Surfing in Spain – Complete Surf-Travel Guide
Surfing in Spain makes the most of the country’s coastline on the wild Atlantic Ocean (that’s the north coast). But there are also breaks to be had on the Med, plus the legendary Canary Islands, of course – they’re surf havens for all levels, all year round.
An introduction to surfing in Spain
Arrrrrrriiibbbba. Welcome to Spain, the land of twisting flamenco dancers, tomato-throwing villagers, and some of the most epic surf in Europe.
Despite being better known for its gold-sanded holiday beaches on the Med, this great chunk of Iberia also comes with a whopping 4,000km of coastline, and lots of it on the same Bay of Biscay that fires up world-class La Graviere in France.
Something is simply amiss if it isn’t owed a place among the surf giants of Europe. The mainstay locations begin under the gaze of the Pyrenees mountains, where San Sebastian has the crowded peaks of beginner-fav Zurriola.
From there, you’ve got endless rivermouths, beaches and point breaks to contend with as you run along the Atlantic. We’re talking Spain’s surf country par excellence: Asturias, the Pais Vasco, Galicia.
Generally speaking, you get a bit more shelter around these Spanish hotspots than on the exposed French west coast. However, variety is very much the keyword.
A tapas menu of breaks unfolds, ranging from slabby estuary breaks for pros to barrelling beach breaks. Highlights include the Mundaka tube and fast lefts at Rodiles, along with uncrowded Razo for beginners and intermediates. Add in a few surf spots on the Spanish Med and around Cadiz by the Portuguese border and you get just a glimpse of the possibilities.
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This is part of our larger guide to European surf
Surfing in Spain at a glance
The good:
The bad:
What will I find in this guide to surfing in Spain
Where to surf in Spain?
The top surf regions in Spain
The north and the west of Spain are the best surf regions here – they’ve got exposure to the Atlantic Ocean.
But you can also surf in the Mediterranean along Spain’s south coast, usually during the winter when storms come through.
Asturias
Centred on the salt-washed maritime city of Gijón, this largely untouched region of northern Spain has waves coming out of its proverbial ears.
Yep, Asturias includes some of the most iconic breaks in the country, from the left at the mouth of the river in Playa de Rodiles – fast and hollow – to the open, exposed beachies of Xago – usually busy but very reliable.
It’s not hugely explored or busy, so there are rewards on offer to those willing to drive the rugged coast in search of breaks.
Check out our complete guide to Asturias surfing right now!
Galicia
Lush and green, Galicia is tucked into the very north-western edge of Spain. Fiercely independent, the place takes a lot from its near Portuguese neighbour, albeit with a bit of ruggedness thrown in for good measure.
Spots like Patos sum it up, what with their shapely reef breaks that can get hollow when it gets high but spacious beach breaks for learners.
Little port city Ferrol is a surf hub for the area. It’s got one foot on the waves of Razo good when it’s five foot plus and another on the mellow beach breaks of Sabon.
We also adore Sanxenxo, which is part chic, part super-chill, sat right on the doorstep of epic surf bays like Lanzada.
Extra pluses: Small crowds and gorgeous scenery.
Check out our ultimate guide to Galicia surf today
Pais Vasco
You probably know the Pais Vasco as the Basque Country. It’s the land that bridges the gap between northern parts of Spain and the French coast, which begins with the small surf town of Hendaye.
The region is a stunner, and it’s a corker for surfers. Yes, it’s getting busier year on year and you’ll rarely be alone on beaches like Zurriola in San Sebastian.
However, you get the bonus of buzzy surf hostels in amazing cities, along with legendary breaks like Mundaka. Swells are better September-March.
We’ve got a complete guide to the surfing in Pais Vasco
Cantabria
Cantabria is a seriously spectacular corner of Spain. The region runs from the edges of Bilbao (which is just over the border in the Basque Country) to the mighty spires of the Picos de Europa (prepare to gasp at those!).
It’s coastline faces north-east and then north-west, which means it picks up a variety of swell directions and can even work on those key summer westerlies past Santander. What’s more, the cliffs drop away a little here. That leaving the Cantabrian coast more exposed but also lined with soft-sanded beach breaks like Playa de Berria.
