Spain is one of those places that gets a bit of a reputation for being all about sunbathing on the beach, sipping on a glass of sangria as the gently waves lap at your feet. But head to northern Spain and you'll find a completely different world, one with crashing waves, emerald green landscapes and plenty of surfers. Surfing in Northern Spain is growing in popularity as more people cotton on to its incredible variety of spots, with welcoming waves for beginners and challenging breaks for the pros.
- Why is Northern Spain's coast a top surfing destination?
- Best time of year for surfing in Northern Spain
- Top surf spots in the Basque Country
- The surf scene in Cantabria
- Surfing in Asturias: uncrowded breaks and natural beauty
- Can you surf in Galicia? Exploring the rugged Atlantic Coast
- Coolest surf towns in Northern Spain
- Surfing in Northern Spain as a beginner
Why is Northern Spain's coast a top surfing destination?
This stretch, often called 'Green Spain', is where the country meets the wild Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The coastline is dramatic and lush, a far cry from the Med. There are powerful reef breaks for the pros, gentle beach breaks perfect for learning, and even world-class point breaks.
The real draw is the consistency of the swell, especially from autumn through to spring. It means you can almost always find a wave somewhere, making this north one of the best water sport destinations in Spain. Beyond the water, the local culture is a huge part of the appeal, as each region has its own incredible food and traditions.
Best time of year for surfing in Northern Spain
Timing your trip really depends on what you’re looking for. The seasons completely change the character of the surf.
Season | Wave Conditions | Ideal For | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
Autumn (Sept-Nov) | First proper swells of the season; very consistent. | Experienced surfers | Summer crowds are gone and the water is still relatively warm. Most reliable time of year. |
Winter (Dec-Feb) | Big, heavy and powerful swells. | Advanced surfers only | The weather and water are cold. It's for those willing to brave the chill for serious waves. |
Spring (Mar-May) | The winter power eases, but still offers plenty of regular surf. | Intermediate surfers | A great middle-ground. The weather is improving and it's perfect for finding fun, manageable waves. |
Summer (Jun-Aug) | Smaller, more manageable waves. | Beginners | The water is at its warmest and the surf schools are in full swing. It gets busy, but has a fantastic atmosphere. |
Top surf spots in the Basque Country
Alongside artsy Bilbao and the ever-popular San Sebastián, the Basque Country has a serious reputation in the surf world. Its coastline is known for being rugged and exposed, catching a lot of swell, which creates some incredibly powerful waves.
Mundaka: world-famous left-hand river mouth wave
Mundaka isn't just a wave; it’s a legend. It’s a long, hollow, sand-bottomed left-hand wave that breaks off the river mouth and is often called one of Europe's best waves. This one is strictly for advanced surfers. When it’s working, usually on a low tide with a big northwest swell, it’s a sight to behold, set within the stunning Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
Zarautz: heart of Basque surfing
Zarautz is the quintessential Spanish surf town. It has a huge, long sandy beach that offers waves for every level of surfer, making it a real hub of the local scene. The beach has plenty of different peaks, so you can usually find a spot that suits you. The town itself lives and breathes surfing, with a promenade full of surf schools and shops.
Sopelana: consistent waves near Bilbao
Just a short trip from Bilbao, Sopelana is a go-to spot for local surfers because it’s so consistent. There are a couple of beaches right next to each other, Arrietara and Atxabiribil, which offer reliable waves for all abilities. Its easy access makes it popular, but the beaches are big enough to handle the crowds.
The surf scene in Cantabria
Cantabria is right next door to the Basque Country and is home to some of the best beaches in Northern Spain. It offers a slightly more relaxed vibe, with long, beautiful sandy beaches. When people ask when to surf in Cantabria, the answer is pretty much year-round. Summer is perfect for learners, while autumn and winter bring bigger swells for the more experienced.
Somo: a beginner's paradise
If you're looking to learn, Somo is the place. It's a huge, 4-kilometre-long beach with gentle, rolling waves that are perfect for getting started. The beach is lined with surf camps and schools, so you’ll have plenty of options for lessons and gear rental.
