Surfing in Spain – My Ultimate Guide
Last Updated on August 12, 2023 by Matt Hapgood
The first time I went to Spain on a surf trip, I was 14 years of age and we took the 24-hour ferry from the South Coast of the UK over to Santander on the Cantabrian coast.
I was not expecting what greeted my brother and me on the other side – clean, peeling green waves, hidden reef breaks and the long leg-burning rides of Mundaka.
So if you are interested in taking a surf trip to Spain, check out my ultimate guide to this amazingly wave-rich country that will undoubtedly get under your skin.
Best Surf Spots for Experienced Surfers
Best Surf Spots for Road Trippers
Best Surf Spots for Beginners
There is a tonne of surf spots suitable for beginners in Spain – on the Atlantic coast in the North, and also the Mediterranean coast in the East and South. There is also a small section of the coast on the Atlantic at the South Westernmost point that many people don’t know about – oh and it also gets some great waves!
Sopelana Beach – Playa de Sopelana
Located in the Basque Country near Bilbao, Sopelana Beach is a favorite among both local and international surfers. Its expansive shoreline sees a mix of wave conditions suitable for different skill levels. Many surf schools operate on its sands, making it a popular choice for those wanting to learn or sharpen their surfing skills.
Zurriola Beach – Zurriola Hondartza
Found in the heart of San Sebastián, Zurriola Beach is renowned for its urban backdrop and consistent waves. Frequented by a younger crowd, it’s a lively spot where surf competitions often take place. The beach’s accessibility and the city’s vibrant atmosphere make it a top destination for surfers and beachgoers.
Zarautz Beach – Zarautz Hondartza
A stone’s throw away from San Sebastián, Zarautz Beach is one of the longest in the Basque Country. Its vast expanse is ideal for beginners, intermediates, and experienced surfers. The town of Zarautz offers a wonderful blend of surf culture, Basque traditions, and exquisite culinary delights, enhancing the beach experience.
Liencres Beach – Playa Liencres
Situated in Cantabria, Playa Liencres is a picturesque beach framed by green landscapes and dramatic cliffs. It’s known for its dune system, which is one of the most significant on the Cantabrian coast. The beach offers varying wave conditions, catering to surfers of different levels.
Ris Beach (Noja) – Playa de Ris
Located in the small town of Noja in Cantabria, Ris Beach is a sandy haven ideal for family outings and surfing. Its clear waters and consistent waves attract a mix of sunbathers and surf enthusiasts. The surrounding natural beauty and serene ambiance make it a tranquil escape from busier tourist spots.
Best Surf Spots for Families
Since visiting Spain for many surf trips, I took my young kids very early on in their lives. Camping in Summer is easy and fun – and there are a tonne of family-friendly beaches with holiday apartments or camping options nearby.
Here are my top picks if you or your kids want to surf.
San Vicente de la Barquera
This picturesque coastal town in Cantabria offers wide sandy beaches with gentle waves, making it perfect for families with children. The beach is sheltered by the Bay of Biscay, leading to calmer waters ideal for young swimmers. The town itself is rich in history with its medieval bridge and castle, providing educational trips for families after a day at the beach.
Playa de Cuberris (Ajo)
Located near the village of Ajo in Cantabria, Playa de Cuberris is a sprawling sandy beach with clear waters. It’s shallow depths and gradual incline into the sea make it especially safe for kids to play and paddle. The surrounding cliffs not only provide scenic beauty but also shelter the beach from stronger winds.
Playa de Somo (Santander)
Just across the bay from the bustling city of Santander, Playa de Somo offers a tranquil respite perfect for families. Its vast sandy expanse ensures there’s plenty of space for children to play, build sandcastles, or engage in beach sports. The waters here are also relatively calm, thanks to its bay location. There’s also a convenient ferry service connecting Santander and Somo, which can be a fun ride for kids.