Tempted? Check out our full guide to the surf in Cantabria
Canary Islands
We think the Canaries are such an awesome surf mecca and so different to mainland Spain that we’ve given them their very own guide.
Head there to read all about the raw and rugged landscapes of Lanzarote – the so-called Hawaii of Europe – and check out the array of breaks that dots the southern and northern shores of Tenerife.
Head over to our guide to surfing the Canary Islands right now
Where to surf in Northern Spain (the Atlantic Coast)?
Spain has more surf spots up its sleeve than you can poke a plate of paella at. But there’s absaloutely no doubt at all that the best places are along the north coast of the country, from the Basque country all the way to Galicia.
They get the best, most consistent swell, so would most certainly be the towns and beaches we’d reccomend if surfing is your main goal while traveling Spain.
San Sebastian
San Sebastian surf is super fun. There’s no two ways about it. Funnily enough, we don’t think that’s actually down to the quality of the waves. It’s mainly about the vibe. The city has taken on the mantle of Spain’s surf capital and it’s got some seriously fantastic surf camps and surf schools to show for it!
The focal point is La Zurriola, a pretty easy beach break with crumbly lefts and rights. You can also hit the point at Ondarreta for something more challenging.
Read our full guide to surfing in San Sebastian right now
Zarautz
If you’re looking for an all-round surf town that’s within easy striking distance of an airport (San Seb in this case) with beach breaks for multiple levels and good surf schools, Zarautz could be perfect.
It’s sort of the hub of surfing in the eastern Basque Country, and where most of the surf schools operating out of San Sebastian will go.
The town itself is lovely and there’s one long, open beach break running its northern side where you can surf pretty much all year round.
Where to stay? Zarautz Surf House – An impeccable surf hostel that’s one street back from the beach break.
Read a full surf-travel guide to Zarautz
Sopelana
Sopelana is a small town just outside of Bilbao. It’s got two beaches that work very consistently.
Heavier in winter and a beginner’s haven in summer, it’s primed for all levels, easy to access from local airports and train stations, and home to one of the best surf lodges in the Basque. It’s definitely one to check out.
Here’s our full guide to surfing in Sopelana
Bilbao
Bilbao is one of the major gateways to northern Spain. It has a huge port and a massive airport. It’s also a cultural powerhouse, with enchanting old town architecture and one of the best modern art museums in the country (the Ghery-designed Guggenheim, no less).
Surf wise, it’s also a great base. You’ll need to leave behind the city but within 40 minutes can access fantastic Sopelana, world-class Mundaka, and a whole load more empty Basque spots.
Check our complete guide to surfing in Bilbao here
Santander
Santander surf really revolves around the beach break at El Sardinero. Fantastic for groms and starters in the more chilled summer months, it’s well protected by dominant W Bay of Biscay swells thanks to a north-easterly orientation.
More advanced surfers should be certain to cross the bay over to Somo. That’s got loads of spots and some beautifully green scenery stretching along the Cantabrian coast.
Check out our full guide to surfing in the city of Santander
Gijon
Industrial and full of energy, the city of Gijon is one of the major surf towns on the Asturian coast. We won’t say the beaches in the city are the best going. They’re fun, but fickle. To squeeze the most out of it, rent a car and hit Xago and other surrounding breaks.
Check out our full guide to the surf in Gijon
Salinas
Salinas town caps off a beach known as Playa El Espartal. It’s a smooth arc of golden sand that comes off a large harbour at its north-eastern end.
Sadly, there’s a bit of industrail sprawl here, so the setting isn’t quite as nice as other places in Asturias. Still, consistency is king and Salinas has bags of it.
Expect wedgy, powerful beach with potential for hollow waves on bigger days. Be over respectful in the line up – annoying, but the locals can be pretty grouchy.
Where to stay? El Pez Escorpion – A vibrant surf stay with an onsite surf school. 2-min walk from the beach
See our guide to surfing in Salinas right now
Mundaka
All hail Mundaka! Yep, near-mythic status is afforded to this Basque Country favourite. It’s been on the surfing in Spain map for more than four decades and is now widely regarded as the home of the best rivermouth break in Europe – some say the world.