Liencres: wild and powerful beach breaks
For something a bit more dramatic, the beaches at Liencres are stunning. They are located within a protected natural park, surrounded by dunes and pine forests. The waves here tend to have a bit more punch, and the currents can be stronger, so it’s better for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Surfing in Asturias: uncrowded breaks and natural beauty
Asturias is proper 'Green Spain'. The landscape is incredibly lush and mountainous, tumbling right down to the sea. The surf scene here feels a bit more off the beaten track, with lots of uncrowded spots to explore.
Rodiles: high-quality rivermouth wave
Rodiles is often called the 'Mundaka of Asturias'. It's another high-quality, barreling left-hand wave that breaks at a river mouth. While it needs a specific swell to work properly, it's a world-class wave when it does, and it’s usually far less crowded than its Basque counterpart. Best for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Salinas: long beach with a strong surf culture
Salinas is one of the most popular and consistent surf spots in Asturias. It’s a long, open beach that picks up a lot of swell, so there are almost always waves. It's suitable for all levels and has a strong local surf culture, hosting several big surf competitions each year, including the European Longboard Tour. The town has a lively feel, especially in summer.
Can you surf in Galicia? Exploring the rugged Atlantic Coast
Galicia is a fantastic surf destination, though it’s often overlooked. Its coastline is wild, remote, and fully exposed to the power of the Atlantic Ocean. With over 1,500 kilometres of coast, there are countless spots to discover, many of which you’ll have all to yourself.
Pantín: world-class competition venue
Pantín is Galicia’s most famous surf spot, mainly because it hosts a big international WSL (World Surf League) competition every year. It’s a very consistent beach break that works for all levels, with different peaks along the beach offering waves for different abilities.
Doniños: versatile and scenic beach break
Close to the city of Ferrol, Doniños is another great Galician beach. It’s a beautiful, sweeping bay that offers reliable left and right-hand waves. It's a versatile spot that works well for all skill levels, depending on the swell size, and it's a favourite among local surfers.
Coolest surf towns in Northern Spain
What makes a surf town 'cool' is all about the atmosphere. It’s more than just the waves; it’s about the lifestyle that goes with it. You'll find some of the most beautiful towns in Northern Spain have a thriving surf culture.
Zarautz (Basque Country)
This town lives and breathes surfing. Life revolves around its long beachfront promenade, which is always buzzing with surfers, skaters, and families. After a session, the best thing to do is dive into the old town for txikiteo – hopping between bars for incredible pintxos and a glass of the local crisp, sparkling wine, txakoli. For a great view of the waves, you can walk up the hill to the Santa Bárbara chapel.
Somo (Cantabria)
Somo is probably the most purely surf-focused town on the list. The entire village is geared towards surfing, with the Somo Surf Centre being a key landmark. Post-surf, grabbing a plate of rabas (fried squid) and a cold caña is almost a ritual at the beachfront bars. For a change of scene, many surfers take the 'Los Reginas' ferry across the bay to explore Santander for the afternoon.
Salinas (Asturias)
Salinas has a great mix of a strong local surf scene and a summer holiday town vibe. Its long promenade is perfect for a stroll and leads to the unique open-air Anchor Museum, a tribute to the sea. Evenings are often spent learning the art of drinking local sidra (cider), poured from a great height in the lively bars. La Luna is a popular spot for drinks where you’ll find plenty of other surfers.
Surfing in Northern Spain as a beginner
If you're thinking of learning to surf, Northern Spain is a brilliant choice. You could even combine it with learning Spanish at a language school. The best spots to start are Zarautz and Somo because their long, sandy beaches provide gentle, predictable waves during the summer months.
Summer is definitely the best time to learn, as the waves are smaller and the water is warmer. Always book a few lessons with a certified surf school; they'll teach you the basics of safety and technique, which is crucial. It’s also important to understand local conditions, especially rip currents, so listen to the instructors. Finally, it's always best to rent your equipment at first, so you can figure out what kind of board suits you before you decide to buy.