Praia de San Xurxo
Located in Galicia, Praia de San Xurxo boasts long stretches of golden sand. The beach is protected, resulting in calm waters well-suited for children to swim. The surrounding natural beauty and the beach’s amenities, such as lifeguards and children’s play areas, make it a sought-after destination for family outings.
Playa de Poo
Situated in Asturias, Playa de Poo is known for its unique tidal phenomenon – and if you are traveling with kids, going to Poo is obviously something you have to do!
Jokes aside, when the tide comes in, it forms a shallow lagoon-like pool, which is fantastic for children to play and splash around in safely. It’s like nature’s own kiddie pool! The verdant surroundings and the village’s charm make it a delightful spot for a family beach day.
All these beaches provide the necessary amenities like restrooms, eateries, and parking, adding to their convenience for family visitors.
Best Surf Spots for Experienced Surfers
Here’s my list of the 5 best surf spots for the chargers. Some household names, some not so much. All World-class on their day, but show up with respect, share the lineup and hopefully get some of the waves of your life!
Pantin
Located in Galicia, Pantin is a notable surf spot that attracts advanced surfers, particularly during the Pantin Classic Surf Pro competition. It produces consistent waves due to the open Atlantic Ocean exposure, with the potential for powerful swells and hollow sections. The beach break can offer both left and right-hand waves, catering to various preferences.
Mundaka
Arguably Spain’s most iconic wave, Mundaka lies in the Basque Country. It is celebrated for its world-class left-hand river mouth break. When conditions align, Mundaka provides long, barreling rides that can rival the best waves worldwide. Its consistency and perfect formation make it a bucket-list spot for many experienced surfers. However, due to its fame, it can get crowded, and local respect is essential.
Rodiles
Situated in Asturias, Rodiles is a river mouth break known for its long lefts. On a good swell, the waves here can be very long and wall up for impressive rides. The wave breaks over a sandy bottom, but the rip currents and the power of the wave make it more suitable for experienced surfers. The picturesque forested surroundings add to the overall surfing experience.
Meñakoz
Located near Bilbao in the Basque Country, Meñakoz is a challenging reef break known for its big wave potential. When large Atlantic swells roll in, Meñakoz can produce massive waves that are best tackled by seasoned big-wave surfers. The rocky bottom and powerful water movement demand respect and thorough knowledge. Safety precautions, including a reliable surf buddy system and appropriate equipment, are crucial here.
Barbate
Found in Andalusia’s southern region, Barbate offers an intriguing surf experience. It’s particularly known for its strong winds, making it not just a spot for traditional surfing but also for windsurfing. The area can produce powerful waves, especially when the conditions of the swell and wind align. The combination of waves and wind requires expertise to navigate, making it more suited for those with ample experience under their belts.
Best Surf Spots for Road Trippers
If you’re planning a road trip or camper van journey across Spain, these surf beaches are perfect pitstops. Not only do they offer great waves, but their scenic beauty and nearby attractions make them excellent choices for travelers:
El Palmar
Located on the Costa de la Luz in Andalusia, El Palmar boasts a long stretch of golden sand and is popular for its consistent surf throughout the year. The beach is relatively uncrowded, making it ideal for those looking for a more relaxed surf experience. With beachside campgrounds and eateries serving up local Andalusian flavors, it’s a fantastic spot to park your camper van and soak in the sunsets.
Playa de Salinas
Nestled in Asturias, Playa de Salinas is a sandy beach flanked by cliffs and known for its consistent waves. The nearby town of Salinas offers a lively atmosphere with surf shops, bars, and restaurants. The adjacent promenade is perfect for a post-surf stroll. Several camper van sites in the vicinity make it easy for travelers to settle in for a few days.
Bakio
Situated in the Basque Country, Bakio Beach is known for its reliable surf and scenic backdrop. The green hills surrounding the beach give it a serene ambiance. Bakio is also in close proximity to the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a must-visit spot on any Spanish road trip. The town has facilities catering to travelers, making it an appealing stopover.