We’re not fans of the growing lineup, which can sometimes be localism on tap, but the wave can’t be faulted.
It’s created by a submerged sandbank that protects the rivermouth to give glassy tubes with peeling barrel that can hit 200 metres or more across the bay.
Learn more about the awesome surfing in Mundaka
San Vicente de la Barquera
San Vicente de la Barquera is a charming fishing town huddled under the gaze of the spectacular Picos de Europa. It’s got a nice stretch of rocky Spanish coast on its doorstep, so expect a few secret points in the area.
You’ll need to ask at the local surf schools (of which there are plenty) about those. The break everyone talks about is Playa de Meron, a beginner-friendly sand bottom with reliable surf off a very pretty rivermouth just to the east of town.
Read out complete guide to San Vicente de la Barquera right now
Sanxenxo
Sanxenxo is one part stylish summer getaway, one part Galician surf town.
There some sheltered beaches in the town that do offer waves when the swells are heavy in the winter, but the real reason to come here is to track north up to Praia Da Lanzada and other bays on the Rias Baixas. Cracking wine, too.
Read our full surf-travel guide to Sanxenxo
Vigo
A port town with moxie, Vigo is fun and filled with history and food and people. It’s one of our personal fav places in northern Spain.
There’s great surf here too, with beginner-friendly beach peelers waiting in nearby Patos and more challenging stuff up and down the western Galician coast for those willing to drive and explore.
Read our full guide to surfing in Vigo
Patos
Patos is the main beach town in Vigo and the first real surf beach with good swell action as you leave the Ria de Vigo rivermouth.
There are some spots between here and the city, but if you’re coming to this part of Galicia for surf then this is the best base.
We have a full surf-travel guide to Patos Beach
Where to surf in southern Spain?
Don’t go thinking that just because southern Spain spills mainly into the Mediterranean that there’s no surf.
The Med can be surprisingly good for waves, espeically in the winter when long-period pulses push through from the Atlantic. Spain has some of the best beaches in the whole Med, too, from Valencia all the way to Malaga.
And the south of the country does boast a small region that meets the Atlantic. It’s one of our real hidden gems in Europe becuase it’s not too busy but has a similar consistency to the Algarve, which is just over the border.
Cadiz
Cadiz surf takes us to the exposed south coast of Spain, where the country leaves behind the Gibraltar Strait and the Med to embrace the Atlantic.
Down here, you get similar swell directions as the Algarve in Portugal. Most will start on El Palmar beach. However, local surf camps can organise trips to all the more secret spots that get working in the winter months.
Check out our full guide to the surf in Cadiz
Conil de la Frontera
Conil de la Frontera is about 40 mins south of Cadiz, with long Atlantic-facing beach breaks. It’s a cracking spot for learners especially but can offer nice punchy banks from autumn through to spring.
It’s got real style and atmosphere. All in all, a top off-radar choice in the Atlantic south.
Read a complete guide to Conil de la Frontera
El Palmar
El Palmar doesn’t get the attention that we think it deserves. As a beginner surf destination for the winter months, it can outshine plenty of places in southern Portugal with its well-exposed sandbar breaks and beaches.
There’s a growing mix of surf camps to testify to that. Capping it off is a chilled beach-town vibe that’s Andalusia through and through.
Where to stay? Tiny House La Loma – A cool little shack a short drive from main El Palmar surf beach. Great for couples.
Check out our complete guide to El Palmar surf
Tarifa
The Punta Tarifa, which is just south of the town fo Tarifa itself, marks the southernmost point in mainland Europe. More importantly for us, it marks the point where Spain swtiches from the Med to the Atlantic.
Sadly, the windiness of this spot mean that it’s much better suited to kiters, but the Costa de la Luz that spans north gets good protection, ceaseless offshores much of the year, and is an upcoming gem for learner surfers.
Tarifa town is also downright beautiful, mixing Moorish and Spanish styles before a glorious beach.
Learn all about the surfing in Tarifa right here
Valencia
Valencia seems to have it all. Incredible history, Mudejar sites, the best science museum in Europe, tasty oranges, and…surf!
