The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Spain - Surf Atlas (2024)

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 in the home of flamenco and tapas, 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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Surfing in Spain at a glance

What will I find in this guide to surfing in Spain

The top surf regions in Spain

Most of the regions with great Spanish surf are to be found on the north and the west coasts of the country. The reason? They get swells of the Atlantic Ocean and don’t rely on the fickle currents or winter storm systems of the Med. They’re basically the only places you need to know about if you’re serious about a surfing trip to Spain!

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, the Asturias surf includes some of the most iconic breaks in the country. They include the left at the mouth of the river in Playa de Rodiles – fast and hollow – and the open, exposed beachies of Xago – usually busy but very reliable.

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

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.

See our guide to surfing in Salinas right now

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 Oyambre, a beginner-friendly sand bottom with reliable surf off a very pretty rivermouth just to the east of town.

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 framed 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

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

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

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 Palmarbeach. 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

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.

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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

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

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 surprising nice if you know what urban 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 reccomend that you make it the centrepiece of a 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

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!
• Red Star Surf Camp – A Lanzarote classic, Red Star are a top pick for Canary-bound learners. They do an 8-day pacakge that has 2.5 hours (at least) of surfing each weekday, which means 12+ hours throughout the week. The location is perfect, right on Caleta beach, one of the best learner locations in the whole of Europe!
• 9 Pies Surf School – Something a little different here, beckoning surfers down to the Costa de la Luz north fo Tarifa and south of Cadiz. That’s a fine, fine region for learning because it’s 100% beach break. Come in December or Jan for the punchiest waves and warm weather. These guys are getting astounding reviews for a reason!

A note on why we partner with BookSurfCamps.com: Book Surf Camps are probably the biggest online aggregator of surf camps and surf-yoga packages in the world. We sounded out a quite a few potential partners before we affiliated with them. But, in the end, the abundance of choice for beginners, intermediates, and female-only surfing sealed it. We also love the simplicity of their booking system and the trusted brand name, along with the focus on connecting with homegrown local businesses on the ground.

Want more surfing in Spain camp options? Search the whole shebang below right now and book in a few clicks.

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…

• TAKE SURF CONIL – The TAKE 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.
• 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!

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, 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…

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 epicentres of Spanish surf). To the south is the lovely Mediterranean Sea, where most of the holidaymakers go!

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!