and traditions, such as the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Here, one can experience African-inspired activities, such as a freedom run or a masquerade dance, traditional Caribbean foods and Irish-inspired green clothing or beer. The festivities last for ten days and also include parades wherein individuals wear both African prints and kilts, a visual representation of the country’s fusion of cultures. 

Irish Restaurants in Malaysia. Robin McKay. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. 

5. Malaysia

Across the world in Southeast Asia, Malaysia commemorates its relationship with Ireland through St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. There is a large Irish community in the country, dating back to Irish missionaries who influenced Malaysia’s education system in the 19th century. This impact resulted in the founding of the St. Patrick’s Society of Selangor in 1925, a group whose primary role was to arrange the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death. The Society maintains many other functions outside of this, including annual charity auctions for local causes and working closely with the Irish embassy. Their annual St. Patrick’s Ball is the largest St. Patrick’s Day ball held outside of Ireland or the U.S. The gala includes traditional Irish entertainment, including musicians and a troupe of locally trained dancers. The organization also performs significant outreach, as proceeds from the event go to local Malaysian charities. The beer brand, Guinness, also holds a celebration that invites Malaysians to gather in pubs with their friends and family. The two-day festival, held in The Gasket Alley in Selangor, Malaysia, includes a variety of Irish-inspired entertainment and foods, allowing locals to partake in a vibrant range of St. Patrick’s Day traditions. 

St. Patrick’s Day in Japan. HAMACHI!. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

6. Japan

With a strong, mutual desire to nourish relations between the two countries, Japan has also eagerly embraced Irish traditions. Japan is the largest source of foreign investment into Ireland from the Asia-Pacific region, and there is a large population of Irish citizens residing in Japanese cities. As such, celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day have become a hallmark of cultural appreciation, facilitated by groups like the Irish Network Japan, a non-profit run by the Irish community in Japan. Aiming to promote Irish culture in Japan, the group holds an annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Tokyo, the oldest in Asia. The procession takes place in Tokyo’s largest boulevard, Omotesando, embellished with Irish and Japanese flags, green decorations and Irish musicians and dancers. Another large event is the Green Ireland Festival, which includes even more live performances and Irish cuisine. Moreover, evidence of cultural blending is visible as well, such as in the St. Patrick’s Day march in Ise, Japan. Attendees here begin their parade from the Ise Shrine to honor the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu. Along the way, one can see both Irish and Japanese flags, bagpipes, leprechaun costumes and smaller portable shrines.

---

Julia Kelley

Julia is a recent graduate from UC San Diego majoring in Sociocultural Anthropology with a minor in Art History. She is passionate about cultural studies and social justice, and one day hopes to obtain a postgraduate degree expanding on these subjects. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

The Case for Slow Travel

While many travelers hope to get the most out of their journey with faraway plane rides, consider slowing down and finding your way to the road less traveled. 

Walking on the beach at Møns Klint. Libby Scaperotta. 

In the spring of 2022, I studied abroad in Copenhagen. My friends and I took advantage of the amazing public transit and metro system to get nearly everywhere. So, when it came time to plan an adventure to the limestone cliffs of Mons Klint, we didn’t even consider renting a car. Instead, we quickly opened our phones to the public transit app to route our trip the night before. 

It’s the next morning, and the clock strikes 4:55 a.m. My roommate and I bounced out of bed, hopping into the clothes we had laid out the night before and grabbing our pre-packed bags before heading next door to knock on the neighbor’s apartment. With some begrudging groans from the boys next door, in under 10 minutes we were out the front door and headed toward the metro station. 

Our journey began with a metro ride, two trains and two buses. After being dropped off and walking a short distance to the next bus stop, we waited patiently for what we thought would be the last leg of our trip, which never came. We had miscalculated a seasonal closure of part of the route’s timing. This led to the eight of us walking the last three kilometers of the trip on a beautiful sunny day in the Danish countryside. We walked among neighborhoods with quaint homes, beside farm animals and through pastures until we were dropped off at the magnificent cliffside of Mons Klint. 

A friend walking along the backroad in the Danish countryside during our adventure to Mons   Klint. Libby Scaperotta.

We repeated this process backward at the end of the day. But, as we waited at bus stops and train stations while the sun set, we giggled, shivered, danced and dreamed of a large pizza. 

Although this journey to Mons Klint would have taken probably a quarter of the time had we just rented two cars for the group, the day’s adventure was unforgettable. 

When traveling, we often try to maximize our two weeks of paid time off with ambitious plans to travel far by plane or private vehicle. 

Yet, I am here to convince you to try slower travel. Try taking public transit instead of driving and see where the adventure may lead you. Or, try slowing down on your backpacking trip and volunteer in an area instead of packing up so quickly. 

Traveling slowly is not only less costly for your wallet but also for the environment. My first introduction to a flight emissions calculator was a deeply upsetting experience that made me reconsider how I fly. Slower travel, which emphasizes public transport or staying in one place, may be a better option for eco-conscious travelers who hope to explore while still being mindful of their carbon footprint. 

If you are interested in slowing down your travels, I highly recommend a volunteer experience or work exchange. These will allow you to stay in one place and save on accommodation and meals while immersing yourself in an area’s pace of life and community. From there, you may be able to take short day trips or weekends away in areas that you may have never otherwise explored. There are several platforms that my friends and I have used to find and plan work exchanges: WWOOF, Workaway and Worldpackers. 

You can even integrate slow travel into your daily life. Grab your local public transit card and explore the destinations you may get to by bus or train! You might find a sweet town, a new beach or an adventure within arm’s reach. 

Slowing down can be good for you and the earth. And, it may even allow you to decide for yourself if exploring the road less traveled does make all the difference.

---

Libby Scaperotta

Libby is a recent graduate from Middlebury College, where she studied Environmental Policy and Geography. She enjoys travel, photography, and spending time outdoors with people she loves. She plans to pursue a career dedicated to environmental work and wishes to share important stories that may inspire action.