Yep, the town is one of the most consistent of Spain’s eastern coast, getting good windswell action in the autumn and winter.
Can be surprisingly nice if you know what beaches work.
Here’s our complete guide to surfing in Valencia
Malaga
Malaga isn’t really surf territory but people do catch waves – we just wouldn’t reccommend that you make it the centrepiece of any Spanish surf trip.
The town has urban beaches that work on big levante wind swells but also access to the Costa del Sol, where there are plenty of long beaches that can give wedgy waves and beginner sets in the winter months.
Here’s our complete guide to surfing in Malaga
Sitges
You don’t want to come to Sitges just to surf. The town, which picks up decent winter windswell on the Costa Dorada, is okay if you’re a total beginner wanting to try stuff out on easy (very easy) waves.
But that’s it. Really, it’s for sunbathing and relaxing with perhaps a quick surf lesson on the side.
Read more about surfing in Sitges
Barcelona
So, you want to hit the waves while you’re exploring Barca? Okay. Just don’t expect Bali.
The town is famously sat on the calm and cool Med, so there’s nothing overhead here. However, stronger winter swells can offer some decent beach breaks on Barceloneta – the town’s main and most vibrant sand stretch.
On top of that, there are spots like Killers and Tyson, which go A-frame at their best or give frothy lefts off the city’s harbour walls.
Read all about surfing in Barcelona
Surfing in the Canary Islands
We think the Canaries are such an awesome surf destination and so different to mainland Spain that we’ve given them their very own section on this site.
We’ve broken that down into subsections that details the best surf islands in the chain and the best surf towns on each island.
To quickly summarise, the Canaries are solid, year-round surf destinations that are also super warm and sunny while Europe is in the thick of winter. They are easy to get to for European-based travelers (short haul flights of 3-4 hours should do it) and small enough to navigate easily with a rental car.
They are also blessed with super-consistent Atlantic swells and have an interesting geology that means there are beach breaks and volcanic reef breaks almost in equal measure.
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect…
Lanzarote
Rugged Lanzarote is known as the Hawaii of Europe because it has big-wave spots like La Santa. But it’s also home to a mecca for beginners: Caleta de Famara.
We rank that as one of the top places to learn to surf in Europe and it’s home to Lanzasurf, a fantastic surf school come surf camp.
Check our complete surf-travel guide to Lanzarote right now
Fuerteventura
Beautiful white-sand beaches and turquiose seas set to a backdrop of ochre mountains and volcanos – that’s Fuerteventura.
There are two coasts here that are fantastic for surfing. The east coast has more sheltered beaches along the Playas Grandes strip south of El Cotillo, the main resort hub in the north of the island.
The west coast sucks up more swell and has a mix of beginner spots and advanced reef breaks that you’ll need a 4X4 to reach.
There’s also the offshore Isla de Lobos, which lays claim to one of the best lefts in the islands.
Where to stay? Take your pick from our guide to the top surf camps in Fuerteventura
Read our complete surf guide to Fuerteventura
Tenerife
Tenerife is a fantastic place to surf. It’s a rugged and rocky island with black-sand beaches and big resorts. Go south and you can do surf camps on the reefs of Playa de las Américas, which is now the sort of de facto surf capital of the island.
The north of the island is less developed but has some seriously amazing breaks in wild bays. There are some camps up there but it’s best to have your own car and drive.
Read our complete guide to surfing in Tenerife
Gran Canaria
From the rifling tubes of El Confital to the beginner beach breaks of Cicer, even the capital of Gran Canara (Las Palmas) is well setup for surf.
You don’t even have to leave the city, though we reccomend you do, because venturing further means getting the emptier bays of the northwest coast and the fun windswell spots of Playa Hombre in the east.
We have a full surf and travel guide to Gran Canaria
Surf camps in Spain
There’s A LOT of love out there right now for surf camps in Spain.
They get the balance just right, becuase they’ll take you to beaches that aren’t as packed as the ones in Portugal, to surf towns that aren’t as well-known as other Euro hotspots, still oozing with traditional Spanish character and charm.