Playa de Oyambre
Found in Cantabria, this beach is part of the Oyambre Natural Park, ensuring that visitors are treated to unspoiled natural beauty. Its long stretches of sand and mellow waves cater to both beginner and experienced surfers. There are several campsites around, some specifically catering to camper vans, making it an excellent spot for nature-loving travelers.
Praia de Razo
In the Galician region, Praia de Razo is a spacious sandy beach known for its consistent surf. The beach offers a blend of powerful waves and more mellow sections, catering to a variety of surfers. The surrounding town has a relaxed vibe, with several surf schools and camps. For camper van travelers, there are plenty of spots to park and enjoy the coastal views.
When embarking on such a road trip, it’s always a good idea to check local regulations regarding overnight parking in camper vans, as rules can vary between regions and specific beach areas.
To Sum Up
Spain has some absolutely breathtaking scenery and amazing beaches – and yes the surf is top class too.
Whether you are a weekend warrior looking for an exiting vacation, or a seasoned vet taking your family on a trip of a lifetime, I’m sure surfing in Spain will not disappoint!
Bonus: Spain Surfing Q and A
Does Spain have good surfing?
Spain is renowned for its surfing, especially along its northern coastline. The combination of the Bay of Biscay’s deep waters and the consistent
Atlantic swells make regions like the Basque Country and Cantabria sought-after destinations for surf enthusiasts. Beyond the waves,
Spain’s rich culture, cuisine, and beautiful landscapes make it a well-rounded destination for any traveler. Many of the surf towns, like San Sebastián and Santander, also boast historical sites, delicious tapas bars, and vibrant nightlife, adding to the overall surfing experience.
Are there big waves in Spain?
Spain is home to some formidable big wave spots. The most iconic of them all is Mundaka in the Basque Country, often considered one of the best left-hand rivermouth breaks in the world.
When conditions align, this wave can produce long, barreling rides that attract top-level surfers from all over the globe.
Additionally, there are spots like Rodiles in Asturias and Razo in Galicia, which, on their day, can challenge even seasoned big wave riders. It’s important to note that such spots require experience, skill, and local knowledge to navigate safely.
Can you learn to surf in Spain?
Spain is an excellent place to learn how to surf. The country offers a wide variety of waves suitable for all levels, and its long coastline ensures that there are ample opportunities for everyone.
Many surf schools across the coast provide lessons in multiple languages, often with experienced instructors who ensure a safe and fun learning environment.
Beyond the actual lessons, the warm and welcoming Spanish culture makes the learning experience even more memorable. Many surf schools also offer camps or packages that include accommodation, allowing learners to immerse themselves fully in the surf lifestyle.
Where can beginners surf in Spain?
Spain boasts numerous beginner-friendly spots, and here’s a more detailed look at some of them:
Somo: Nestled in Cantabria, this sandy beach stretches out, providing ample space for beginners to catch their first waves. The town itself is a hub for surf culture in the region, and you’ll find numerous surf schools and rental shops lining the streets.
Zarautz: A jewel of the Basque Country, Zarautz offers a spacious beach break. The town is lively, with a mix of surf culture, Basque traditions, and gastronomy. Local surf schools often run lessons on the beach, making it easy for beginners to get started.
Las Canteras: This beach in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, is shielded by a natural barrier, ensuring mellow waves perfect for beginners. The city backdrop offers a unique urban surf experience.
La Cicer: A hotspot in Gran Canaria, the waves here are consistent and beginner-friendly. The surrounding area is vibrant, with plenty of options for post-surf activities.
Valdoviño: This Galician beach is not just a haven for beginners but also a beautiful spot, surrounded by lush green landscapes typical of the region. The consistent waves and local surf schools make it a go-to destination for novice surfers.
While these spots are beginner-friendly, it’s always crucial to respect the ocean, be aware of local surf etiquette, and ensure you’re under supervision if you’re new to the sport.