But, at the same time, they’re highly focused, very good for improvers, and great fun, often with top food offerings (tapas, anyone?) and amazing locations (how about a bed in a lodge overlooking the rugged Asturian shoreline?).
We’ve created a complete guide to the very best surf camps in Spain if you want inspiration. Here’s a look at a couple of our favs at a glance…
- Latas Surf House – This is a gem of the north coast. A small-scale surf lodge on Somo Beach, one of the finest spots in the whole of Cantabria, it nurtures a real homey vibe with thier on-site surf bar and chillout spaces. ISA level 1 & 2 instructors take the courses, which happen 6/8 days on thier flagship package. If we had to pick one camp to take on the Spanish mainland, this would be it!
- Lanzasurf – The leaders in Lanzarote and quite possibly the single best surf camp in Spain, Lanzasurf have a perfect location on the sun-kissed beaches of Caleta, which is a fine place to learn to surf. Thier packages include excellent surf teaching and won’t cost you shedloads.
- Zarautz Surf House – A hostel-poshtel-hotel mashup one street back from the beach breaks of Zarautz. Stay and rent a board. You’ll be surfing less than five minutes after arriving if you wanna’ be.
Surf lessons in Spain
Spain is a great place to do surf lessons. If you’re vacationing near a beach that’s got surf in a region that’s known for it, the chances are that there will be a surf school around. They offer short intros to the sport with tuition that’s often aimed at total beginners.
It’s a good way to fit some surfing into a holiday that you’ve already planned if you’re not reading this guide because you want a full week’s surf camp or something like that.
Key areas where it should be a cinch to organize surf lessons in Spain include, El Palmar (near Cadiz), San Sebastian, and pretty much anywhere along the north coast.
Some of the best ones our there would be…
- Escuela Cantabra de Surf – A super good school that offers surf lessons on the best beach near Santander (the north of Spain). They have three tiers of classes tailored to different levels and it’s real value for money – think under $40 for two full hours!
- HURLEY SURF CLUB CONIL – This school in Conil was one of the trailblazers in thier offering of surf lessons on the wave-rich Atlantic coast between Gibraltar and Cadiz. They do private and group sesssions on the beaches there in conjuction with the Hurley Surf Club, Highly rated, good for all levels and ages, and they have good, new equipment to boot.
- Red Star Surf Lanzarote – There are lots of good options in the Canaries and in Lanzarote itself, but Red Star offer some of the top-rated standalone surf-lesson packages. Great for all levels and very experienced with kids.
Should I rent a car to surf in Spain?
That depends on what sort of surf trip you’re planning.
If you go for a surf camp, then there’s really no need.
You just gotta’ get to the camp in the first place and then they take care of the rest – transfers to and from breaks, gear rental, surf lessons.
Same goes for surf stays that are based in single towns where you only plan on surfing the local break – we’re thinking places like Caleta de Famara in Lanzarote, where you get a hotel within walking distance of the beach and surf it every day.
But there are instances where a car hire will work wonders.
More advanced surfers looking to tour multiple spots along the north coast or the Med will surely want thier own wheels, because one of the joys of Spain is finding that next secret cove in Galicia or whatever.
It’s also a good idea if you’re coming to Spain traveling and want to see lots of things, and – maybe just maybe – will look to drop in some surfing now and then. A car will bring freedome to drive between sierras and sea whenever you like.
Roads are very good. Rentals are very cheap (we’ve heard somewhere that they’re subsidised by the Spanish government, so it’s often a no brainer to hire).
Use RentalCars.com to search because they offer late cancellation for free, but double check that.
When to surf in Spain?
The best time to surf in Spain is between the fall and the spring, which is when the most consistent Atlantic groundswells hit the northern coast and the bigger windswells pass through the Mediterranean. For summer surfing, which is generally better for beginners, it’s best to hit the more exposed regions – Asturias, Basque Country, Galicia.
Spain is famously blessed with oodles of sun every year. Most of the postcards you’ll see from family holidaymakers will probably be of the Med in the south, which is where resorts like Benidorm roll down to umbrella-packed beaches.
Simply put, that’s not surf territory. Much better are the north shores and the western Atlantic, which do see considerable changes in wave quality depending on the seasons…
Summer (June-August)
Summer can be pretty still on the Spanish coast. That’s even true on the Bay of Biscay and along the Cadiz shore, which both have good exposure to the Atlantic. Still, this is the Atlantic, so you will have surfable days thrown in the mix. When they do come, swells rarely peak overhead. That’s why summer is considered prime time for total beginners. Whitewash is on offer all along the Basque Country, and the exposed side of Galicia offers probably the most punch of all.
Wear: 2mm wetsuit
Autumn (September-Nov)
We love a Spain surf trip in Autumn. From around late September, you can start to rely more and more on the westerly Atlantic groundswells. Some move through to Hossegor and France, but there’s also a current that rubs along the coast of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country. Things should get steadily bigger the closer to Christmas you go, so early autumn is fantastic for learners, while November means some nice barrels coming for the intermediates.
Wear: 3/2 or 4/3, depending on when you go
Winter (December-Feb)
Winter is considered the peak season for surfing in Spain. The Atlantic is working overtime on the storm front. The result is a steady stream of storm swells and groundswells moving NW-W over the Bay of Biscay.
Sheltered places like Mundaka really come into their own, being able to cut down triple overheads into neat barrels. Wind protection is key for some spots because there will be days when more exposed breaks are completely blown out.
Meanwhile, the slim pickings in the south of Spain hit a zenith, with Cadiz and even the Med starting to pump.
Wear: Boots, gloves, hood and 4/3
Spring (March-May)
Crowds are still low on the Spanish beaches, which means line ups shouldn’t be too busy.
What’s more, this season is all about transition. Come in March and you could find strong, cold swells running into the points of Cantabria and the city beaches of San Sebastian.
Turn up in May and you might find flat day after flat day, although there are generally good stats for surfable days well into early June. Spring is also warmer than winter by a long shot – Spain heats up quick.
Wear: 3/2 or 4/3
One thing we wouldn’t skip on is sunscreen.
I use Suntribe’s blocks because they’ve made a real effort to strip out any unneccessary chemicals.
Plus, they offer Surf Atlas readers 10% off orders with code Surfatlas10.
Spain travel essentials
Quick facts
- Population: 46.9 million
- Capital: Madrid
- Currency: Euro (€)
Where is Spain?
Seriously? Okay. Spain is at the very middle of the Iberian Peninsula. It’s a massive cut-out of Western Europe, bordering France to the north-east and Portugal to the south-west.
Immediately to the north is the Bay of Biscay (one of the great powerhouses of Spanish surf). To the south is the lovely Mediterranean Sea, where most of the holidaymakers go!
The climate in Spain
Some parts of Spain see over 320 days of Sunshine every year. That’s awesome for topping up the tan, and one of the reasons that spots like the Costa del Sol are now crazy popular holiday destinations.
But it’s not all endless sun. This country is extremely mountainous. From the Picos de Europa (look for them over the surf breaks of Asturias and Cantabria) to the Sierra Nevada, there are snowy summits, some even with ski fields. Just be sure to pack a jacket and a jumper if you do come chasing the prime surf of November and December.
Amazing places to see when you aren’t surfing in Spain
You shouldn’t get bored planning that adventure in Spain. When the surf isn’t pumping there’s loads and loads to get stuck into…
- Barcelona – Barcelona is a fascinating city. The UNESCO Sagrada Familia dominates the downtown with its frantic architecture. However, you’ve also got shimmering beaches and the enthralling Gothic Quarter (it’s like something out of Game of Thrones!).
- Madrid – A party mecca and a city steeped in amazing history, Madrid is one of Europe’s bucket-list capitals. Come to gawp at the palaces of the Age of Exploration kings and queens before dancing the night away with far too much sangria.
- Sierra Nevada – Spain’s mountains are simply stunning. But we reckon there are none more amazing than the Sierra Nevada that loom above Granada. We especially love that they have a rare ski field – yep, skiing in Spain!
- Toledo – A very touristy, very fun town that will leave you feeling like Don Quixote. Not far from Madrid.
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